#United States #Dallas #Connected Nation #Digital Literacy #Cybersecurity Awareness

Empowering Communities Through Digital Literacy

During the recent Digital Inclusion Week in October 2025, Connected Nation (CN) made a significant impact nationwide by providing training to over 2,200 individuals. This initiative, coinciding with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, featured 62 workshops spread across multiple states and territories, all aimed at promoting digital skills and online safety. The objective was clear: to close the digital literacy gaps and help individuals gain the confidence to navigate technology securely.

A Week of Workshops

The weeklong effort was marked by various engaging activities, with a standout event occurring in Dallas, Texas. Co-hosted by the Dallas Innovation Alliance (DIA) and AT&T, the workshop highlighted a program where teens, specifically those from the Dallas Independent School District, taught tech skills to community members. This inspiring program, known as “Teens Teach Tech,” saw young students effortlessly share their knowledge about digital safety with older adults, showcasing the intergenerational benefits of digital inclusion. They provided hands-on bilingual demonstrations to teach safe app usage, online shopping practices, and the savvy use of digital coupons.

Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Empowerment for Connected Nation, emphasized the essence of the initiative, stating, "Digital empowerment is about more than access. It's about equipping people with the skills and confidence to use technology safely and meaningfully." These workshops not only educated participants but also fostered a sense of community where young learners and older adults collaborated and shared valuable experiences.

Growing Confidence and Skills

One of the teen trainers expressed satisfaction over witnessing the transformation in the adults attending the sessions. Initially anxious about confronting technology, many adults left the workshops with newfound confidence to use tools for video calls, conduct online shopping, and utilize digital coupons safely. This remarkable testimonial showcases how training can motivate individuals and encourage them to embrace technology in their daily lives.

Connected Nation also launched additional workshops across various states, focusing on digital skills needed in today's workforce, particularly a pilot program revolving around AI-powered tools. This allowed job seekers to explore new career opportunities while enhancing their digital readiness. Participants engaged in training sessions that covered crucial topics such as cybersecurity, online privacy, and responsible technology use, essential for today’s digital landscape.

Expanding Reach and Impact

The “Teens Teach Tech” initiative further extended its reach beyond Texas with teams across Hawaii, Maryland, Georgia, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and more, offering additional workshops throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Together, they aimed to educate thousands of local community members, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity skills necessary in today's digital age.

Since its inception, Connected Nation has made remarkable strides in digital literacy, having trained over 130,000 individuals. Their programs have successfully reached over 21 million people across the nation, forging a path towards greater digital empowerment. Notably, with more than 150 youth teams operating across 42 states and Puerto Rico, the “Teens Teach Tech” program has trained nearly 30,000 adults in vital digital literacy and cybersecurity skills.

About Connected Nation

Founded in 2001, Connected Nation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing lives by expanding access to high-speed internet and related technologies for everyone. They believe that everyone belongs in a Connected Nation, underscoring the importance of digital access in today's world. To learn more about their efforts and how you can get involved, visit connectednation.org.