So, you want to bridge the digital divide but don’t know where to start? Lucky for you, Community Tech Network (CTN) has been cooking up digital inclusion programs since 2008, and we’re just going to lay them all out here for you to steal. (No really, take them. Please.) Whether you’re in San Francisco, Austin, or anywhere else on this WiFi-enabled planet, here are ten digital inclusion programs worth, ahem, borrowing.
1. Home Connect (Because “Tech Support for Grandma” is a Full-Time Job)
Seniors need digital skills, and you need them to stop calling you about “the Google.” Enter Home Connect, our program that provides older adults with free devices, internet, and one-on-one virtual training. It’s been a hit throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and replicated in Central Texas—especially with the grandkids who can now enjoy family dinners without tech support duty.
2. Multilingual Digital Literacy (We Speak Tech in 14 Languages!)
Language barriers shouldn’t stop anyone from mastering the internet. That’s why we’ve trained instructors who can teach digital skills in 14 different languages (yes, even yours). Steal this program and help diverse communities navigate the web in their native tongues—just don’t ask us to teach you how to say “right-click” in Khmer.
3. Digital Navigators (Your Community’s New Favorite Superheroes)
Who needs Batman when you have a Digital Navigator? Through partnerships with groups like the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services and Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we train community members to become go-to tech guides. Because every neighborhood deserves a local tech wizard who actually enjoys explaining what a browser is.
4. Low-Cost Internet Programs (Because WiFi Shouldn’t Break the Bank)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) may have ended, but the need for affordable internet hasn’t. There are still low-cost internet programs available, and many people need help navigating their options. We connect folks with discounted broadband plans and assist them in signing up—because no one should have to choose between groceries and getting online. If you want to make a real impact, steal this idea and help people stay connected!
5. Tech Training for Job Seekers (Because Your Resume Won’t Write Itself)
We know that job hunting without digital skills is like fishing without bait. That’s why we offer tech training for job seekers in partnership with workforce development organizations. From resume writing to online job applications, this program helps people land jobs and finally understand what “the cloud” is.
6. Coalitions for Digital Inclusion (Because Teamwork Makes the Dream Work)
CTN is an active member of multiple coalitions working to close the digital divide, including the Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (DECA), the Bay Area Digital Inclusion Coalition (BADIC), the Texas Digital Equity Network (TXDEN), and as an Affiliate of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). These partnerships bring together nonprofits, libraries, and government agencies to strategize and take action on digital equity. Steal this idea and join (or start!) a coalition in your own community.
7. Tech Teach-In Events (Because Learning is More Fun with Friends)
Sometimes, the best way to teach digital skills is to bring people together. That’s why we host Tech Teach-In events, where volunteers and community members come together for hands-on learning sessions. Whether it’s seniors mastering smartphones or job seekers polishing their LinkedIn profiles, these events create a supportive and social learning environment. Bonus: They also make great excuses for tech-savvy folks to show off their skills. Want to make a difference? Steal this idea and throw your own teach-in!
8. Tech Classes for Nonprofits (Train the Trainers, Save the World)
Want your nonprofit to teach digital skills but don’t know where to start? We offer training and curricula to help organizations run their own tech programs. Think of it as a digital inclusion starter pack—just add WiFi and community spirit.
9. Virtual Tech Support (Because Learning Tech is a Journey, Not a Sprint)
Learning new technology takes time, and without ongoing support, many new users get frustrated and give up. That’s why we offer virtual tech support to our program participants—because mastering email, online banking, or video calls doesn’t happen overnight. By providing a safety net of expert guidance, we help learners stay confident and connected rather than throwing their devices out the window in frustration. If you want your digital inclusion program to truly stick, make sure learners have somewhere to turn when they hit a tech roadblock!
10. Ready, Set, Connect! (Because Youth + Tech = Magic)
One of our favorite past programs, Ready, Set, Connect!, was all about empowering young adults with tech and leadership skills. Through partnerships with the Oakland Public Library and companies like Google and Adobe, we trained young people to be digital literacy mentors, helping community members while gaining valuable job experience. If you want to mix youth development with digital inclusion, this is the program idea to steal!
There you have it—ten digital inclusion programs ripe for the taking. Whether you’re an organization, a library, or just someone who’s tired of explaining the difference between WiFi and data, steal these ideas and bring them to your community. We won’t mind—we promise.
Happy stealing (er, sharing)!
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