Three days, two languages, 108 adult learners trained in essential digital skills
Oklahoma City, Okla. (July 16, 2025) – In just a few days — and entirely online — Connected Nation (CN) trained 108 individuals on essential digital literacy skills at the Community Literacy Program in Oklahoma City.
It’s more proof that distance is no barrier for CN’s work when it comes to closing the Digital Divide.
“The students in each session were very grateful for the opportunity to learn digital literacy,” said Monica Weaver, Digital Navigator, Community Literacy Program. “In one of the evening sessions, one of the gentlemen thanked us for creating a space where they felt comfortable, supported, and connected.”
CN’s Digital Skills Training program currently provides workshops on computer and internet basics, internet safety (cybersecurity), email basics, mobile phone basics, and videoconferencing. These workshops are taught either in person or virtually (online via Zoom) at no cost to the participants or organizations that provide a space for the classes.
The model is working. So far, CN’s teams have trained more than 13,000 adult learners in digital skills across the United States.
The national nonprofit mission is centered around the idea that “Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.” The Digital Skills Training program is just one part of fulfilling its work to expand access, adoption, and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies to ALL people.
“Older adults, veterans, immigrants, and others don’t have access to the opportunities and resources the internet provides simply because they’ve not had a chance to learn the technology,” said Marco Mata, Digital Literacy & Learning Facilitator, CN. “Through our program, they can learn essential digital skills for free. Those lessons open up a whole digital world for them so they can access everything from health care and government services to connecting with their loved ones.”
Mata taught the workshops virtually in separate, bi-lingual sessions over three days,—,June 10, June 17, and July 1 — training 108 participants.
“Marco did an incredible job teaching the class via Zoom,” said Weaver. “His patience, clarity, and calm presence created a learning environment where students felt empowered to ask questions and engage, even if they were new to technology. It was inspiring to see how seamlessly he connected with the group and how much they appreciated his guidance.”
CN can provide classes online or in person. It means that organizations can choose what works best for those they’re helping.
“Our students aren't just learning digital literacy, English, and U.S. citizenship; they're building confidence and reclaiming possibility,” Weaver added.
If you’d like to bring Connected Nation’s Digital Skills Training program to your area, fill out this form OR contact Tammy Spring at tspring@connectednation.org.