ADOPT 2.0 – DLX KS Device Access Program
Progress Update | September 2025 – September 2026
Over the past nine months, KC Digital Drive and our community partners have worked together to connect more residents across the Kansas City region with the technology they need to participate in education, employment, healthcare, and everyday life.
The ADOPT 2.0 DLX KS Device Access Program began with a simple goal: get reliable devices into the hands of people who need them. Since then, it has grown into a collaborative effort involving 19 community partners serving veterans, older adults, English language learners, individuals returning from incarceration, people with developmental disabilities, students, job seekers, and low-income households.
As of August 18, all 575 devices had been distributed to a recipient. We completed the distribution more than one month ahead of the September 30 project period end date.
Behind those numbers are hundreds of individual stories.
Access to Education
For many recipients, receiving a device has meant the difference between trying to complete coursework on a phone or borrowed device, especially important for those with vision challenges, and having reliable access to the tools needed to learn.
Liliana, a working mother of four and GED student at El Centro, had been relying on a tablet borrowed from one of her children to complete coursework. Through the program, she received a laptop that allowed her to participate more fully in classes, complete assignments, and continue making progress toward earning her GED. Her longer-term goal is to pursue business training and eventually operate a small food business with her husband.
Another participant shared:
“This laptop has helped me a lot in my daily life and education. With this laptop, I can easily join my Zoom classes from home, complete my assignments, and continue my learning without any problems.”
Others reported using their devices to complete nurse aide training, prepare for certification exams, pursue college coursework, and improve English language skills.
One participant noted:
“I have more time to practice English and now I am taking classes in The Toolbox. I am learning QuickBooks.”
Supporting Workforce Development
Many participants are using their devices to strengthen workforce skills and pursue employment opportunities.
Through NCircle, Eric received a laptop while enrolled in a College of Trades program. Prior to receiving the device, he struggled to make progress in an introductory Python course. After gaining reliable access to a computer, he successfully completed the course and is now participating in an internship focused on networking and coding.
Veterans Upward Bound participants reported using their devices to continue computer skills training, apply for jobs through Kansas Works, complete educational coursework, and prepare for new career opportunities.
One recipient summed up the impact simply:
“Thank you for your help. It helped me get a job.”
Expanding Access to Everyday Services
While education and workforce outcomes are often the most visible, many participants describe impacts that are just as important in daily life.
Recipients report using their devices to access healthcare portals, manage benefits, communicate with family members, complete financial transactions, conduct research, and stay connected to community resources.
Several participants noted that receiving a computer eliminated the need to travel to public libraries or other locations to access technology.
As one participant shared:
“This device has been a big help in helping me navigate my health care needs. It’s been so convenient. Due to health challenges, I’m able to get up early and get right on websites I need without having to get dressed and make sure I eat and it would be afternoon before I get out of the house and get to the library. Things like this improve my day.”
Another explained:
“It has facilitated me in ways that make my life more efficient. I can complete trainings, job searches, online learning, and research from home.”
What We Are Seeing Across the Program
Survey responses over the course of the year showed strong adoption and satisfaction.
- Nearly all participants report being satisfied or very satisfied with their device.
- Every recent survey respondent said they would recommend the program.
- Approximately 80–86% reported using their device daily or multiple times each day.
- Top uses include education, employment, communication, healthcare, and personal development.
Perhaps most importantly, participants are using the devices regularly. This is not technology sitting on a shelf. It is becoming part of how people learn, work, communicate, and access opportunities.
As one participant remarked:
“It has helped me so much. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have it.”
Looking Ahead
With 100% of devices already distributed, the program has come to an end. But the need is still there.
Through the last month of the program, KC Digital Drive, Tech Connect KC and the rest of our partners remain focused on ensuring recipients have the support needed to make meaningful use of their devices long after they receive them.
The success of this work reflects the strength of the partner network that has helped identify participants, provide trusted local support, and connect technology access to broader education, workforce, and community goals.
Kansas DLX Device Access Distribution partners include:
- Avenue of Life
- Build WyCo
- Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
- Donnelly College
- El Centro
- Growing Futures
- Jewish Family Services
- Jobs for Americas Graduates – Kansas
- Kansas City Kansas Community College
- Latinx Education Collaborative
- NCircle
- Phoenix Family
- Sumner Academy of Arts & Sciences PTSA
- The Mission Project
- The Toolbox
- The Village Initiative
- Veterans Upward Bound
- Workforce Partnership
- Wyandotte High School PTSA
Together, we are demonstrating that device access is about more than technology. It is about creating pathways for people to participate more fully in the opportunities available to them.