“Thorough, detail oriented, and overall amazing.” Digital skills training, laptop giveaway returning to Bastrop County after successful first event
Elgin, TX (January 28, 2026) - Connected Nation (CN), Bastrop County Cares, and AT&T will partner once again on February 12th and February 26th at locations within the county to distribute another 80 laptops and provide digital skills training. The first distribution took place on January 14.
The devices are provided through AT&T’s Tech 4 Training program with Compudot managing refurbishment and preparation of the laptops to ensure participants receive reliable, high-quality devices.
“At AT&T, we believe opportunity grows when people have both connectivity and the ability to use technology confidently,” said Mylana Albright, VP, Corporate Responsibility, AT&T. “We are proud to support Bastrop County residents through device donations and digital skills training that open doors to education, jobs, health care, and vital services.”
The laptops support ongoing and free digital skills and career readiness training for residents across Bastrop County. Some local residents have already taken part in some of the workshops, which were launched in December 2025, and have received devices
“I’d just like to say, ‘thank you so much for this opportunity that we got to experience,’” said Ana Carranza, a participant in the classes. “Both the instructor and lectures were thorough, detail oriented, and overall amazing. I learned basic computer skill tricks that I hadn’t known prior to the class.”
CN began the training series in Bastrop County by hosting two groups of participants. Each completed three core digital workshops covering Computer Basics, Internet Basics, and Cybersecurity, and received some career readiness instructions.
“Thank you for allowing me to attend the class,” said Barbara Fonseca, who also participated in the training. “The following [topics] were very informative to me: How to identify a secure and not secured website, Task Bar Downloads, How to find free anti-virus plans, and AI. Technology really is something that if you don’t continue to use it, you lose it.”
“What was most beneficial was learning how to properly use AI tools to format resumes and help search for jobs,” added Carranza. “I honestly believe this experience would be beneficial for anyone and everyone! Thank you again to everyone on the team.”
The classes are indeed for anyone and everyone. For that reason, workshops are can be presented in both English and Spanish. Click here to see our Spanish-language version of this story. (Haga clic aquí para ver la versión en español de esta noticia.)
Officials with Bastrop County Cares said they knew the partnership with CN and AT&T for the device giveaway and ongoing digital skills training was a good choice for local residents.
“Digital access is no longer optional, it is essential for education, employment, and everyday life,” said Noemi Guerra, Economic Stability Program Supervisor, Bastrop County Cares. “By combining device distribution with hands-on digital skills training, this partnership helps ensure that residents are not only connected but empowered to use technology in ways that support long-term economic stability.”
Additional training will continue in February, with CN facilitating workshops and adding career-readiness courses to help residents apply their new skills in education and the workforce.