Techquity: Digital Skills Training

There was once a time when the internet was only accessible from a single computer in one room of the house. Nowadays, we can access it from anywhere we go, thanks to smartphones. While this convenience has its benefits, it has also made our personal information more vulnerable to potential threats. Learning about online safety not only keeps individuals safe, but their entire communities. 

United Way’s Techquity initiative pursues digital equity and inclusion through device distribution, broadband access, and digital skills trainings. Digital skills trainings, like “Cyber Security Basics,” held at our partner agency, La Casa de Esperanza in Waukesha, help to teach the community how to navigate the internet safely. 

These trainings help to bridge the digital divide. While some of the population has access to technology and the skills to safely navigate it, others don’t have the same opportunity. A person’s access to devices and affordable broadband is only part of the divide. A crucial need is also the knowledge and education about the online services many have come to accept as a part of everyday life. In order to give everyone the same access, Techquity’s Advisory Council developed curriculum within several training courses for anyone who needs it. Other training subjects include online job hunting and remote work, navigating online healthcare, online banking, and education. 

In addition to teaching digital skills, Techquity has a goal to distribute 50,000 computers to people who need them across our four counties by 2027. Laptops, refurbished by a local refurbisher and United Way collaborator, Digital Bridge, were provided to the attendees who finished the training at La Casa.  

Together, we can continue these important digital skills trainings and reach Techquity’s distribution goal. Your donation to United Way makes this possible. Technology is in most of our pockets. Let’s use it to help our community Live United.  

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