Literacy Network has received a $50,000 investment from AT&T to support its digital literacy programs and help bridge the digital divide for underserved adults in Madison.
Funds will support Literacy Network’s digital literacy programs to teach students how to utilize technology. The investment from AT&T comes as it looks to reduce barriers in the digital divide. For investments like the one given to Literacy Network, the focus is on access, affordability and adoption to better utilize technology.
“When we were preparing for our 50th anniversary in 2024 and reading old newsletters I found from the early 1990s, when computers were becoming common in homes and businesses, a list of what the most common goals were for students back then,” said Robin Ryan, executive director of Literacy Network. “Right at the top was learning to use a computer. That remains the same today.”
The desire to better learn technology has remained consistent for decades among Literacy Network’s students. In a survey of students, 60% said they wanted to increase their digital literacy skills, Ryan said.
Digital literacy is key for multiple reasons. Literacy Network highlighted that there aren’t many jobs that do not require digital literacy anymore and it has become crucial to navigating daily life.
Literacy Network’s Marie Knibbe, director of Adult Basic Education and GED instruction, gave insights into why some students want to improve their digital literacy.
“One student, an advanced English language learner who wanted to work on her reading and writing, set the goal of being able to e-mail and text her child’s teacher without her children drafting or reading the messages for her,” Knibbe said.
Another wanted to land a better job. He used skills gained in the program to become more confident using technology. He is now able to type up a cover letter and has started to apply for jobs this past spring.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
Deputy Mayor Linda Vakunta, who came to speak on behalf of the city, gave a short anecdote on why digital literacy is important — especially for immigrants.
“Some of us come here and we’re far away [from family],” Vakunta said. “I’m originally from Cameroon … but I remember when I first came to this country. I was in Appleton, and in those initial days, I would still write letters even though it wasn’t that long ago.”
Vakunta was admittedly not “good at typing.” She practiced and practiced to build up her skills, but her story is one of conquering the digital divide.
“There are still kids around the world who do not know how to use the computer even in this day and age. Staying connected to family and community is really important for immigrants,” Vakunta said.
Funds from AT&T will help Literacy Network meet students’ needs and goals in digital literacy. Programming is highly tailored to the individual needs of students and is intended to help them reach their goals, be it improved communications, finding work, or just a better understanding of tech.
