"The most impactful solutions for bridging the digital divide emerge directly from within our communities."
#DIW2025 #digitalinclusion #digitalequitynow #closethe divide
Digital Inclusion Week, October 6 through 10 this year, is an annual nationwide event hosted by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance dedicated to raising awareness about digital equity and the vital importance of inclusion in our increasingly digital world. Their programming highlights the gaps that exist and celebrates the success in communities for people to access the devices, skills, and connection to the internet they need to thrive.
A local leader in digital equity and inclusion is Pima County’s Office of Digital Inclusion (ODI). Together with Pima County Public Library, ODI aims to break down barriers through innovative programs and services that address the three pillars of digital equity: broadband access, access to devices, and digital skill building.
The library offers computer classes, drop-in tech help and loanable hotspots and Chromebooks. ODI manages the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program as well as Digital Navigators who assist folks with their digital needs. ODI runs a ‘learn to earn’ program where people receive a laptop after completing a series of workshops designed to build their digital skills.
Read more about the history and current efforts of the library and ODI in this Community Spotlight I wrote in 2024 and listen to or read about ODI in this this post for AZ-1 in August, Connect Pima: A Community Model for Broadband Equity in Arizona, by Lakshya Dharwa.
Learn more!
Become digitally savvy with your library!
DigitalLearn - Computer Basics Online Classes
Tackle technology and learn the basics at your own pace and gain more confidence with computers. Also offered in Spanish—Conceptos básicos de computación.
Brainfuse Online Tutoring
Connect with a live tutor every day online from 2–11 p.m. Brainfuse helps students from kindergarten through college as well as adults get the help they're looking for. Also available in Spanish—Ayuda con Tutores Expertos.
GCFLearnFree Online Tutorials
From Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, and more, GCFLearnFree.org offers 125 tutorials, including more than 1,100 lessons, videos, and interactives.
Udemy Online Courses offers thousands of self-paced, on-demand video courses across 75 categories in business, technology, and design. Go to the Personal Development section for courses on health, the arts, and language learning. English language courses can be taken in 13 native languages.
Arizona Legal Forms
Find and print Arizona legal forms, including contracts, incorporation, wills, pre-marital agreements, power of attorney, bankruptcy, divorce, and landlord-tenant. From Gale.
LearningExpress Library - Computer Skills Center
LearningExpress Library's Computer Skills Center contains video courses for developing and improving basic computer skills, navigating the internet, software, graphic design, and other useful skills.
Learning Express Library - Career Center
Explore LearningExpress Library's Career Center, where you can prepare for occupational entrance exams, explore career opportunities, and expand upon workplace skills.
