Building Skills
for a Digital World

Digital skills have become essential for participating in today’s world. Whether applying for a job, accessing healthcare, communicating with family, or exploring emerging technologies like AI, people need more than access to a device—they need the confidence and skills to use technology effectively.

Throughout FY26, CDE expanded digital skills pathways that help residents build that confidence while strengthening the capacity of trusted community organizations to deliver technology training where it’s needed most.

Building Stronger Digital Skills Pathways

One of the year’s most significant milestones was the launch and expansion of ConnectTech, a community-based digital skills initiative that helps residents build confidence with technology while creating stronger workforce pathways.

Rather than delivering classes directly to every community, ConnectTech equips trusted local organizations with the curriculum, training, and resources they need to bring high-quality digital skills instruction to the people they already serve.

This model allows organizations to build on the relationships they’ve spent years establishing while CDE provides the expertise needed to strengthen digital literacy, workforce readiness, and technology confidence.

Community Partners

The first ConnectTech cohort brought together community organizations across the region, including:

ConnectTech+ Expands Workforce Learning

As the program evolved, so did community needs.

ConnectTech+ expanded the original curriculum to include additional workforce-focused digital skills that prepare participants for today’s technology-driven workplace.

These additions help participants develop practical technology skills that support work, education, healthcare, and everyday life.

“We’ve got the relationships. You’ve got the knowledge. Put them together—what do you get? A great program.”

What Our Partners Are Saying

Trusted community organizations know their neighborhoods. They understand the barriers residents face and have built relationships that encourage people to learn.

ConnectTech combines those trusted relationships with CDE’s expertise in digital skills training, creating a partnership model that helps organizations expand the services they already provide.

Hear directly from ConnectTech partners about why digital skills matter and how collaboration is creating new opportunities in their communities.

Creating Tools for Continuous Learning

Digital skills continue to evolve, and learning opportunities must evolve alongside them.

Throughout the year, CDE curated and organized a growing collection of digital skills resources spanning workforce development, healthcare, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, civic engagement, and foundational digital literacy.

To support long-term quality, the team also developed a resource vetting framework that helps ensure learning materials remain accurate, relevant, and responsive to changing community needs.

Rather than building a static library, we’re creating a living ecosystem of resources that grows alongside technology, workforce trends, and the communities we serve.

FY26 at a Glance