Press Release: Colorado Celebrates Digital Inclusion Week 2025: Community-Driven Digital Futures

(DENVER) - The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the Digital Access team are thrilled to announce the week of October 6-10 as Digital Inclusion Week. This annual tradition is a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the importance of digital inclusion and celebrate the efforts of individuals and organizations advancing digital equity in their communities. Colorado's Digital Access Team is highlighting the value of partnerships in the digital inclusion space this year.

"Access to digital tools and skills isn't optional - it's essential. In Colorado, we're working together to make sure every community has the connections and resources to thrive in today's digital world," said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera.

The Colorado Digital Access team is a collaborative effort including the Office of the Future of Work (OFW) within CDLE, the Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI), and the Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) committed to ensuring every Coloradan can thrive in an increasingly digital world.

"Bridging the digital divide is a shared mission, and our partners are at the heart of this work," said Kelly Folks, Employment & Training Director. "We are deeply grateful for their collaboration and commitment. The strength of our work comes from the people and organizations we partner with to create a future where every Coloradan has the digital tools they need to succeed."

Earlier this year, the Digital Access Team concluded Colorado's two-year Digital Navigator Pilot Program, which provided individual digital skills training to Coloradans in both urban and rural parts of the state. The program highlighted the continued need for digital skills training for many Coloradans, including support with online job searches, online job applications, using email and operating smartphones. Additionally, the program demonstrated the value of cross-sector collaborations to provide those services. Partners participating in the program included State of Colorado departments, rural workforce centers, Denver Housing Authority apartments, public libraries and nonprofit organizations.

The national theme for this year's Digital Inclusion Week, "Community-Driven Digital Futures," resonates deeply with the work being done in Colorado. Colorado's focus is on "Connections & Community: Bridging the Digital Divide Together," a theme that highlights how local organizations, leaders and volunteers are creating solutions to keep us moving forward.

Tuesday, October 7, 1 - 2 p.m.

Connections & Community: Bridging the Digital Divide Together

Join Colorado's Digital Access Team for a special virtual event celebrating digital inclusion partnerships in Colorado. The event will feature a presentation on the Virtual Network Labs Report, followed by a dynamic panel discussion with partners who are making a difference in their communities across the state. Register for the event.

Wednesday, October 29, 8 - 10:30 a.m.

Digital Navigator Community of Practice

Navigators, staff who support them, and other stakeholders are invited to attend the monthly Community of Practice (CoP) held on the last Wednesday of each month. The CoP is a great opportunity to share with each other and learn about how the delivery of services is going in different parts of the state, celebrate successes, share resources and lend support to each other. Register to attend the next Community of Practice.

Learn more about Digital Inclusion Week and Colorado's Digital Access Team by visiting Colorado's Digital Inclusion Week webpage.

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