Press Release: Colorado Celebrates Digital Inclusion Week 2024: Bridging the Digital Divide for a Connected Future

DENVER - The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and the Digital Equity team are thrilled to announce the week of October 7-11, 2024 as Digital Inclusion Week. The Colorado Digital Equity team includes the Office of the Future of Work (OFW) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), the Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI), and the Colorado Broadband Office (OIT).

Digital Inclusion Week is an annual week of awareness, recognition, and celebration, where individuals and organizations across the nation host events and campaigns to promote and increase digital equity in their communities. According to the National Skills Coalition, in Colorado, 91% of job postings were likely to require digital skills, and 47% of job postings definitely required digital skills.

To ensure the health of its communities and economy, Colorado is taking strategic steps toward digital equity and fostering a state where all Coloradans have the resources needed to participate in a modern society. Earlier this year, the Digital Equity Team published Colorado's first Digital Access Plan which was informed by surveys and listening sessions with over 15,000 Colorado participants and outlines strategies for improving digital equity in Colorado.

"For Colorado to thrive, particularly in our rural communities, we must ensure that every resident has not just access to high-speed internet, but also the skills to navigate the digital landscape," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. "Digital Inclusion Week raises awareness around the initiatives in Colorado, such as the Digital Access Plan and Digital Navigator Pilot Program, which provide tools and strategies to help us bridge the digital divide. By focusing on both connectivity and digital skills training, we're opening doors to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and civic engagement for all Coloradans, regardless of where they live."

"Digital Inclusion Week reminds us that in today's rapidly evolving world, digital literacy is not just an advantage-it's a necessity," said Katherine Keegan, Director of the Office of the Future of Work. "Our mission is to bridge the digital divide, ensuring every Coloradan has the opportunity to participate fully in our increasingly connected society and economy. By promoting equal access to technology, internet, and digital skills training, we're not just preparing our workforce for the future-we're empowering our entire community to innovate, create, and thrive in the digital age."

During Digital Inclusion Week, there will be a variety of events to build awareness around digital equity needs and how the State and its partners plan to address inequities in our communities across Colorado.

2024 Digital Inclusion Champions
The State will also be recognizing Digital Inclusion Champions who have made an impact in their communities through their dedication to digital equity work.

Individuals

• Gloria Padilla, Jewish Family Services of Colorado
• Heather Roberts, Weld County Department of Human Services
• Humberto Cruzado Novoa, Poudre School District
• Katie San Filippo, Center for Work Education and Employment (CWEE), AmeriCorps Member
• Michael Gillett, Jewish Family Services of Colorado

Organizations

• Center for Work Education and Employment (CWEE)
• Easterseals of Colorado
• Jeffco Public Library's Digital Literacy Program Team, PowerOn Jeffco!
• Southern Ute Indian Tribe Digital Equity Team
• The Arc of Northeast Colorado

Digital Inclusion Week Events

Tuesday, October 8 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Understanding Colorado's Digital Inclusion Landscape
Join the Digital Equity team during Digital Inclusion Week for a virtual information session on October 8 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. to learn about digital inclusion in Colorado and how to prepare for capacity funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to form coalitions and create digital equity plans for regions/counties. Register for the Understanding Colorado's Digital Inclusion Landscape webinar.

Friday, October 11, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the Colorado Digital Navigator Pilot Program
Join CDLE in celebrating the first year of the SB 22-140 Colorado Digital Navigator Pilot Program. The event is in the Community Room at the Aurora Public Library - Central Branch. Lt Governor Dianne Primavera will be opening the event. Individuals and organizations nominated as Digital Inclusion Champions will be honored, and digital navigators will be recognized and celebrated. Certificates will be awarded to AmeriCorps member digital navigators who have completed their service and the new cohort of members will be welcomed. RSVP for the celebration.

Wednesday, October 30
Digital Navigator Community of Practice (CoP)
Later in the month, the Digital Equity Team hosts a virtual Digital Navigator Community of Practice (CoP) on October 30 from 8:30 - 10 a.m., with an afternoon option from 4 - 5:30 p.m. This monthly CoP is for digital navigators, all navigators who are helping community members with access to resources and services, and those interested in the work of DNs. In October we will be focusing on best practices for providing services to individuals with disabilities.

October 30th CoP Zoom Link: 8:30-10 am MST
Passcode: 888707
October 30th CoP Zoom Link: 4-5:30 pm MST
Passcode: 194056Learn more about Digital Inclusion Week and the Digital Access Plan by visiting Colorado's Digital Inclusion Week webpage.

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