More Kansans Now Have Access to Free Digital Skills Training

TechConnect Kansas Expands Digital Literacy Access Through Library Partnerships

WSU Tech is proud to share TechConnect Kansas, a digital literacy training program designed to strengthen technology access and skills across communities in Kansas.

Funded through the Kansas Office of Broadband Development as part of the DOCK (Digital Opportunities for Connecting Kansans) initiative, TechConnect Kansas was created to address the growing need for digital literacy education—particularly in underserved areas. The program brings together WSU Tech IT students and public libraries to expand access to essential technology training and resources.

Through this initiative, WSU Tech students developed and delivered hands-on training to librarians, focusing on setting up technology equipment and implementing digital literacy curriculum using Cisco Networking Academy resources. Students also enhanced their own skills through Foundations of Leadership training provided by the Kansas Leadership Center, preparing them to effectively engage with community partners.

To date, 15 libraries across central, north-central, and south-central Kansas have participated in a four-hour in-person training. Each participating library received technology equipment along with guidance on offering free digital literacy courses to their communities.

This work responds to a critical need identified in the 2023 University of Kansas study, Broadband in Kansas: The Challenges of Digital Access and Affordability, which found that many residents rely on public libraries not only for internet access but also for support in building digital skills. Limited access to both reliable broadband and digital literacy support continues to create barriers to employment, essential services, and full participation in today’s digital world.