ReportWire

Tag: digital skills

  • Digitunity and AT&T Launch Initiative to Scale Digital Navigator Services and Computer Ownership, Connecting Over 13,000 People Across 3 Rural States

    [ad_1]


    CONWAY, N.H., September 9, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to making computer ownership possible for everyone, announces a new project in collaboration with AT&T to expand digital navigator services. This project will reach approximately 13,200 people in rural communities nationwide.

    Supported by $725,000 from AT&T, this 12-month effort will equip local organizations in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana with essential resources so residents can benefit from technology opportunities: computers, digital skills training, and support for affordable internet access.

    Digitunity identified a need for this project in its work across the country. “Digital navigators,” individuals trained to provide support and wayfinding to community members seeking computer access, internet access, and digital skills training, are only as effective as the resources available to them. By bundling essential tools and support, this project will strengthen not only established digital inclusion programs but also activate a broad range of trusted community organizations, such as veterans’ services, healthcare providers, and adult education centers, to meet the technology needs of the people they serve.

    In addition to expanding computer ownership, digital skills, and affordable connectivity, the project will integrate siloed efforts into a cohesive, holistic approach, ultimately improving the effectiveness of digital navigation, with replicability and scalability in mind.

    “Digital navigators play a crucial role in eliminating the digital divide,” said Scot Henley, Executive Director of Digitunity. “Through AT&T’s generous support, we will provide these trusted local partners with robust resources for how their clients can obtain computers, digital skills training, and affordable connectivity. This work is about shaping and strengthening the systems rural communities need for lasting digital opportunity, while also supporting individual success.”

    This collaboration is part of AT&T’s ongoing $5 billion commitment to narrow the digital divide by 2030. The project’s approach, which leverages community networks to reach people at scale, aims to strengthen the digital navigator and digital skills training model and build sustainable systems for computer ownership.

    “At AT&T, we believe that access to technology and digital skills is essential for unlocking opportunity in every community,” said Mylayna Albright, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, AT&T. “By collaborating with Digitunity on this initiative, we’re helping to empower thousands of people in rural areas with the tools, training, and support they need to participate fully in today’s digital world, ensuring that more families can connect, learn, and thrive-no matter where they live.”

    The initiative will focus particular attention on Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, where the need for computers is exceptionally high. According to 2023 U.S. Census data, nearly a quarter of all households in these states do not have a desktop or laptop computer, or they rely on smartphones alone for essential tasks like education, healthcare, and employment.

    Between September 2025 and August 2026, the project aims to:

    • Deliver Digital Skills Training: 10,500 people will participate in AT&T’s digital literacy courses, developed in collaboration with the Public Library Association, and use AT&T’s ScreenReady tools and courses hosted by local nonprofit and community organizations.

    • Place Essential Technology: 2,500 donated and refurbished computers, sourced through Digitunity’s national network, will be distributed to individuals and families in need.

    • Support Community Navigators: 200 digital navigators will receive training and resource kits to help them connect people with computers, skills, and affordable internet.

    About Digitunity

    Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization making computer ownership possible for everyone. For over 40 years, Digitunity has worked to close the digital divide in the United States by shaping and strengthening systems that enable computer ownership.

    Digitunity sources and places computers with a network of over 1,600 community-based organizations, supports digital skills programs, and provides strategic advisory services to states and cities. With one in seven U.S. households lacking a computer at home, this national-local approach mobilizes resources, influences policy, and builds durable solutions that expand opportunities, participation, and economic mobility. Learn more at digitunity.org.

    About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

    At AT&T, our corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. We are committed to providing people of all ages and from every community with the essential resources they need to thrive in the digital era. For generations, we have supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, we have committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Our efforts particularly focus on uplifting underserved communities, including students, older adults, and those on tribal lands, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities. 

    Source: Digitunity

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • New Report Offers Roadmap for Building Sustainable Computer Ownership in Rural America

    [ad_1]


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., August 12, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Digitunity, in collaboration with Brian Whitacre, Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University, and AT&T, has released a new report, Supportive and Sustainable Computer Ownership Ecosystems for Rural America: Key Takeaways and Actionable Strategies. Based on a 15-month initiative in Mississippi and Arizona, the report provides practical recommendations on how to increase computer ownership and digital skills in rural communities.

    Computer Ownership Is a Challenge in Rural Communities

    One in seven households still lacks access to a large-screen computer in the United States, and the gap is even wider in rural areas, where many households rely solely on smartphones, while others lack any computers at all. In the absence of access, there are limited opportunities for education, employment, health care, and community engagement.

    Key Findings and Solutions

    The report documents the unique barriers rural communities face, including limited local resources for device supply, refurbishment, and deployment. It provides 20 actionable takeaways, including:

    • Building partnerships with trusted local organizations to understand community needs

    • Creating sustainable systems for computer donation and deployment

    • Formalizing device distribution practices and digital skills training

    • Leveraging field catalyst organizations to connect rural communities with national partners, donors, and resources

    Supportive and Sustainable Computer Ownership Ecosystems for Rural America includes case studies from Mississippi and Arizona. These reports present detailed survey data, best practices, and recommendations for stakeholders seeking to expand digital opportunities in rural America.

    Collaboration and Impact

    Digitunity led the project, collaborating with AT&T, Oklahoma State University, Chicanos Por La Causa, Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology (AZStRUT), and the Mississippi Broadband Association, among other partners. The initiative led to the deployment of hundreds of computers, digital skills workshops, and the development of tools and templates now available to rural communities nationwide.

    “Our goal is to shape and strengthen systems to make computer ownership possible for everyone, no matter where they live,” said Karisa Tashjian, Senior Director of Programs and Strategic Partnerships at Digitunity. “This report offers practical guidance and real-world examples for communities demonstrating that lasting solutions are possible.”

    Download the Report

    The full report, Supportive and Sustainable Computer Ownership Ecosystems for Rural America: Key Takeaways and Actionable Strategies, is available for download here.

    About Digitunity:
    Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For over 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address computer ownership among those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all.

    Source: Digitunity

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Digitunity Achieves Milestone of Connecting 10,000 Learners With Digital Skills Training

    [ad_1]

    In collaboration with AT&T, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the ‘digital divide’ supported community-based training nationwide, empowering people with essential technology skills.


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., March 11, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    In partnership with AT&T, Digitunity, a national nonprofit with a mission to make computer ownership possible for everyone, announces that it provided 10,000 people across the United States with digital skills training in 2024 through its Connected Learning Award Program.

    For four decades, Digitunity’s mission has been to ensure that everyone can own a computer and build computer skills, so they can gain independence and the education, healthcare and career opportunities needed to succeed in today’s digital world. More than 47 million Americans do not own a computer, limiting their ability to fully participate in the digital economy and access essential online resources.

    In this program, Digitunity collaborated with AT&T to provide the telecommunications leader’s Connected Learning curriculum, which covers digital skills such as video conferencing, email, cybersecurity, and internet and mobile device basics.

    Digitunity supported 57 organizations across 22 states, enabling them to deliver instructor-led workshops that taught the Connected Learning curriculum to underserved populations such as seniors, people in active recovery, and rural populations.

    As a catalyst for expanding computer ownership and digital skills, Digitunity collaborates with major corporations and community organizations to deliver technology and training that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

    Digitunity’s community partners report significant successes from implementing the Connected Learning curriculum.

    “The impact on our learners has been transformative and we’re looking forward to helping even more people improve their digital skills,” said Mary Carlson, digital literacy specialist at Rhode Island Regional Adult Learning (RIRAL).

    “This experience has been incredibly powerful, breaking down barriers for vulnerable individuals by providing them with fundamental computer skills they would likely not have obtained through other means,” said Frankie Garcia-Leon, administrator at Hope House Guthrie in Oklahoma.

    The Connected Learning initiative has won recognition from state-level organizations, including the Arkansas State Broadband Office, which connected community groups statewide with Digitunity and the digital skills program.

    “This initiative directly enhances our literacy programs, helping individuals develop essential technology skills,” said Charlie Muessemeyer, executive director of Dogwood Literacy Council in western Arkansas. “With this support, Dogwood Literacy Council can advance literacy, empower individuals, and build a more inclusive and connected community.”

    About Digitunity

    Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For nearly 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address the computer needs of those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all.

    Contact Information

    Maria Penaloza
    maria.penaloza@newswire.com

    Source: Digitunity

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: PepsiCo Foods North America and LNESC Partner to Bridge the Digital Literacy Divide

    Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: PepsiCo Foods North America and LNESC Partner to Bridge the Digital Literacy Divide

    [ad_1]

    PLANO, Texas – PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA) is proud to announce a $150,000 investment to enhance digital literacy training across the nation through its partnership with LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC). This initiative comes as a critical response to a staggering statistic: 32 million Americans lack essential digital skills. [1]

    To address this gap, PFNA’s investment emphasizes the importance of fostering digital skills from an early age and across generations to unlock educational and economic opportunities, in line with its key business priorities. Since 2022, PepsiCo has donated over $500,000 to LNSEC’s Pathways to Uplift and Empower through Novel Technology and Education Services (P.U.E.N.T.E.S.) program, which provides vital training and educational support for families equipping them with the skills, resources, and tools needed to be successful in a digital environment.

    With PFNA’s support, the P.U.E.N.T.E.S. program has reached 450 participants across six U.S. cities, creating transformative learning environments that equip families with essential technology skills – including a San Antonio family whose six-year-old son is part of the bilingual program. Melody Urbina found it not only helped from an education standpoint, but it created new opportunities for her to bond with her son and strengthened the family’s connections with the school and their community.

    According to Urbina, “The program is about more than just technology. We’ve created a strong network with other families. The program has facilitated communication across different cultures and generations, which is especially important in Hispanic communities.” Through the program, families participate in cohorts, encouraging intergenerational involvement and creating a safe space to learn valuable computer skills. Families gain familiarity with the digital tools needed to engage with and monitor their child’s academic progress, empowering them to practice new skills together at home.

    Alongside fostering a sense of community and belonging, the program is demonstrating measurable impact. Upon completion of the program, results show:

    • Over 90% of participants have increased confidence with technology.
    • Over 90% of participants feel comfortable using technology to learn new skills.
    • 92% of participants feel comfortable using an electronic device to perform basic computer functions (e.g., email, office applications, etc.).

    “As someone who immigrated to the U.S. from Venezuela, I am incredibly proud of our partnership with LNESC and our shared passion to create sustainable economic opportunities for underserved communities,” said Antonio Escalona, SVP, Emerging Business at PepsiCo Foods North America. “Putting people and their experiences at the forefront is essential to our business success. We take great pride in our efforts to enhance digital literacy, and we’re excited to continue supporting this impactful initiative.”

    This newfound digital literacy opens doors to economic opportunities and enables parents to interact effectively with school officials and other community stakeholders.

    Participants are granted access to the vast world of opportunity available through technology, bridging the digital divide and enriching lives in previously unattainable ways.

    “Continuing this partnership with PFNA means so much for our students and families,” said LNESC Executive Director Richard Roybal. “Hearing stories from participants of how they’ve benefitted from these resources is what it’s all about. Together, we’re making a transformative impact on so many families, and we’re excited for what’s to come.”

    To learn more about LNESC and the P.U.E.N.T.E.S. program, go to www.LNESC.org/programs/puentes. 

    About PepsiCo  
    PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s®, Doritos®, Cheetos®, Gatorade®, Pepsi-Cola®, Mountain Dew®, Quaker®, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

    Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

    About LNESC

    LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) was established in 1973 by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to provide educational programming to high-need students throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Throughout 16 education and technology centers, LNESC has served over 621,000 students, sent 160,000 students on to college, and awarded nearly $31 million in scholarships. LNESC’s results are made possible by a network of dedicated field staff, top-notch teachers, over 90 school partners, and the support of LULAC – the nation’s largest membership-based Latino organization. LNESC works to change lives and build Latino communities, one student at a time.  www.LNESC.org

    [1] DigitalUS Coalition, 2020

    eSchool News Staff
    Latest posts by eSchool News Staff (see all)

    [ad_2]

    ESchool News Staff

    Source link

  • Last Call: Digitunity’s Connected Learning Award Program for Nonprofits Accepting Final Applications Until October 31

    Last Call: Digitunity’s Connected Learning Award Program for Nonprofits Accepting Final Applications Until October 31

    [ad_1]

    Nonprofits Nationwide Encouraged to Apply for Digital Skills Program Stipends Before Deadline


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., October 3, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Skills such as safe and effective use of email, navigating the internet, utilizing mobile devices, and videoconferencing are crucial in today’s digital world. To help build these competencies, Digitunity is empowering U.S. nonprofits through its Connected Learning Award Program, offering stipends to support instruction on these topics. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until the October 31 deadline. 

    The Connected Learning Award Program provides nonprofits with resources to offer workshops that help individuals develop foundational digital skills. Organizations accepted into the program can use workshop materials developed by the Public Library Association and AT&T, covering essential topics like Computer Basics, Email Basics, Cybersecurity Video Conferencing Basics, Internet Basics and Mobile Device Basics, and more. These workshops are designed for beginners, with all instructional materials available in both English and Spanish. 

    Benefits of Participation: 

    For Nonprofits: 

      – Stipend Support: Financial assistance to cover or offset the cost of making digital skills workshops accessible, including expenses such as transportation or childcare for learners. 

      – Resource Access: Ready-to-use, co-branded workshop materials, slides, activities, and participant certificates. 

      – Network Membership: Participation in Digitunity’s Digital Opportunity Network, offering ongoing support and access to potential technology donations. 

    For Learners: 

      – The chance to build essential digital skills in a supportive environment. 

      – Certificates validating their digital skills and expertise. 

      – Enhanced ability to navigate online tools crucial for employment, education, and community engagement. 

    Digitunity urges nonprofits and community organizations, particularly those serving seniors, veterans, Spanish speakers, adult learners, and community services, to take advantage of this opportunity before the October 31st deadline. By offering these workshops, nonprofits can play a crucial role in helping individuals gain the skills needed to participate fully in today’s digital world. 

    How to Apply Before the Deadline   

    To learn more or discuss the next steps, interested organizations can schedule a meeting with a Digitunity staff member. For any questions, contact the program team at connectedlearning@digitunity.org.  

    About Digitunity   

    Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that everyone who needs a computer can have one. By fostering partnerships, supporting digital skills training, and working toward equitable access to technology, Digitunity is making strides toward closing the digital divide. 

    For more information, visit digitunity.org.

    Source: Digitunity

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • KodeGo bridges the digital skills gap among Filipinos, prepares future-proof workforce

    KodeGo bridges the digital skills gap among Filipinos, prepares future-proof workforce

    [ad_1]

    The Philippines is on track towards becoming a USD35 billion economy by 2025. But even with the promising outlook, the country’s workforce remains challenged by a digital skills gap that hampers its transformation into a truly digital nation. 

    According to the 2023 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Philippines ranked 59th out of 64 countries in overall digital competitiveness, showing low rankings on knowledge and talent (63rd), technology (51st), and future readiness (59th). This underscores an urgent need to prioritize digital skills development to ensure the country’s digital competitiveness and sustainable growth.

    “In an era defined by digitalization, the importance of digital skills across industries has become undeniable. KodeGo was developed to create more accessible and affordable opportunities for Filipinos to upskill themselves and strengthen their employability with advanced to intermediate digital skills,” said Ina Gervasio, KodeGo chief executive officer.

    Launched in 2020, KodeGo is a study now, pay later edutech platform that provides accessible, comprehensive digital skills training programs, including the following:

    • Full-stack web development
    • Virtual Assistance
    • Virtual Bookkeeping
    • Basic transcription 

    “As the Philippine tech industry gears up to expand to 2.5 million full-time employees and generate US$59 billion in revenues by 2028. It’s crucial to ensure our courses align with industry standards. Our mission at KodeGo goes beyond imparting new skills; we’re committed to ensuring our students are not just equipped for the job market but are also highly employable,” Gervasio said.

    In line with this, KodeGo introduced a flexible payment scheme that includes a study-now-pay-later format while providing end-to-end career assistance and support for its students post-training. Each curriculum takes between two and 22 weeks to complete. 

    To date, the platform has over 2,000 graduates, many of whom have achieved meaningful employment opportunities with industry heavyweights such as GCash and Accenture.

    Kwentong KodeGo (KodeGo Stories)

    At the forefront of KodeGo’s mission is the commitment to empower women and break barriers in the tech industry. To date, out of the almost 2,000 KodeGo graduates, 20% are women looking to learn and make a name for themselves in the tech industry, a number that is constantly growing.

    Among Filipinas who took KodeGo’s courses is Lorie Pascual, a former music teacher whose career ground to a halt during the pandemic. While considering what to do to continue providing for her family, one of her churchmates encouraged her to join KodeGo’s full-stack web development boot camp.

    “I thought I should try studying a tech course since I had a laptop and internet, I had enough to start with what I had, so I enrolled in KodeGo,” Lorie said.

    After 12 weeks of full-time classes, Lorie completed the course and is now a web developer at Aemorph, an internet marketing service company based in Singapore.

    Another successful KodeGo graduate is Lorraine Ostan, who had to drop out of her first year in college due to financial difficulties after her father lost his job as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the United Arab Emirates.

    She decided that she needed to find a job to help her family and raise her young child, which led her to take KodeGo’s full-stack web development program. Two weeks after completing the course, she landed a job in a Japanese offshore company as a web designer and eventually moved on as a software engineer. 

    “Stories like Lorie’s and Lorraine’s are why we are deeply passionate about what we do. Their journeys highlight the power of education and the opportunities that arise when individuals are equipped with the right skills and support,” Gervasio said.

    How to enroll at KodeGo

    Those interested in enrolling at KodeGo should go visit kodego.ph, apply on the website, and take a short assessment test. 

    Upon successful application, students will receive their KodeGo contracts and an invitation to an onboarding session to familiarize themselves with the curriculum and how to use the KodeGo platform. All that’s left to do is complete the training.

    Learn more about KodeGo and its courses by visiting kodego.ph

    [ad_2]

    Gadgets Magazine 17

    Source link

  • Interactive and Active – What the Future of Learning Should Look Like

    Interactive and Active – What the Future of Learning Should Look Like

    [ad_1]

    An alumnus of Zigurat’s Global MBA in Digital Business launches a new self-assessment platform and learning community – ORIGENIO – inspired by the unique learning experience he had in the master’s program.

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Sep 24, 2019


    BARCELONA, Spain, September 24, 2019 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Zigurat Innovation & Technology Business School celebrates with Jan Mironiuk, an alumnus of Global MBA in Digital Business, the launch of his new project: a modern learning platform, ORIGENIO, that focuses on enhancing one’s essential life skills.

    During the last 10 months, Jan Mironiuk has been focused on refining his original learning vision and developing a robust self-assessment platform which enables any serious learner to understand their learning edges in the right context. What started as his final thesis of Global MBA in Digital Business has resulted now in the official launch of the platform which Jan hopes will help all kinds of professionals prepare themselves for the digital future.

    Active Learning – the Mother of All Skills

    Jan Mironiuk, a full-time business improver during the day and an entrepreneur during the night, has big plans for ORIGENIO. He is envisioning a platform that would make a perfect complement to the traditional knowledge-based education by strengthening the necessary life skills and enabling a daily exchange of learning inspiration within its community.

    “I experienced a similar model with Zigurat and found it very powerful – serving fresh learning pieces every day helps enormously to forge any new learning into effective habits over time,” he reflects on the initial impulse for the project. One of the goals of Jan and his project partners is to craft an interactive all-digital learning journey addressing the mother of all skills – active learning.

    The Challenge of Staying Up-to-Date

    The expanding skills gap between the actual skills and the ones required for future success puts professionals in a difficult position. Staying up to one’s game is becoming harder and harder, which is why the spectrum of educational proposals is getting more diverse to meet the needs of actual learners.

    Zigurat Innovation & Technology Business School was born to help the professionals face those challenges as comfortably and realistically as possible. The fact that Zigurat’s online master’s programs grow and gain prominence with each edition is a clear manifestation of a need for new more agile alternatives, which is why Zigurat welcomes and celebrates the ORIGENIO initiative and is confident that it has a considerable contribution to make to the current learning scene.

    Source: Zigurat

    [ad_2]

    Source link