Connected Nation launches Digital Literacy program in collaboration with AT&T
Program is bringing digital literacy workshops to communities to help advance digital skills and empowerment for families across the U.S
Bowling Green, Kentucky (September 26, 2022) – Connected Nation (CN) announced the launch of a new Digital Literacy program in collaboration with AT&T. The program is part of AT&T's national digital literacy initiative to help narrow the Digital Divide. The Digital Literacy program will offer in-person and virtual digital literacy training workshops across the country where this training is needed most for the digital empowerment of residents. In addition to the workshops being held in communities across the United States, Connected Nation will lead virtual and in-person workshops for military families at their Digital Works office in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Workshops topics include internet and computer basics, cybersecurity, email basics, mobile device basics, and web conferencing. CN will partner with local community organizations across the county to host training workshops from September 2022 through March 2023.
“Digital literacy has long been part of Connected Nation’s mission- ensuring every person is able to use technology meaningfully is absolutely essential in today’s digital economy,” said Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Inclusion for Connected Nation. “This program provides us the opportunity to meet people where they are in their digital skills level, confidence with embracing technology, and interest in enhancing their skills as new technology adopters. There is no better way to do this than partnering with trusted local partners to bring much-needed training to local communities across the country. We are excited to get started.”
To launch this program CN staff is reaching out to communities that previously participated in the community technology planning process and identified digital literacy as a need. “Offering a tangible skill like digital literacy training to communities that Connected Nation works with allows us to model closing the Digital Divide in a real way,” said Pamela Waggoner, Broadband Solutions Manger for Connected Nation. “It gives life to the recommendations in the Technology Action Plans.”
The amount of federal and state funding earmarked for broadband initiatives continues to grow in our country. More communities now have the opportunity to get their piece of the pie and can use it bring digital literacy programs, (just like this one), to their residents.
“In recent months, there has been a considerable emphasis and focus on the large investments being made by federal and state governments to support the buildout of very high-speed networks across our communities,” said Dan Manning, Broadband Solutions Manager for Connected Nation. “We also need to prepare these communities with the tools and training necessary to take advantage of these capabilities to help improve their lives. This initiative will be a significant factor in addressing that need.”
Connected Nation is now ready to partner with local community organizations to host in-person and virtual workshops across the United States. If your community is interested in learning more, visit: https://connectednation.org/digital-literacy-workshops/.
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About Connected Nation: Connected Nation celebrated 20 years of service in 2021. The national nonprofit’s mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
For more information, please visit: connectednation.org and follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.