Policies > Broadband > Section 4
Promoting Digital Skills
Increasing access and connectivity to broadband is not enough to ensure individuals are fully utilizing the internet to meet their personal and professional goals. As more and more aspects of jobs and everyday life move online, it is essential that resources be made available to help individuals gain the digital fluency and skills needed to navigate current and future technologies.
Section 1:
Improving Mapping & Data Collection
Section 2:
Building New Broadband Networks
Section 4:
Promoting Digital
Skills
Section 5:
Increasing Access Through Telehealth
A report by the U.S. Department of Education found that over 32 million adults lack basic digital skills, such as using basic computer commands and input and output devices and the ability to think critically about electronic texts and data. The skills gap cuts across generations, with nearly 58% of millennials lacking digital problem-solving abilities. While many white adults lack these abilities, the need for training is more concentrated in communities of color: 22% of all Black adults and 35% of all Hispanic adults currently need digital skills training. Training programs should prioritize targeted programming to reach communities of color by partnering with community groups equipped to understand the varied needs of this population. These skills are essential, as they are an on-ramp to workforce development as well as the ability to use broadband for things like healthcare, entrepreneurship, and more.
Case Studies
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Tennessee: Training Opportunities for the Public
The Training Opportunities for the Public program, administered by the Tennessee State Library and Archives, provides up to $20,000 for local libraries to improve access to technology through digital skills training.
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Tallahassee, FL: South City Tech Learning Hub
In Tallahassee, Florida, the South City Tech Learning Hub provides internet access and technical assistance to build skills and address the needs of students, workers, parents, and older adults.
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Washington: Digital Navigators
In Washington, the Washington State Broadband Office awarded $7 million to fund four digital navigator programs throughout the state. These programs will provide targeted populations with one-on-one support to get connected and additional resources and trainings to gain the digital skills they need.
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Michigan: High Speed Internet Office
Michigan established the High Speed Internet Office through executive directive to coordinate and streamline the state’s efforts to expand internet access and provide direct assistance to individuals. The Office acts as a clearinghouse and single point of contact to coordinate various private and public initiatives as well as providing one-on-one support. This initiative has found success in connecting constituents with services, such as their health navigators, and has also helped to empower and educate residents to utilize the internet to meet their needs.
