This is a resource hub for community members, organizations, and more to share their resources to make a more digitally inclusive world. 

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance states that: digital inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This includes five elements:

• Affordable, robust broadband internet service;
• Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user;
• Access to digital literacy training;
• Quality technical support; and 
• Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration.

The National Skills Coalition (NSC) in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta released Closing the Digital Skill Divide, a real-time snapshot of demand for digital skills in the US labor market in 2023. The analysis finds that 92% of jobs analyzed require digital skills. 

Closing the Digital Skill Divide finds strong demand for digital skills across every industry and in almost every occupation, including entry-level and frontline positions. The report also finds that the digital skill divide disproportionately impacts workers of color, low-income individuals, and rural residents, due to historic underinvestment and structural inequities.  

Kansas City Digital Drive wants to help. Below are some important resources to support our community of the Greater Kansas City region and beyond, to create a more digitally inclusive world. This is not a comprehensive list, so if you are interested in adding information about your organization, fill out the form above. 

Subscribe to the Digital Inclusion Newsletter for the most up-to-date digital inclusion programming happening in the Greater Kansas City metro area. Click on these links if you’re interested in submitting your organization’s stories or events to the newsletter. 

KC Local Digital Skills Classes (and counties they serve)

• MERS Goodwill (Eastern Kansas, state of Missouri, and Western Illinois)
• Goodwill team has their Mobile Workforce Unit (MWU) that is a large bus equipped with 10 computers, internet/WiFi, and presentation screens to connect people to jobs, training, and other online resources. They travel all around the metro to meet people where they are. 
• Literacy KC (Jackson)
• Carol’s Corner: LAMP Campus (Jackson)
• Jewish Family Services (Jackson, Johnson)
• Parkville Living Center (Platte)
• Black Family Technology Awareness Association (Jackson)
• Spanish language digital skills classes (most offer English as well)
  • Latinx Education Collaborative (Jackson)
  • Guadalupe Centers (Jackson)
  • Hispanic Economic Development Corporation (Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Miami, Jackson, Clay, Platte, Ray, Cass)
  • The Toolbox (Wyandotte)
• For clients/patrons only
  • Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (Leavenworth, Wyandotte)
  • Jewish Vocational Services (Jackson)
  • Kansas City Public Library: Tech Access (Jackson)

Google Folder with up-to-date digital skills class flyers 

If you teach a digital literacy class in the Greater KC area, come join our Digital Inclusion Learning Circle meeting on the first Tuesday of every month to connect with other instructors in the area. This is a great way to network and learn how you can boost your own programming, start a new course, or other digital inclusion updates. Email Leah Henriksen if you’re interested in being added to the monthly meeting. 

Low–cost Devices (Computers)

• PCs for People (Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Miami, Jackson, Clay, Platte, Ray, Cass)
• ElectroMundo (Wyandotte) 
• ArtsTech (Jackson)
• Missouri Assistive Technology (entire state of Missouri)
• AT for Kansans (entire state of Kansas)
• Lifeline (National)
• Human IT (National)
• Vernon Multipurpose Center (ADOPT 2.0 grant) – Free devices for Wyandotte residents through Sept 2026 -> apply on their website here

Low-cost I.T. Support/Digital Navigators

• Per Scholas (Kansas City and National) – visit LAMP Campus (1801 Linwood Blvd) the first Monday of the month from 4-6pm for computer repair
• NPower (Kansas City and National) – Call the Community Help Desk M-F 9am-5pm
• Kansas City Public Library – Digital Corps
• Essential Families

Middle Skills Programs

• Per Scholas (Kansas City and National) – entry level IT workforce training @ Park39
• I.c.stars (Kansas City and National) – entry level IT workforce training @ downtown
• Goodwill – Artemis Institute – courses offered such as Bridge to Technology, Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA), IBM Skills Build
• NPower (Kansas City and National) – entry level IT workforce training

Low-cost Internet Plans/Hot spots

• Lifeline (National) “government phone” program, enroll for help paying your phone or internet bill
• Human IT (National)
• EveryoneOn tool – Find low cost plans with your zip code
• NDIA Honor Roll of Low Cost Plans
• Mobile Beacon – for qualifying nonprofits, schools, and libraries to apply
• TMobile Project 10Million – for families with school-age students and participate in govt. program
• Mission Telecom – hotspots discounted for nonprofits, schools, and libraries

Online Learning Platforms (free or reduced price)

• Digital Skills Library (how to find tons of free online learning!)
• digitalLIFT  (for digital trainers, managers, and specialists)
• Digital Learn (for beginners to build fundamental skills for free)
• Senior Planet (free classes/webinars for older adults)
• NorthStar Digital Literacy Training
• Discover AI with Generations on Line Free AI Tool (for beginners and older adults) 

National Organizations you need to know

• National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
• Benton Institute
• LGBT Tech

Other Digital Inclusion Resources

• KC Digital Inclusion Fund (Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Miami, Jackson, Clay, Platte, Ray, Cass)
• KC Coalition for Digital Inclusion (Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Miami, Jackson, Clay, Platte, Ray, Cass)
• Missouri Office of Broadband Development Digital Asset Map

Contact Leah Henriksen at lhenriksen @ kcdigitaldrive dot org to add your information to this webpage.