Digital Skills

The American Indian Policy Institute is home to the newly formed Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty, formed in partnership with the National Congress of American Indians. This Center is the first and only one in the nation dedicated to helping tribal governments, leadership, and communities understand the complexities of digital sovereignty. It provides access to resources and serves as a clearinghouse for tribal digital sovereignty. The center works towards the following goals and concepts: scholarship, capacity building, policy research and advocacy, and forming a coalition of organizations that work together to support tribes.

The Telecommunications Education Center [TEC] is a dynamic learning program devoted to improving education, quality of work, and safety within the telecommunications industry created by the world’s leading authority on all things wireless, the Wireless Infrastructure Association. 

TIRAP is a federally recognized, competency-based apprenticeship program. WIA is the DOL’s designated Industry Intermediary for Registered Apprenticeship in the telecommunications industry. Through TIRAP, WIA provides technical assistance, training resources, support, and access to incentive funding for our registered Employer Sponsors.

WIA specializes in working with government, education, and industry stakeholders to develop workforce solutions for the broadband industry. We are a hub for broadband workforce training and apprenticeship resources.

Lending Library: including audio books and magazines; movies with audio descriptions; and Braille books and magazines by postage free mail (KLAS); loan of special equipment to play audio books; audio and Braille book downloads (BARD); and access to NFB-NEWSLINE® and over 300 newspapers and magazines by phone and online

Televerde Foundation’s mission is to provide currently and formerly incarcerated women with the personal and professional development programs necessary to successfully join and advance in the global workforce. Their approach inspires creativity, imagination, self-confidence, and social skills while addressing issues that cause recidivism. They enable women to break the generational cycle of poverty and incarceration by becoming positive role models to change the lives of future generations and build stronger communities.

Sahuarita Food Bank is a community staple in southern Arizona. The Food Bank and family resource center provide local families with food services, financial and digital literacy training, coding and robotics classes, online safety training, digital navigator support, job search support and more. With a volunteer corps of more than 250 people, the Food Bank is one of the most trusted community anchors in the region. The organization recently launched project AZUL, a mobile digital literacy and skills training unit that brings service and support directly to rural communities.

PCC offers a wide range of academic programs, from certificate courses to associate degrees. With a commitment to educational excellence and community engagement, Pima Community College provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality education opportunities. The institution plays a pivotal role in workforce development, lifelong learning, and in helping students achieve their academic and career aspirations.

Maricopa Community Colleges provide digital literacy training and workforce development programs, including certifications and vocational training. They offer educational opportunities to enhance career prospects and meet the evolving needs of the job market.

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is a statewide organization that offers workforce development programs, job training, and employment placement services. Their focus is on assisting individuals with barriers to employment, providing them with the necessary skills and resources to secure meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.

Cox is committed to promoting digital equity through various programs and initiatives. One of their notable programs is Connect2Compete, which aims to bridge the digital divide by offering affordable internet access and devices to low-income families with school-aged children. Connect2Compete provides discounted internet service plans, digital literacy training, and access to affordable devices, ensuring that students have the tools and connectivity they need to succeed academically. Cox is a provider of the Affordable Connectivity Program and also works in collaboration with community organizations on STEM programs and engages in robust community outreach.

Chicanos Por la Causa is a statewide organization that provides digital literacy, workforce development, and community empowerment programs. CPLC provides digital and financial literacy training and access to technology resources. Through their workforce programs, CPLC provides job training, career counseling, and employment placement services to empower individuals and promote community development.

The Boys and Girls Club has a strong presence in communities across Arizona. They provide comprehensive support to young people, including digital literacy training and workforce development programs. Through their clubs and after-school programs, the Boys and Girls Club offers access to technology resources, mentors, and educational opportunities that equip youth with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the digital age.

The Arizona Technology Access Program, in partnership with Achieve Human Services and RefurbIT, offers free or low-cost technology devices and items needed for disabled Arizonans to participate in the digital world. Their services include free or low-cost technology and medical devices, low-interest technology loans, user training and demonstrations, loaner programs, and digital workforce training. AzTAP serves the entire state of Arizona from its Phoenix-based program.

Arizona State University works to advance digital equity in Arizona. The university offers a range of programs including workforce development, financial and digital literacy, disability services, career services, and research initiatives related to technology and innovation. ASU’s robust community outreach programs, research collaborations, and innovative partnerships, seek to address the barriers faced by underserved communities including challenges related to accessing and utilizing technologies.

The ARSA supports and advocates for the unique needs of rural schools in Arizona. ARSA promotes digital equity, job training for educators, and community engagement in rural education. They bridge the digital divide by advocating for reliable internet access and equal opportunities to technology. ARSA provides job training programs and resources to empower educators with technology integration skills. Through community collaborations, ARSA strengthens the connection between schools and the local population, enhancing education quality and creating thriving learning environments for rural students.

Arizona’s 230+ Public Libraries are statewide institutions that provide various resources and services to the public. They offer free computer access, digital device and navigation training, and some provide digital workforce training classes. Public libraries play a vital role in promoting digital literacy and providing access to technology for all residents.

The Arizona Department of Homeland Security provides cybersecurity services at no-cost to State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Governments (SLTTs) and K-12 school districts through the Statewide Cyber Readiness Program. Services and products include Advanced Endpoint Protection, Security Awareness Training and Anti-Phishing, Converged Endpoint Management, Multi-Factor Authentication, and Web Application Firewall.

The Arizona Department of Education promotes digital literacy and offers resources to educators and students to enhance technology integration in schools. Their initiatives aim to equip students with the necessary digital skills for academic success and future workforce readiness.

AARP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults. AARP has undertaken several initiatives to promote digital equity among older adults including research and awareness, education and training, and policy advocacy. 

The YWCA is committed to empowering women, eliminating racism, and promoting social justice. The YWCA provides digital literacy and workforce development programs to individuals of all backgrounds. They provide training and resources to enhance digital skills, promote career advancement, and foster economic self-sufficiency. The YWCA's holistic approach ensures that women and their families have the tools and support needed to thrive in an increasingly digital society.

This collection of videos and FAQs will help you gain the digital skills you need to use technology. Learn how to access information and find resources to keep your family safe and healthy.

Learn how to use technology for everyday tasks, finding a job, building new skills, and keeping you and your family healthy.

How Pima County is working to close the digital divide and link communities to affordable, high-speed internet access.

This course will equip you with the knowledge and resources to support households to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and sign up for a high-speed home internet plan.