What is Digital Inclusion and why is it important?
Today, we live in a digital world where the high-speed internet plays a critical role in how we live and interact with each other. The internet is the primary gateway to economic advancement opportunities, education, health care, employment, civic participation, and an enhanced quality of life.
Digital Inclusion means providing equitable, meaningful, and safe use of digital technologies. Essentially, ensuring no one is left out of the resources and opportunities the internet and its related technologies provide no matter their background or socioeconomic means.
Unfortunately, there is a gap between those who enjoy the benefits of connectivity and those who do not, commonly referred to as the Digital Divide. To bridge the Digital Divide, Connected Nation creates and implements initiatives that are designed to help communities.
Digital Equity & Inclusion Services
For nearly 25 years, Connected Nation has championed broadband investment to close the Digital Divide. Now, with the most generous federal funding ever on its way through the BEAD Program, the goal is near. State broadband Offices (SBOs) are in the driver's seat. But they have a hard road ahead.
Learn how Connected Nation can help SBO's navigate the process and make the most of funding opportunities.
Connected Nation will specify available resources and identify program and service gaps for covered populations.
Connected Nation harnesses local knowledge and expertise to enhance digital inclusion planning and implementation.
Connected Nation will accelerate digital skills training, education, workforce development, telehealth, civic and social engagement.
Digital Inclusion Programs & Research
To bridge the Digital Divide, Connected Nation creates and implements initiatives that are designed to help communities.
Digital Literacy & Learning Workshops
To advance digital literacy across America, CN has teamed up with AT&T to offer in-person and virtual digital literacy training workshops across the country.
Teens Teach Tech
Teams offer hands-on workshops, one-on-one mentorship sessions, virtual sessions, and community events that cover a variety of digital skills. We invite teachers, youth focused organizations, and community non-profits to start a team in their hometown.
Research: Assessing telehealth attitudes and usage in NW Colorado
In August 2024, the Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI), in partnership with Connected Nation (CN), released this new report. It examines how rural Coloradans are using telehealth services and looked at the barriers that prevent some households from using those services.
Connected Nation and eero team up to help underserved homes
eero teamed up with Connected Nation to launch a community program that aims to help bridge the Digital Divide. The program provided up to 5,000 devices to help vulnerable families and individuals.
Digital Works
Live, virtual training for anyone interested in digital upskilling, technical skills, and career readiness support focused on securing an entry-level, remote job.
Research: Closing the Digital Divide through affordability, access, and adoption
Learn what research from Connected Nation uncovers about the real-world challenges to closing the Digital Divide
Our Credentials
Provided 60,000+
internet enabled devices
Trained 100,000+
adult learners on digital skills
Partnered with 1,300+
commumnity organizations on digital equity programs
Digital Inclusion Training Programs
For free self-paced digital skills training content, visit
- Connected Nation’s free online learning portal for adult learners. Click for more information.
- The Achievery is a free digital learning platform for K-12 students created by AT&T. Accessible to parents, teachers, and families. Click for information.
- AT&T Connected Learning free digital literacy self-paced online courses, created by AT&T and Public Library Association. Click for information.
- For trainers – Click here to download instructor guides, handouts, exercises, and slides for hosting Digital Literacy Workshops created by AT&T and Public Library Association.
Who lacks broadband?
43%
of low-income families
13.23%
of Tribal residents
16.9
million school-aged children
1/3
of American workers lack digital skills
Digital Inclusion Resource Center
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) sunset earlier this year. However, there are other low-cost internet options for struggling households.
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phones or internet. Eligible customers will get up to $9.25 toward their bill. Head to this website to see if you qualify and to find companies near you that participate.
EveryoneOn provides a short form to help you establish eligibility for low-cost internet and devices (laptops and desktops) and locate companies based on your ZIP code.
Click the red button (below) for more low-cost options and for tips to improve your internet speeds.
