‘With modern life, you can't get by without it.’—So, this senior citizen logged on and leveled up

Culpeper, Va. (June 20, 2025) – The Piedmont and Culpeper Literacy Council recently hosted two days of Digital Skills Training workshops at the Culpeper County Library. Local resident Barbara K. said she made a point to attend both days.

“I just felt like I needed to learn as much as I could about computers,” she said.

Learning essential digital skills is critical to navigating an increasingly digital world. The Digital Skills Training workshops are part of making that happen for senior citizens like Barbara, as well as young adults, immigrants, and other populations who need digital literacy training.

That’s why Connected Nation (CN), a national nonprofit working to close the Digital Divide, provides these workshops for communities across the country at no cost.

Thanks to financial support from AT&T, CN is able to provide the workshop materials, resources, and facilitators free of charge to the individuals, organizations, and communities that take part. Classes range from computer and internet basics to internet safety (cybersecurity).

Marco Mata, Digital Literacy & Learning Facilitator for CN, led the classes Barbara attended, which took place on June 3 and 5. Over the two days, Mata trained 45 Culpeper-area adults in essential digital skills.

“Oftentimes, participants will bring in their own devices — such as a cell phone or iPad,” Mata said. “It’s great to help someone understand how they can use their devices to better connect with their families and friends, find information, or access telehealth. It’s also really important and a valuable lesson to help each participant understand how to protect themselves while online.”

For Barbara, the classes provided an “in” to the digital age that she once felt was closed off to her — and she believes they can help others as well.

“With modern life, you can’t get by without [technology],” she said. “I had never heard of videoconferencing, so I’m really happy with [learning] that. I've enjoyed the classes very much both days.”

You can listen to Mata’s interview with Barbara by clicking on the video below.

To bring Digital Skills Training to your area, community, or organization, contact us at info@connectednation.org or head to bit.ly/CNDigitalSkillsTraining