Growing digital literacy in rural Kansas
With 92% of today’s jobs requiring digital skills (National Skills Coalition, 2023), the new K-State Digital Ambassador program is working to bridge the glaring gap between underserved Kansas communities and the worldwide web.
Rick Peterson, associate director of extension programs for K-State Research and Extension, believes that understanding of digital literacy will significantly impact how people live.
“We envision Digital Ambassadors will help people learn how to access telehealth, use online banking, utilize precision agriculture and access government documents,” Peterson shared. “Ultimately, we want to improve the lives of Kansans by helping them use the tools of technology safely and effectively.”
The program is being piloted in eight counties: Clay, Cloud, Finney, Ottawa, Republic, Saline, Scott and Washington. Initial funding has come from K-State 105, an initiative that promotes economic growth and advancements across Kansas.
Ron Wilson, coordinator of the Digital Ambassador program, shared that the funding from K-State 105 has built connections with other state agencies, landing the Digital Ambassadors a $526,998 award through DOCK (Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans).
“The new DOCK grant will enhance and expand this initiative in two of the districts — West Plains and Central Kansas — where the program is currently being piloted,” Wilson shared. “We are excited about the potential of this program to help Kansas people.”
A completely volunteer-led effort, the group has partnered with various research and extension offices and is working to expand throughout Kansas. By bringing these services to where rural Kansans live and work, K-State Digital Ambassadors can increase access to critical resources for older generations and build job readiness skills for the next generation of the Kansas workforce.
Written By: Abbigail Marshall
Curated From: https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2024-09/Digital-Ambassador-program-at-KState-to-improve-digital-literacy-in-Kansas.html
