Blog - digitalLIFT

Building Confidence Through Connection: Meet Maria Urzua

When Maria Urzua joined digitalLIFT in February, she quickly stepped into a role that would become much more than teaching technology. By March, she was already leading classes in the... read more →

Partner Spotlight: King County

When a frontline staff member shared that the training helped them see “digital navigation as an essential part of providing equitable and effective support,” it captured the broader impact of... read more →

Building Digital Independence: How Sourcewise Created a Sustainable Tech Program for Older Adults

When the COVID-19 pandemic pushed everyday life online, many older adults were suddenly cut off from essential services, healthcare, and even their own families. For Sourcewise, the Area... read more →

A Mindful Approach to Engaging with Social Media

For many of the learners we support, getting online is a powerful milestone. It creates access to jobs, education, healthcare, services, and connection. But digital inclusion is not just about... read more →

May 28, 2026
Kami Griffiths
Advocacy

Rebuilding Effective Training for the Modern Workforce

When I started my career in the mid-1990s, learning a new computer program at work meant being sent for training. That usually involved leaving the office, going to another company... read more →

May 26, 2026
Kami Griffiths
Advocacy

From Pandemic Response to Long-Term Connection: How Tech Advice Sessions Continue to Support Older Adults

When digitalLIFT launched virtual digital literacy training during the pandemic, the goal was simple: help older adults stay connected during a time of deep isolation. What we have learned since... read more →

Older Americans Month: Supporting Older Adults in a Digital World

This May, digitalLIFT celebrates Older Americans Month by recognizing the importance of helping older adults stay connected, independent, and confident through technology. Through digital skills training and personalized support,... read more →

Board Spotlight: Susan Walters

At digitalLIFT, our board members bring a deep commitment to equity, along with decades of experience shaping the systems that connect communities. This month, we are proud to spotlight Susan... read more →

Expanding Digital Literacy and Digital Navigator Training in the Texas Panhandle

digitalLIFT is expanding its digital literacy and Digital Navigator training initiatives across the 26-county Texas Panhandle, with a focus on strengthening capacity in communities that face persistent barriers to digital... read more →

Join digitalLIFT for SF Tech Week 2026!

Mark your calendars for an exciting lineup of events at SF Tech Week 2026! Whether you're a tech novice or an experienced user, there's something for everyone to dive into.... read more →

May 5, 2026
Sabrina Tam
Events

Reimagining Access: What BiblioTech Teaches Us About Digital Equity

In a world where access to information often depends on a Wi-Fi signal or a device, the question becomes simple: what happens to those without either? In San Antonio, one... read more →

Honoring digitalLIFT Volunteers

In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re proud to highlight Anthony Matricia, a dedicated Digital Coach who has been empowering learners since 2023. From leading webinars on... read more →

Supporting Older Workers in a Digital World: Bob and Kami’s Story

I first met Bob in 2006 after moving to San Francisco. We connected at a neighborhood association meeting and stayed in touch over the years. Bob came into a community... read more →

Libraries Leading the Way Toward a More Connected Future

Public libraries have long been trusted community anchors. Today, they are also on the frontlines of closing the digital divide. In a world where digital access and skills are essential... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Anthony Malakai Matricia

Here at digitalLIFT, we are continually inspired by the dedication and passion of our volunteers. This month, we're thrilled to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on Anthony Malakai Matricia, a Digital... read more →

Lessons Learned So You Don’t Have To

We all love celebrating wins—happy clients, shiny metrics, and the occasional standing ovation. But the best lessons sometimes come from spectacular flops. After 18 years as a nonprofit, we’ve had... read more →

April 16, 2026
digitalLIFT
Advocacy

Building Policy from the Ground Up: digitalLIFT Joins the Connectivity Policy Corps

In December 2025, I had the honor of being selected to join the inaugural Connectivity Policy Corps (CPC), a national initiative led by National Digital Inclusion Alliance and Public Knowledge.... read more →

Spotlight on Three Trailblazers: Lake County, Albemarle County, and Pima County

Across the country, local governments are stepping up to ensure their communities are not left behind in an increasingly digital world. This year, along with 55 other organizations,... read more →

Spring Conference Lineup

In April, our team takes the stage at multiple conferences to share research, field insights, and practical strategies for advancing digital equity. From academic research on healthy aging to hands-on... read more →

April 6, 2026
digitalLIFT
Events

From Last Mile to Final Inch: Why Infrastructure Alone Doesn’t Close the Digital Divide

County leaders across the country are investing historic dollars into broadband infrastructure. We talk about first mile, middle mile, and last mile. We map fiber routes. We track deployment. We... read more →

April 2, 2026
Kami Griffiths
Advocacy

Advancing Digital Equity Through National Service: digitalLIFT Partners with Lead for America

Lead For America (LFA) believes every community has the local talent and leadership to realize its unique vision. Through... read more →

Empowering Older Adults Through Connection: Curry Senior Center and digitalLIFT Partner to Bridge Health and Technology

A Holistic Approach to Digital Inclusion Through Curry Senior Vitality, an ongoing program of Curry Senior Center, participants receive iPads, Fitbits, and smart scales to support both their health and... read more →

digitalLIFT Turns 18 — We’re Sharing the Love

On March 3, digitalLIFT marked 18 years of partnering with nonprofits and government organizations to close the digital divide. What began as a small effort to build... read more →

Who Carries the Cost of Digital Transformation?

Digital transformation is often framed as progress: faster systems, streamlined workflows, online access, automation, efficiency. In the private sector, that story largely holds. Companies invest in new technology to improve... read more →

March 17, 2026
Kami Griffiths
Advocacy, Research

10 Tech Tools Before 10am

If your workday starts at 9am, by 10am you have probably already logged into at least ten different tech tools. Don’t believe me? Let’s break it down: Email/chat – Because... read more →

Funder Spotlight: 35 Mile Foundation

We are proud to announce a $25,000 investment from 35 Mile Foundation in digitalLIFT’s mission to expand digital opportunity and strengthen social service agencies nationwide. As healthcare, housing, workforce development,... read more →

International Women’s Day: Digital Literacy, Representation, and the Power of Story

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across cultures, professions, and generations. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the work... read more →

March 5, 2026
digitalLIFT
Advocacy

Celebrating Our Champion: Congratulations to Kami Griffiths and Fellow Winners of the 2026 Charles Benton Digital Equity Champions Awards

At digitalLIFT, we are beyond proud to congratulate our Founding Executive Director, Kami Griffiths, for being named a 2026 Digital Equity Champion by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance... read more →

Supporting Clients Who Need to Limit In-Person Contact: Practical Digital Resources for Nonprofit Partners

Across the country, many of the families you serve are limiting their time in public spaces. Whether due to health concerns, safety considerations, transportation barriers, or rapidly changing community conditions,... read more →

February 27, 2026
digitalLIFT
digital Inclusion, Digital Skills Training

Celebrating 15 Years of SF Connected: A Citywide Model for Digital Inclusion

For 15 years, SF Connected has been one of San Francisco’s strongest commitments to digital equity, ensuring older adults and people with disabilities have the skills, support, and confidence to... read more →

February 26, 2026
Kami Griffiths
SF Connected

The Internet Is a Safety Net

When we talk about safety-net services, we often think of food assistance, housing support, healthcare, or unemployment insurance. But in today’s world, there is another essential service that quietly underpins... read more →

Celebrating Net Inclusion & Leadership in Our Field

We had an incredible presence at Net Inclusion this year — five digitalLIFT team members presented panels or workshops, sharing practical insights and tools with peers... read more →

February 19, 2026
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Bridging Generations: Teaching Digital Literacy Across the Ages

In today's tech-driven world, digital literacy is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. Yet, across families and communities, there exists a digital divide shaped by generational gaps. Whereas, it's considered... read more →

Board Spotlight: Mark Gale

Our digitalLIFT board members bring not only deep expertise, but also personal stories, experiences, and priorities that ground our work in meaningful purpose. This month, we are excited to spotlight... read more →

Hidden Figures, Modern Tools – Black Innovators Then & Now

Black innovation has always existed—often unseen, underfunded, or uncredited. From early scientific breakthroughs to modern digital creation, Black innovators have continuously used ingenuity, resilience, and creativity to build solutions despite... read more →

Counties Hold the Key to Closing the Digital Divide

Counties across the country play a critical role in closing the digital divide. They manage key funding streams, oversee social service delivery, and maintain trusted partnerships with community-based organizations that... read more →

Expanding Digital Literacy Through Hybrid Instruction

Expanding Digital Literacy Through Hybrid Instruction Access to digital skills should not depend on whether an organization has a highly technical or multilingual trainer on staff. One of the most... read more →

Why Digital Inclusion Fuels the Economy: Industries That Benefit When Everyone Is Online

For decades, digital inclusion has been framed as a social issue: centered on equity, opportunity, and access. But the truth is much bigger. Actually ensuring that every household has home... read more →

Connecting Communities and Digital Opportunity at the MLK March

digitalLIFT’s mission to foster safe, connected communities took center stage on January 19th, when our team participated in San Antonio’s annual MLK March. Antoinette Lakey, Ethen Baca, and Jessica Strom... read more →

January 22, 2026
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Why Net Inclusion Is THE Conference for Digital Inclusion and Why It Should Not Be Missed

Every year, there are conferences that share information, and then there are conferences that shape a movement. Net Inclusion clearly falls into the second category. Hosted by the National Digital... read more →

January 21, 2026
Kami Griffiths
Events

The Digital Dream: Building a Safe and Connected Community for All

As hundreds of thousands of us prepare to walk down MLK Drive for one of the largest marches in the nation, we carry with us Dr. King’s vision of a... read more →

Affordable Home Broadband Isn’t Just a Nice‑to‑Have

In today’s world, reliable home internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. From education and job applications to telehealth and civic participation, being connected matters. Yet for far... read more →

Beyond Convenience: The Internet as a Lifeline

In today’s world, the internet is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. Just as we rely on electricity, running water, and transportation, internet access has become a critical part of daily... read more →

5 Reframes: Moving from Learner Resistance to Digital Resilience

Guest post by Wright to Learn, a learning design partner helping communities and learners thrive in digital spaces Digital skills aren’t just about knowing which buttons to click. For many... read more →

What to Consider When Planning for Remote Training

Remote training has become a powerful tool for expanding access to digital literacy and other essential skills, especially for learners who can’t easily travel to a physical classroom. But successful... read more →

January 9, 2026
Kami Griffiths
Research

Strengthening Social Service Agencies on the Frontlines of the Digital Divide

Closing the digital divide requires more than individual training, it demands that social service agencies themselves have the capacity to deliver digital skills education effectively to their clients. Since 2008,... read more →

December 19, 2025
Kami Griffiths
Advocacy, digitalLIFT

Big Savings on Digital Skills Courses and Curricula — 50% Off Through Dec. 19!

If you missed the initial announcement, now’s your chance: all online courses and device training curriculum from digitalLIFT are on sale for half off — just use coupon code “LiftGift50” at checkout. Our mission... read more →

December 18, 2025
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

NCOA and AT&T Collaborate with 50 Senior Centers to Improve Older Adults’ Digital Skills and Confidence

Contact: Simona Combi Public Relations Manager 571-527-3982 simona.combi@ncoa.org Dec. 16, 2025, Arlington, Virginia—The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, with support from AT&T,... read more →

December 16, 2025
digitalLIFT
General

10 Ways to Support Your Digital Navigator This Holiday Season

Digital navigators make the world more connected – one person, one device, and one conversation at a time. Every day, they help people overcome barriers that can feel impossible alone:... read more →

December 10, 2025
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT

When Access Meets Action: How digitalLIFT and GFiber Empower Texas Communities

When thinking about digital opportunity, it’s easy to jump straight to training programs, job support, and digital skills. But none of that is possible without one key ingredient:... read more →

Closing the Digital Divide: How Giving Back Can Make a Real Difference

We’re living in a time when sitting on the sidelines isn’t an option. Millions of people across the country still lack access to the internet, devices, and the skills needed... read more →

The Gift of Digital Inclusion: Stories, Successes & Lessons from 2025

As we close out an intense year, we’re excited to invite you to our final webinar of 2025: The Gift of Digital Inclusion: Stories, Successes, & Lessons from 2025! This... read more →

December 4, 2025
Bekah Wright
Webinars

San Francisco Invests in Digital Equity with $68,750 Grant to digitalLIFT

San Francisco, CA — The City and County of San Francisco has awarded a $68,750 grant to digitalLIFT to expand its Digital Neighbor Program, a community-driven initiative that delivers devices,... read more →

December 4, 2025
digitalLIFT
Press Release

From Learner to Lifesaver: How Gilbert Turned Digital Skills into Action

At the Austin Mental Health Community, a bright smile often lights up the computer lab, belonging to Gilbert L. Matamoros, a dedicated student whose journey through digital literacy has become... read more →

December 2, 2025
Bekah Wright
Learner Spotlights

Closing the Digital Gap for Small Businesses: Why Digital Literacy and Internet Access Still Matter

When people think about digital inclusion, they often picture students or older adults learning how to navigate online tools. But there’s another group deeply affected by the digital divide: small... read more →

Learn to Trust Nothing: A Survival Guide for the Internet Age

The internet is an incredible tool: information at your fingertips, communities forming across continents, and endless opportunities to learn and connect. But it’s also a place where truth and... read more →

November 18, 2025
Kami Griffiths
Internet Safety

In Their Own Words: Voices from Our Volunteers

A Community Built on Connection Every day, our volunteers bring patience, compassion, and creativity to their work, helping older adults gain confidence with technology and stay connected to... read more →

Insights from the Frontlines of Digital Equity

Last August, we shared a survey with our community so we could understand their needs, and we heard back from 58 organizations. Respondents came from the fields of aging services,... read more →

November 13, 2025
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Building Confidence Online: eBay Leads Workshop at Mechanic’s Institute

A Digital Inclusion Week Highlight As part of our 2025 Digital Inclusion Week celebration, digitalLIFT hosted five in-person workshops across the Bay Area. One of the most engaging... read more →

November 11, 2025
digitalLIFT
Partner Spotlights

Experiencing the Divide: What We Learned from the MHM Digital Divide Simulation

At digitalLIFT, we believe understanding the digital divide starts with empathy, and there’s no better way to build that understanding than by walking in someone else’s shoes. This... read more →

November 10, 2025
digitalLIFT
Webinars

Board Spotlight: Rachelle Chong

digitalLIFT is powered by leaders who bring proven expertise and a shared commitment to bridging the digital divide. Among them is Rachelle Chong, a pioneering voice in broadband access and... read more →

Helping New Internet Users Stay Safe Online

At digitalLIFT, we know that helping new internet users navigate the online world safely is more important than ever. From scams and fraud to malware, the digital landscape can feel... read more →

November 6, 2025
digitalLIFT
Internet Safety

Building a Sustainable Digital Inclusion Program Through Ongoing Tech Support

The digital divide – the gap in access to and proficiency with digital technologies – remains a pressing challenge in today’s world. For many older adults, barriers such as limited... read more →

October 29, 2025
Kami Griffiths
Advocacy, digitalLIFT

Why Community Development Cannot Happen Without Closing the Digital Divide

In today’s world, nearly every aspect of community life – from jobs and education to healthcare and civic participation – relies on digital connectivity. Yet, millions of people still lack... read more →

October 29, 2025
Kami Griffiths
Advocacy, digitalLIFT

Upcoming Webinar: Funding Opportunity for California Organizations

If your organization is based in California and works to expand digital access or digital skills, this webinar is for you! Join us to learn about the California Public Utilities... read more →

October 21, 2025
Sabrina Tam
Webinars

digital divide solutions beyond infrastructure

Closing the Digital Divide: Yesterday’s Lesson, Today’s Challenge

In the 1930s, rural electrification transformed the United States. Before the New Deal’s push, millions of Americans living outside cities were without power. Life without electricity meant no refrigerators, no... read more →

October 21, 2025
Kami Griffiths
Advocacy

Bridging Safe Access: How Nonprofits Can Help New Internet Users Stay Safe Online

As more services, programs, and resources move online, staying connected has never been more critical. But with new internet users – older adults, immigrants, and others coming online for the... read more →

October 20, 2025
Kami Griffiths
Events, Webinars

Strength in Numbers: The Power of Digital Inclusion Coalitions

Digital inclusion is about more than access: it’s about enabling meaningful community participation. Coalitions combine diverse strengths – advocacy, alignment, and networking benefits – to make digital equity a collective,... read more →

New Workshop Curriculum Now Available!

We're excited to offer new curricula designed for 1-2 hour-long workshops. These ready-to-teach sessions are perfect for community organizations looking to enhance digital literacy. Our NEW workshop curriculum covers: Intro... read more →

October 16, 2025
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

AT&T Contributes $50,000 to digitalLIFT for Digital Literacy Trainer Programs Across California

AT&T contribution will help expand digital literacy in underserved communities AT&T awarded a $50,000 contribution to digitalLIFT, formerly Community Tech Network, as part of AT&T’s commitment to help bridge the... read more →

October 14, 2025
digitalLIFT
Press Release

The End of Paper Checks Signals a New Urgency for Digital Inclusion

The digital world just became less optional. As of September 30, 2025, the federal government has stopped issuing paper checks for benefits like Social Security. Payments are now deposited... read more →

Building Age & Disability Friendly Communities

Across California, counties and cities are developing Local Aging & Disability Action Plans (LADAPs) as part of the state’s Master Plan for Aging. These local plans are designed to help... read more →

Board Spotlight: Chip Supanich

Our board members bring a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to advancing digital inclusion. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Chip Supanich, our Board Vice-Chair and a key member... read more →

Get Ready for Day of Equity – October 9!

Six powerful webinars. Endless dynamic perspectives. One day dedicated to driving digital equity forward. On October 9, join us for a full lineup of engaging conversations with industry leaders, experts,... read more →

Leading Through This Moment

We are living in a moment of rapid change — in technology, in policy, and in the ways people access critical services. More government programs, social services, and... read more →

September 17, 2025
Kami Griffiths
digitalLIFT

digital literacy for older adults| digital inclusion programs for seniors East Bay

Staying Connected in the Digital Age: Stories from East Bay Connected

When Quinn Hua walked into her first digitalLIFT workshop at a senior center in Oakland, she felt what many older adults feel when it comes to technology: overwhelmed... read more →

Perspectives from Community- and Coalition-led Initiatives at the Digital Access Research Forum

We’re excited to share that digitalLIFT will be presenting at the upcoming Digital Access Research Forum, a national event that highlights the latest research, methodologies, and best practices in advancing... read more →

September 15, 2025
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, Events

Exciting News: Lower Prices, Same Powerful Curriculum!

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve lowered the price of our device training curriculum to better support our partners, trainers, and learners in today’s economic environment. Unlike some providers... read more →

September 13, 2025
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Connecting Through Technology: A Special Training in Russian

Kак обучение в L’Chaim объединяет людей How Training at L’Chaim Brings People Together In July, digitalLIFT staff members Josie Rose and Anastasiya Rudziankova led two special Russian-language training... read more →

September 12, 2025
Bekah Wright
Digital Skills Training, digitalLIFT, Partner Spotlights

Building Pathways: Workforce Development in Hispanic Communities

En digitalLIFT, estamos comprometidos con crear oportunidades que abran puertas para todos. At digitalLIFT, we’re committed to creating opportunities that open doors for everyone. This month, we’re celebrating Hispanic... read more →

September 5, 2025
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, Webinars

Volunteer Spotlight: Colin Chan – Designing with Heart, Volunteering with Purpose

From Design Studio to Senior Centers Colin Chan has built his career around one question: How can technology be designed to make life easier, more meaningful, and more inclusive for... read more →

National Senior Citizens Day – August 21

We celebrate older adults by helping them stay connected, safe, and independent in a world shaped by technology. Resources like our blog Protecting Yourself Online in Today’s Digital World give practical... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Staying Connected, Staying Strong – Toni’s Story

Meeting Toni At the 30th Street Senior Center in San Francisco, you’d often find Amparo “Toni” Antonieta with her iPad in hand and a warm... read more →

connective leadership | connective influence model

Leading with Connection: digitalLIFT’s August Webinar on Influential Leadership

At digitalLIFT, we believe that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about human connection. This month, we’re thrilled to present an energizing workshop designed to help leaders at every level build... read more →

Staff Spotlight Cassi Madrigal - digitalLIFT program coordinator

Staff Spotlight: Cassi Madrigal Leads with Heart, Grace, and Team Spirit

At digitalLIFT, our people are our strength, and there’s no better example of that than Casandra “Cassi” Madrigal. As a program coordinator and all-around team builder, Cassi’s leadership is marked... read more →

Aging America: How Digital Inclusion Can Support a Changing Nation

The Baby Boomer generation, nearly 70 million strong, is entering its 70s and 80s, and the effects are being felt across every sector of American life. From the labor market... read more →

July 29, 2025
Kami Griffiths
digitalLIFT

Doubling Down on Digital Inclusion

We are deeply disappointed by the passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy at the expense of essential services like health... read more →

Girls Inc. of San Antonio Digital Ambassadors Program

From Learners to Leaders: Meet Girls Inc. of San Antonio

Girls Inc. of San Antonio empowers young women. With a mission to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold, this nonprofit serves girls ages 6–18 through... read more →

July 17, 2025
Bekah Wright
digitalLIFT, General, Partner Spotlights

The Crucial Role of ISPs in Closing the Connectivity Gap

Reliable internet isn’t a luxury — it’s a gateway to education, opportunity, and community. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can do much more than build networks or offer discounted plans. By... read more →

July 10, 2025
Kami Griffiths
General

Protecting Yourself Online in Today’s Digital World | Internet Safety Tips

Internet safety matters now more than ever. In today’s connected world, being online isn’t optional — it’s essential. From shopping and banking to chatting with loved ones and managing health... read more →

Self-Advocacy and Accessibility Webinar.

Access, Agency, and Action: July’s Webinar Explores Self-Advocacy and Accessibility

At digitalLIFT, we know that digital literacy is about more than learning how to use a device — it’s about creating access, building confidence, and giving people the tools to... read more →

You never know who you’ll meet at the Broadband Communities Summit

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage live from the Broadband Community Summit in Houston, Texas. We talk with Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital... read more →

Expanding Digital Access in Texas: A Partnership Fueled by the CTA Foundation

Thanks to the generous support of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation, digitalLIFT has partnered with the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) to deliver a high-impact digital inclusion program... read more →

Digital Equity Act Update: Why the Fight Isn’t Over

Efforts to advance digital equity continue to face serious challenges as political forces push to keep America digitally divided. Despite these setbacks, the need for digital access and... read more →

Rest, Reconnect, Recharge: Sabrina’s Transformational Sabbatical

When Sabrina stepped away from work for a three-month sabbatical earlier this year, she had no idea just how meaningful—and rejuvenating—the experience would be. Creating a Space to Reset at... read more →

New CPUC Grants Power digitalLIFT’s Work in the East Bay and Solano County

We’re excited to share that digitalLIFT has been awarded two new grants from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) through the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Adoption Account! These grants... read more →

How Digital Inclusion Fuels Civic Engagement

In an increasingly connected world, the ability to participate in civic life often depends on reliable internet access and digital skills. From voting to community organizing, digital inclusion—ensuring everyone... read more →

digitalLIFT at the Broadband Communities Summit 2025

We’re excited to announce that Kami Griffiths, digitalLIFT’s Founding Executive Director, will be speaking at the Broadband Communities Summit, taking place June 23–25 in Houston, Texas. This annual event is... read more →

May 28, 2025
Bekah Wright
digitalLIFT

Funder Spotlight: AT&T – Advancing Digital Inclusion Together

At digitalLIFT, we’re proud to highlight AT&T, a long-time supporter and true partner in our work to close the digital divide. Cammy Blackstone, from AT&T’s External Affairs, shared:... read more →

How Digital Inclusion Fuels Civic Engagement | Digital Inclusion and Civic Engagement

In an increasingly connected world, the ability to participate in civic life often depends on reliable internet access and digital skills. From voting to community organizing, digital inclusion—ensuring everyone has... read more →

Digital Equity Act At Risk

President Donald Trump recently called the Digital Equity Act “racist” and “unconstitutional,” but that claim is both misleading and dangerous. The Digital Equity Act, signed into law in... read more →

Lake County Illinois Digital Literacy Program

Bridging the Gap in Illinois: digitalLIFT Teams Up with Lake County

At digitaLIFT (formerly Community Tech Network), we believe in the power of partnerships to create real change, and Lake County, Illinois, is a shining example. Through its Digital Growth Initiative... read more →

digitalLIFT to Present at the 2025 NCOA Age+Action Conference

We’re excited to share that digitalLIFT’s Founding Executive Director, Kami Griffiths, will be presenting at the 2025 NCOA Age+Action Conference, happening May 28–30 in Arlington, Virginia. This national event brings... read more →

May 13, 2025
Bekah Wright
Events

Explore the Future of Aging: digitalLIFT’s May Webinar on AI & Digital Literacy for Seniors

At digitalLIFT, we’re committed to exploring how technology can create more connected, empowered communities — and in May, we’re turning our focus to older adults. In celebration of Older Americans... read more →

May 12, 2025
digitalLIFT
Webinars

digitalLIFT Heads to Arizona for Net Inclusion 2025!

We’re thrilled to announce that digitalLIFT will be participating in Net Inclusion 2025, taking place May 20–22 in the Gila River Indian Community, Arizona! This powerful national event, organized by... read more →

Empowered Aging: The Importance of Digital Literacy for Older Americans

May is Older Americans Month – a time to honor the contributions, resilience, and vitality of older adults in our communities. It's also the perfect moment to recognize the growing... read more →

Service, Skills & Heart: Recognizing Our Volunteer Community

Volunteers are the driving force behind digital inclusion, and this week, we’re celebrating the incredible individuals who lend their time, skills, and hearts to support digitalLIFT’s mission. Whether they’re teaching... read more →

Board Member Spotlight: Meet Kim Harris

digitalLIFT is thrilled to welcome Kimberly Harris, its newest Board Chair! With decades of experience, Kim is a leader at the intersection of aging, technology, and digital and health equity. Harnessing... read more →

April 29, 2025
Jessica Pasquarello
Board Member Spotlight, Volunteer Spotlights

We’re digitalLIFT!

Exciting news—Community Tech Network is evolving! As of April 21, we’ll be known as digitalLIFT, and we can’t wait to share this new chapter with you. So, why the change?... read more →

April 24, 2025
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, General

We’re Becoming digitalLIFT!

We’re excited to announce that as of April 21, Community Tech Network will be known as digitalLIFT. Why the change? We found that “Community Network” sometimes made folks think... read more →

Join CTN at the 2025 On Aging Conference

Join CTN at the On Aging Conference: Digital Literacy for Older Adults

We’re excited to share that CTN is heading to Orlando, Florida for the On Aging 2025 Conference, taking place April 21–24. This is one of the largest national gatherings focused... read more →

April 15, 2025
digitalLIFT
General

Steal These Digital Inclusion Program Ideas (We Won’t Call the Cops)

So, you want to bridge the digital divide but don’t know where to start? Lucky for you, Community Tech Network (CTN) has been cooking up digital inclusion programs since 2008,... read more →

April 14, 2025
Kami Griffiths
General

Stepping Into Someone Else’s Shoes: CTN’s April Webinar Sheds Light on the Digital Divide

At Community Tech Network (CTN), we’re always exploring new ways to raise awareness about the real-world impact of digital exclusion. This month, we’re excited to bring you a powerful and... read more →

Need Customized Training? We’ve Got You Covered!

Spring is a season of renewal, and at Community Tech Network, we’re renewing our commitment to bridging the digital divide—one learner, volunteer, and organization at a time. In this issue,... read more →

How Technology Affects Cognitive Health: Don’t Miss CTN’s March Webinar

At Community Tech Network (CTN), we believe that understanding the relationship between technology and cognitive health is crucial—especially as digital tools become more integrated into daily life. That’s why our... read more →

March 13, 2025
digitalLIFT
General, Webinars

Just Launched: CTN’s Device Training Curriculum for Instructors

CTN’s new Device Training Curriculum is here! These ready-to-use resources are perfect for technology instructors who want to teach digital literacy classes without the hassle of creating... read more →

Simplify Teaching Digital Literacy with CTN’s New Device Training Curriculum

If you’re a technology instructor, you know how much time and effort it takes to create lesson plans and materials for your classes. That’s why CTN is excited to introduce... read more →

Digital Skills Impact Story: Angelita

Digital Skills Impact Story At 76 years old, Angelita O. didn’t expect her weekly guitar lessons at the Antioch senior center to lead her into the world of technology. But... read more →

CTN Webinar | Digital Inclusion Webinar on Cultural Responsiveness

At Community Tech Network (CTN), we believe that cultural proficiency is key to promoting social inclusion and addressing the diverse needs of the communities we serve. That’s why we’re hosting... read more →

February 19, 2025
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, General, Webinars

Telehealth experts on the future of senior healthcare in a tech-driven world

Telehealth has transformed how older adults access healthcare, but significant barriers still exist. In this special roundtable episode of Connected Naton, we're joined by a panel of telehealth experts to... read more →

January 30, 2025
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, digitalLIFT In the News, Events

Breaking News! Our Teaching Internet Safety & Responsibility Course Is Now FREE!

Have you heard? CTN’s Teaching Internet Safety & Responsibility online course is now available AT NO COST! We decided to make this course free in order to help... read more →

Santa Barbara Foundation Collaborates With Community Tech Network to Advance Access To Technology Efforts in California

In an increasingly connected world, having access to the internet and the skills to navigate it is essential for education, health, employment, and social connection. Yet, in Santa Barbara... read more →

Building Bridges: CTN Joins Solano Connected to Tackle the Digital Divide

At Community Tech Network, we believe that technology can be a tool for empowerment. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Solano Connected, a program of Solano County, California, dedicated... read more →

Partner Spotlight: Kentucky Health Center Network (KHCN) | Kentucky Healthcare

At Community Tech Network (CTN), we are proud to spotlight the incredible work of the Kentucky Health Center Network (KHCN), a pivotal organization dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing... read more →

Digital Equity 101: New eBook Available from Community Tech Network

In today’s world, internet access and technology skills aren’t luxuries—they’re essential for everyone’s ability to thrive. But did you know that over 42 million Americans are still offline? Many face... read more →

January 13, 2025
Jessica Pasquarello
General

building resilience for leadership webinar

Look Back and See Forward: Resilience for 2025 Leadership – Upcoming CTN Webinar

As we enter 2025, resilience has never been more important. At Community Tech Network, we’re excited to kick off the year with an inspiring Lunch & Learn webinar: Look Back... read more →

January 8, 2025
Jessica Pasquarello
General

CTN: Empowering Organizations to Deliver Sustainable Digital Inclusion Programs

At Community Tech Network, we specialize in creating long-term digital inclusion solutions by combining direct services with training and capacity-building for organizations. Our unique approach ensures that underserved communities not... read more →

December 19, 2024
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, General

CTN Capacity Building Recognized by National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Celebrate a year of progress in digital inclusion with Community Tech Network's final Lunch & Learn Webinar of 2024. Join us on December 12 at 11 a.m. PT for... read more →

December 10, 2024
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Don’t Miss CTN’s End-of-Year Webinar: The Gift of Digital Inclusion!

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the lessons we’ve learned. At Community Tech Network, 2024 has been an incredible... read more →

December 5, 2024
digitalLIFT
General, Webinars

How Learning Technology Helped Mary P. with Her Depression During Chemotherapy

Mary P. is 58 years old and originally from New York City. Now living in San Mateo County, she found out about CTN's Home Connect program through the Center for... read more →

Using Technology in Rural Areas: Liz B.’s Story

Liz B. lives in Greenville, California, which is a very remote, quiet community in Western Sonoma County. She's 65 years old and works with the Russian River Senior Center, doing... read more →

dyslexia learning programs | dyslexia classes | dyslexia programs near me

Peggy’s Journey with CTN’s Tech Classes: Dyslexia Learning Programs

Peggy A. is from Morgan Hill, California and learned about Community Tech Network through Sourcewise. In this interview, she shares how learning to use technology has impacted her life. What... read more →

How a little-known group is helping close The City’s digital divide

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of the SF Tech Council. But if you know an older adult or someone with disabilities in San Francisco, the odds are decent... read more →

Empower Your Community with CTN’s New English Android Curriculum!

Are you teaching technology classes using Android? Community Tech Network is thrilled to announce the release of our new English Android Curriculum. The curriculum is generalized to account for a... read more →

November 19, 2024
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, General

Do you teach technology classes with Androids?

New Digital Equity Funding Available for California!

Exciting news! California has received a $70.2 million federal grant to support communities working to close the digital equity gap across the state. This funding aims to help underserved... read more →

November 14, 2024
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Celebrating Caregivers: Practicing Good Digital Citizenship – Upcoming CTN Webinar

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the dedicated caregivers who play an essential role in supporting their loved ones’ independence. At Community Tech Network,... read more →

November 12, 2024
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, Webinars

Community Tech Network’s 2023 Annual Report is Here!

Last year marked Community Tech Network’s 15th anniversary, and it was a milestone filled with incredible growth, new partnerships, and countless stories of empowerment as we continued our efforts to... read more →

October 25, 2024
digitalLIFT
General

Digital Inclusion Week 2024: A Huge Success

Earlier this month, we celebrated Digital Inclusion Week. From in-person technology workshops to virtual events, we helped bridge the digital divide for hundreds of participants. A highlight of the... read more →

October 17, 2024
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Digital Disability Inclusion: Accessibility Solutions for People with Disabilities

According to statistics, more than 1.3 billion people around the world have some form of disability The actual number is likely much higher — after all, many disabilities go... read more →

Join Us for Digital Inclusion Week October 7-14, 2024

Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) is just around the corner, and Community Tech Network has planned an exciting lineup of in-person and virtual events to engage volunteers, digital equity practitioners,... read more →

September 26, 2024
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

CTN Gears Up for a Power-Packed Digital Inclusion Week 2024

Community Tech Network is going all out for Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) from October 7-14, 2024. We’ve packed the week with in-person technology workshops across San Francisco and virtual sessions... read more →

September 18, 2024
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteer for Digital Inclusion Week: October 7-11, 2024: Individual and Group Volunteers Needed!

Internet access has become essential for nearly every aspect of daily life. Need to check your medical test results? You’ll have to sign into an online portal. Applying for a... read more →

September 18, 2024
digitalLIFT
General

CTN Free Webinar: Bilingual Training and Bridging the Digital Divide

Language plays a crucial role in how we learn, communicate, and connect with others. In the digital age, ensuring that individuals can access training in their first language is essential... read more →

September 15, 2024
digitalLIFT
General, Webinars

Community Tech Network Seeks Housing Partners for Digital Inclusion Initiative

ConnectHomeUSA (CHUSA), the digital inclusion branch of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), recently announced the expansion of their programming across 36 states and four... read more →

CTN Free Webinar: Digital Inclusion and College Students

As the new academic year begins, it's essential to recognize that not all young people have equal access to technology and the internet. Despite the common belief that all college... read more →

Strengthening Digital Equity in South Texas: A Closer Look at CTN’s Partnership with MHM

In a continuing effort to bridge the digital divide in South Texas, Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) and Community Tech Network (CTN) are making significant strides in enhancing digital equity across... read more →

How Digital Skills Change Lives

This month, Community Tech Network wanted to celebrate the impact that learning digital skills has on people’s lives. As we share the stories of some of our learners,... read more →

Remote, Multilingual Digital Skills Training: A Case Study on Community Tech Network’s Work with Vivalon

Community Tech Network is excited to announce the release of a detailed case study about our collaboration with Vivalon, to whose clients we provided remote digital skills training in various... read more →

July 24, 2024
digitalLIFT
General, Research

Staying Connected: How Dana Dunne Uses Technology to Support Her Community

Dana Dunne, a 69-year-old lifelong resident of Sonoma County, has always valued community. Her recent dive into the digital world has allowed her to stay even more connected with community... read more →

career workforce | job skills | career path | online job search | online applications

Reviving Her Career with Digital Skills: Tina’s Path to Workforce Readiness

Tina Soloa, a 70-year-old former nurse, has lived an incredibly interesting life, as she’s traveled the world and spent time in places like Japan and Germany. However, five years ago,... read more →

digital transformation training | digital transformation courses | course on digital transformation | online course digital transformation

From Overwhelmed to Learning: Patricia’s Digital Transformation

Patricia Akroosh, an 84-year-old resident of Marin, has lived a vibrant life, working as a Pan American flight attendant, a real estate agent, and even a radio DJ. (You can... read more →

Homeless housing assistance | organizations that help the homeless | Homeless programs

Helping the Unhoused Community Access Technology in Texas: Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center and Community Tech Network

Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center is the largest provider of homeless services in Austin, Texas. They offer pathways to housing for people experiencing homelessness through low-barrier access to wraparound services. Their... read more →

community health workers | digital healthcare

Empowering Community Health Workers as Digital Navigators: MHP Salud and CTN’s Journey

In an effort to promote digital equity across South and Central Texas, Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) funded Community Tech Network to train 30 agencies across the region, preparing each team’s... read more →

Learning to Use an iPad: Sharon’s Journey

Thanks to a newsletter from the Sourcewise senior center, 82-year-old Sharon P. discovered CTN’s programs, which allowed her to learn how to use an iPad and keep up with the... read more →

How Digital Literacy Skills Transformed Maria’s Life: A Success Story from Sonoma County

Sixty-eight-year-old former legal secretary Maria Hernandez received a free tablet and technology classes from Community Tech Network as part of the Access to Technology program in Sonoma County, California. Here,... read more →

Reflections on Success: CTN’s Achievements with Archstone Foundation

At Community Tech Network, our mission to bridge the digital divide is at the heart of everything we do. Today, we are thrilled to recognize and extend our deepest gratitude... read more →

Enhancing Career Prospects:
Robin Dye’s Digital Skills for the Workforce

At 63, Robin D. from San Jose, California, exemplifies resilience and adaptability in the face of changing times. Her journey with Community Tech Network (CTN) is a testament to the... read more →

Art, Digital Skills, and Economic Opportunities: Toby’s Story

Featured image: Art by Toby Zipperlend Despite a challenging childhood filled with violence and trauma, 60-year-old Cloverdale, California, native Toby Zipperlend found solace in art, thanks to his grandmother, who... read more →

How Learning Technology “Opened Up My World” — Joy’s Story

Community Tech Network instructor, Giang (Jen) Tran recently sat down (virtually!) with Joy, one of her technology students. In the below interview, Joy shares how learning technology has impacted her... read more →

Digital Inclusion Webinar Recording — Professional Graces: Understanding Social Anxieties in the Workplace

In today's diverse workplaces, understanding and addressing social anxieties is essential for creating inclusive and supportive environments. At Community Tech Network, we recognize the importance of fostering understanding and providing... read more →

July 8, 2024
digitalLIFT
General, Webinars

Digital transformation training | digital skills accessibility | tech training programs

Accessible Tech Training programs: Julieta’s Story

Seventy-three-year-old Julieta L. was undergoing chemotherapy when she learned about the opportunity to receive digital skills training through Community Tech Network. The timing was perfect: although Julieta had used technology... read more →

Learning Tech: M.F. Wong’s Story

M.F. Wong migrated to the United States from Hong Kong over 20 years ago. She is now 73 years old. The digital skills that she learned through Community Tech Network... read more →

The Intersection of Digital Equity and Healthcare

When people can access the internet, the health benefits are endless. From telehealth appointments, to informational health sites, to nutrition tracking apps, and FaceTime (which can decrease isolation by... read more →

Bridging the Digital Divide in South Texas: CTN’s Collaboration with Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM)

In a landmark effort to enhance digital equity across South Texas, Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) committed more than $21 million over three years to ensure that local communities have access... read more →

Ming Ding Xu Learns Digital Skills with Community Tech Network

Ming Ding Xu received an iPad and technology training from Community Tech Network after learning about us through Sourcewise, one of our partners. In a recent interview, she shared with... read more →

PRIDE in Digital Inclusion: Webinar Recording on Digital Equity and the LGBTQIA+ Community

In today's digital age, access to technology is more than just a matter of convenience—it's a gateway to opportunity, connection, and empowerment. Yet, many communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community, still... read more →

June 6, 2024
digitalLIFT
General, Webinars

Older Americans Month, the ACP ending & more

Adults over the age of 65 made up 20% of Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) recipients. In fact, over 10 million older adults from low-income households were enrolled in... read more →

Online Courses for Digital Equity Instructors and Managers

In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of digital equity cannot be overstated. Yet, addressing the digital divide requires more than just access to technology—it demands comprehensive strategies and... read more →

Council on Aging and Community Tech Network: Helping Older Adults Get Online in Sonoma County

Council on Aging (COA) is a Sonoma-based nonprofit organization that has been serving older adults since 1966. They provide nutritional, fiduciary, and social services and now, thanks to a partnership... read more →

Doris’s iPad Journey with CTN

Eighty-five-year-old Doris* recently completed digital skills training with Community Tech Network after learning about us from one of our partners, the Cupertino Senior Center. In this interview, with her instructor,... read more →

May 23, 2024
digitalLIFT
General

Digital Skills Training in the Midst of Health Challenges: Mary’s Story

In a world increasingly defined by digital technologies, the ability to navigate the online landscape can be a gateway to empowerment and independence. For Mary S., a 64-year-old learner, this... read more →

Arlene’s Journey: Empowerment Through Digital Skills Training with Community Tech Network

Arlene H. received an iPad and digital skills training from Community Tech Network. In the interview below, she shares with her instructor, CTN’s Giang (Jen) Tran, the impact that technology... read more →

Celebrating Gabriella Lazarcheff: A Spotlight on Service

At Community Tech Network, we are committed to bridging the digital divide and empowering individuals with the skills and resources they need to thrive in today's digital world. Our partnership... read more →

Corporate Volunteering Opportunities: Help Older Adults Learn to Use Technology!

At Community Tech Network, our goal is to bridge the digital divide by providing technology access and digital skills training to low-income older adults and other marginalized communities. As essential... read more →

May 10, 2024
digitalLIFT
General, Volunteer

Mental Health Matters: Webinar Recording on Digital Equity and Mental Health

In today's digital age, access to technology is more than just a matter of convenience — it's a gateway to opportunity, connection, and empowerment. Yet, for many individuals, the digital... read more →

Empowering Older Adults Through Digital Literacy: Consuelo’s Inspiring Journey

At 87 years old, Consuelo B., a resident of San Jose, California, embarked on a digital adventure with Community Tech Network (CTN). Through a series of six training sessions with... read more →

Keeping Her Mind Active at Home: 65-Year-Old Lauren R. Learns Technology

Lauren R., a 65-year-old from San Francisco, had some basic online skills prior to learning more with Community Tech Network. However, she has begun to stay at home most of... read more →

Celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month with CTN

Volunteer Appreciation Month Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month! We are so grateful for all of our volunteers who help us bridge the digital divide each day! Do YOU want... read more →

Librarians as Digital Navigators: Watch the Webinar Recording!

Community Tech Network is excited to share the recording from our recent Lunch & Learn webinar, Celebrating Librarians: The Original Digital Navigators, which was held on April 25 at 11... read more →

Teaching Digital Literacy in the Face of New Technologies Like AI

In the dynamic realm of technology, noteworthy advancements have surfaced, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The capability of AI to execute complex tasks represents a shift scarcely... read more →

Maria Acuchi’s Digital Journey of Joy and Connection

In Cloverdale, California, 70-year-old Maria Acuchi shares her experience of acquiring digital literacy with Community Tech Network. Maria's story is a testament to the transformative power of technology in enriching... read more →

Artificial Intelligence, Culturally Inclusive Digital Equity, and More!

Digital Literacy Promotes... read more →

Bridging the Digital Divide: Navigating the Challenges of Digital Access for Incarcerated (and Formerly Incarcerated) Individuals

In 2022, Community Tech Network profiled one of our learners, Charles Hale, who, before participating in CTN’s technology classes, had been incarcerated for 48 years. Hale entered jail in 1974,... read more →

March 18, 2024
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

A.I webinar | ai training | ai conference | artificial intelligence training

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Inclusion Webinar: Watch the Recording!

Community Tech Network’s highly anticipated webinar, "AI & Digital Inclusion," took place on March 28 at 11 a.m. PT, and we're thrilled to share the recording with you. Why AI... read more →

March 11, 2024
digitalLIFT
General, Webinars

CTN Presentation at 2024 American Society of Aging Conference: Bridging the Digital Divide: Best Practices in Addressing Social Isolation

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of aging, one critical aspect that demands attention is social isolation among older adults. Community Tech Network is excited to present at the 2024... read more →

March 5, 2024
digitalLIFT
General

New Research: Bridging the Digital Divide by Addressing Barriers with Digital Literacy Strategies for Older Adults

The COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to ignore the digital divide, underscoring the challenges faced by older adults who are offline. While access to technology and initial digital skills training... read more →

March 1, 2024
digitalLIFT
General, Research

senior citizen internet program and training report | senior internet services | senior training tech programs report

CTN’s CHAT Program Report: Digital Equity Recommendations for Practitioners and Policymakers

Community Tech Network is proud to unveil its report (PDF) on the impactful Connections, Health, Aging, and Technology (CHAT) program. This report serves as a practical guide for digital equity... read more →

March 1, 2024
digitalLIFT
General, Research

Staying Safe Online: Tips for Older Adults

In part one of our internet safety series, we discussed 15 online scams that older adults commonly face. In this next edition we’ll discuss some general rules of thumb to... read more →

February 27, 2024
digitalLIFT
General, Internet Safety

Navigating the Digital Realm: Protecting Older Adults from Online Scams

In an era dominated by technology, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. While it has opened up new avenues for communication, learning, and entertainment, it... read more →

Digital exclusion and disability – how does society tackle the divide?

Wherever people with disabilities live in the world, the digital divide has a disproportionate impact, hampering their access not just to education and employment, but to life-affirming social activities.... read more →

Digital equity webinars + conferences

Monthly Lunch & Learn Webinars If you’re a digital equity practitioner, don’t miss CTN’s monthly Lunch & Learns, which we launched in January! Our first session, “How to Support... read more →

February 15, 2024
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Breaking a Lifeline to the Internet

Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stopped accepting applications for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a pandemic-era discount for qualified low-income households to obtain reliable and quality broadband... read more →

Empowering Lives: A Conversation with Moc Quach on Digital Literacy

In our ongoing mission to bridge the digital divide, Community Tech Network continues to witness inspiring stories of transformation. Today, we bring you an interview with Moc Quach, a 63-year-old... read more →

84-Year-Old Clement Kennedy Learns Digital Skills from Her Nursing Home

Clement Kennedy is an 84-year-old from Half Moon Bay, California. She lives alone in a nursing home apartment without a TV. Her digital literacy instructor, CTN’s Giang (Jen) Tran, says,... read more →

online webinar | session webinar | webinar event | access webinar | free webinar |

Culturally-Inclusive Digital Equity Curriculum Webinar Recording

As an installment in Community Tech Network’s successful Lunch & Learn webinar series, we hosted our February 2024 session, titled Culturally Inclusive Digital Equity Curriculum, on February 29 at 11... read more →

70-Year-Old Latinx Man Learns Technology Skills with Community Tech Network

Jose, age 70, is originally from Jalisco, Mexico, and currently lives in Santa Rosa, California. Learning digital skills with Community Tech Network has empowered him with a newfound sense of... read more →

California’s Digital Equity Plan: How to Share Your Public Comments

The California Department of Technology (CDT) has released a draft of its Digital Equity Plan, which would allocate millions of dollars to bridge the digital divide across the state by... read more →

January 16, 2024
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Empowering Older Adults: A Successful Digital Literacy Program in Collaboration with the City of Oakland

At Community Tech Network (CTN), our commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering digital literacy is a journey marked by meaningful collaborations and impactful programs. Recently, we concluded a... read more →

Digitallift Monthly Webinar - How to Support Digital Navigators,

CTN Launches Monthly Webinar Series! Watch the Recording of “How to Support Your Digital Navigators”

We're thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting initiative at CTN — our monthly Lunch & Learn webinar series dedicated to fostering digital equity! In our commitment to supporting... read more →

Sabbaticals for Nonprofit Employees: Reboots for Future Success

This blog post was written by Kami Griffiths, Community Tech Network’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, after returning from a three-month sabbatical from July to October 2023. Pictured above: her son... read more →

January 5, 2024
digitalLIFT
General

Thien Pham: Embracing Technology, One Lesson at a Time

Pictured above: CTN learner Thien Pham connecting over video call with his instructor, Giang (Jen) Tran In the heart of San Rafael, Marin County, California, a vibrant 74-year-old learner named... read more →

Season’s greetings from Community Tech Network!

Season's greetings from Community Tech Network! As we usher in the holidays, may your days be filled with joy, shared laughter, cozy moments with loved ones, and the... read more →

December 19, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Awards more than $21 million to advance digital equity across South Texas

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is investing more than $21 million over three years to twenty organizations in an effort to advance digital equity and strengthen communities... read more →

Mission seniors, armed with free iPads, bridge the digital divide

Silvia Ramirez sent children to Harvard, Princeton and Brown universities, where they continued their careers in research and tech. Meanwhile, she said, “I stayed back in time.” On Friday... read more →

CTN’s 15th anniversary, driving economic development through digital equity, and more!

Dear friends, This month, we’re celebrating CTN’s 15th anniversary! For the past 15 years, Community Tech Network has been dedicated to transforming lives through digital equity, and we couldn’t... read more →

November 16, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Antivirus Software — What’s Best for Slow PCs? [2023]

At Community Tech Network, we are committed to empowering older adults and newcomers to use technology by imparting essential digital skills — from basic device operation to accessing online health... read more →

November 7, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

Net Neutrality, Digital Inclusion Week, and More!

Digital Inclusion Week San Francisco’s City Hall lit up in honor of Digital Inclusion Week 2023 Dear friends, We hope you had a wonderful Digital Inclusion Week (#DIW2023)... read more →

October 19, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

In Their Own Words: CTN Learners Explain the Positive Impact That the Internet Has Had on Their Lives

At Community Tech Network, we believe that access to technology can transform lives. CTN’s Sabrina Tam recently collected anonymous quotes from some of our learners who discussed the benefits of... read more →

October 18, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Digital Equity to Drive Economic Development

In today's digital world, access to the internet and the skills to use it have become vital for success in education, employment, and daily life. Unfortunately, not everyone has equal... read more →

October 16, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Fast Facts About CTN’s Home Connect Program | Online Tech Classes

What Is Home Connect? Home Connect is a Community Tech Network initiative that allows older adults to have online tech classes virtually and from their homes. Learners receive a free... read more →

October 13, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

Self-Directed Learning and digitaLIFT Packages: CTN Has What You Need to Practice Digital Inclusion

digitalLIFT is a Community Tech Network initiative that packages 16 years of practical digital inclusion experience into affordable and accessible learning products for organizations that work to bridge the digital... read more →

October 11, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, General

CTN’s Day of Equity: Free Digital Inclusion Webinars

Digital Inclusion Week is an annual time to honor the work of digital equity advocates across the nation while simultaneously continuing the fight to bridge the digital divide. In honor... read more →

October 2, 2023
digitalLIFT
General, Webinars

Addressing Older Adults’ Fears of Technology

Digital Inclusion Week: Day of Equity! In honor of this year’s national Digital Inclusion Week (October 2–7), Community Tech Network will be hosting a Day of Equity on... read more →

September 21, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Need Curriculum to Teach Your Technology Classes? CTN’s digitalLIFT Team Can Help!

Are you planning to offer technology courses in your community but don’t know what topics you should cover? Or are you already teaching digital skills classes but in need of... read more →

August 31, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, General

90-Year-Old Former Stock Trader Receives Digital Literacy Training from CTN

Alan Sands traded stocks professionally until he was 52. Now 90, he was without a computer or the skills to use it, and the world had gone completely online. His... read more →

Train Your Organization’s Team to Help Community Members Receive Low-Cost Internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program

Does your organization serve low-income individuals or families that could benefit from a discount on their monthly internet bills? You can help your community members enroll in the Affordable Connectivity... read more →

August 24, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, General

Net Neutrality and the Digital Divide

Net neutrality is not a new issue. Community Tech Network was already writing about it in 2014! However, the political debate surrounding net neutrality does not look like it’s going... read more →

August 22, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

digital divide healthcare } digital inclusion as a social determinant of health

Why Digital Inclusion Matters for Healthcare

Digital inclusion plays a key role in shaping the future of healthcare. By providing equal access to digital technologies and resources, it empowers individuals and communities to fully participate in... read more →

August 21, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Internet Connectivity on Tribal Lands

Last week, August 9, was International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Did you know that tribal areas are some of the least digitally connected zones across the United... read more →

Want to Offer Digital Skills Classes in Your Community? Take CTN’s Train the Trainer Courses

If your organization is offering digital skills classes, CTN can empower your staff and volunteers through training on the digital divide, adult learning principles, and other powerful tools that will... read more →

August 17, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, General

benefits of technology for seniors | benefits of technology for elderly

Benefits of Technology for Older Adults

Since many older adults are apprehensive about using technology, it is important to explain to them the benefits that the internet can bring to their lives. This guide will look... read more →

August 17, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

EAH Housing Resident Learns Technology, Signs Up for the ACP with Community Tech Network

Rosalina was first introduced to computers when she worked as a paraeducator in the school district, where she was employed for 29 years before retiring. Two years ago, Rosalina moved... read more →

Peninsula Family Service: Getting Older Adults Connected to the Internet in San Mateo County

Peninsula Family Service, a nonprofit based out of San Mateo County, is changing the lives of everyone from infants to older adults. The organization provides a wide range of comprehensive... read more →

fear of technology among older adults | technology phobia among older adults

Addressing Older Adults’ Fears of Using Technology

At Community Tech Network, we recognize the benefits that technology can have on the lives of older adults. However, as we work to help the aging community get online, we’ve... read more →

how to apply for affordable connectivity program| how to apply for the affordable connectivity program| how to apply for acp program

How to Apply to the Affordable Connectivity Program?

Update: CTN continues to monitor the wind-down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), but, unfortunately, we are not able to support individuals with the transition. Please visit FCC.gov or contact... read more →

August 4, 2023
digitalLIFT
Affordable Connectivity Program, General

Become a Digital Navigator with CTN!

Digital Navigators are crucial players in the field of digital equity. Navigators work within their own communities as trusted resources who can help people get online, obtain home internet, and... read more →

August 3, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT, General

It Takes a Village: How the SF Tech Council Is Bringing Together Different Sectors to Tackle the Digital Divide

The digital divide is a complex issue, and bridging it requires collaboration across sectors. Recognizing this, the San Francisco Tech Council was born. The SF Tech Council unites leaders from... read more →

August 2, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

Community Tech Network’s 2022 Annual Report Is Here!

As global awareness of the need for connectivity has steadily increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Tech Network has experienced an unprecedented amount of growth. In 2022 alone, we worked... read more →

July 31, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

Exploring the Lack of Internet Access on Native American Reservations

Despite the fact that the internet is used for just about everything in today’s society, 42 million Americans are still offline. One group in particular has been especially left behind... read more →

July 28, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Digital Mythbusting: Why the Digital Divide Will Not Solve Itself

The digital divide is a complex subject. Earlier this year, we launched a Digital Mythbusting series, in which we dispel common misconceptions related to digital equity. Part one discussed... read more →

Digital Inclusion for People with Disabilities: Bridging the Accessibility Gap

More than 1 in 3 (38%) of adults living with a disability in the United States do not own a computer. Meanwhile, government statistics (PDF) show that “83.4 percent of... read more →

July 14, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

The Digital Divide as a Continuum: Beyond the Binary

The digital divide is not black and white — there are many shades of gray. Can you think of a loved one — perhaps a parent or relative — that... read more →

July 13, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Puente: Bridging the Digital Divide in San Mateo’s Rural South Coast

In the rural communities of San Mateo County’s South Coast, internet access is pretty sparse. “The area we live in is super rural. The closest hospital is one hour away,... read more →

Bridging the Digital Gap for Immigrant Families

In today's digital age, many first-generation Americans born and raised in the United States find themselves shouldering the responsibility of assisting their immigrant parents and relatives with technological challenges. These... read more →

July 8, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Jean Otazo: Helping Spanish-Speakers Sign Up for the Affordable Connectivity Program in San Francisco

Jean Otazo just joined Community Tech Network a few months ago, but within that short time, he has already made a huge difference in the lives of many Spanish-speaking older... read more →

Regional Public Meetings in Texas: Share Your Stories About the Digital Divide!

The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) wants to hear from you! Local leaders and the BDO are hosting public meetings to hear from the region about the critical need to... read more →

June 30, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Digital Equality Advocate: Dee Davila’s Volunteer Story

At Community Tech Network, we believe in the transformative power of digital equity, and our volunteers play a crucial role in making a difference in people's lives. Today, we want... read more →

Tackling the Digital Divide in California and Texas

Greetings and a warm welcome to our June newsletter! Get ready to dive into the world of digital equity as we bring you the latest updates, inspiring stories, and... read more →

Pride in Connectivity: Breaking Down the Digital Divide in the LGBTQ+ Community

In celebration of Pride month, Community Tech Network wants to shed light on an important issue affecting the LGBTQ+ community: the digital divide. While advancements in technology have brought about... read more →

June 13, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Calling California Residents: Make Your Voice Heard and Help Your Community Get Online

The internet is a critical part of everyday life. Yet one in five Californians do not have access to affordable broadband service, technological devices, and the skills to use them. Going... read more →

June 8, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Digital Mythbusting: Why the Digital Divide Is Not Just a Rural Issue

Myth: The digital divide only impacts rural communities In the realm of digital equity, there is a common misconception that the digital divide is predominantly a problem faced by rural... read more →

June 6, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Bridging the Digital Divide: A Global Perspective

Access to digital technology is no longer a mere luxury but a critical human right in the modern era. However, 2.7 billion people around the world are offline. In this... read more →

June 1, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Digital Mythbusting: Why the Digital Divide Will Not Solve Itself

Myth: The digital divide will solve itself over time. The digital divide is the gap between those who have the access and skills to use technology and those who do... read more →

May 30, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Tech’s generational divide

Pandemic lockdowns drove large numbers of older adults to use digital technologies. For some, however, devices like computers and smartphones can present challenges. “A lot of these systems are... read more →

A Multi-Pronged Approach to Digital Equity: How CTN Is Transforming Lives

Nowadays, we need the internet for just about everything. We use it to schedule doctor’s appointments, access healthcare test results, search for jobs and apartments, communicate with our (or our... read more →

May 23, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Provide Your Input — Help Close the Digital Divide in Texas

Nearly 2.8 million Texas households lack access to high-speed internet. There is a critical need to connect Texans with reliable broadband access, as well as the affordable devices and digital... read more →

May 19, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Breaking News! CTN Signs Partnerships with San Mateo and Sonoma Counties – May 2023

BREAKING NEWS! The California Department of Aging recently awarded millions of dollars to counties across the state to help bridge the digital divide for older adults (60+) and... read more →

CTN Submits Responses to NTIA’s Digital Equity Act Request for Comments

Many folks have been left behind in today’s increasingly digital society, as they lack the skills or resources to use technology. To address this problem, the U.S. federal government passed... read more →

May 18, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

The Digital Divide in the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our country. However, it’s also... read more →

May 17, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development Launches Citywide Initiative to Increase Affordable Connectivity Program Adoption

A coalition of local leaders and community partners will work to close the digital divide and provide more than 124,000 San Franciscan households with free or reduced-cost home internet.... read more →

Join the Fight for Digital Equity in California: Let Your Voice Be Heard by May 18!

Californians have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the fight for digital equity. The proposed legislation AB414, known as the Digital Equity Bill of Rights, aims to ensure... read more →

May 11, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

The State of Digital Equity in Texas

As a follow-up to our recent post about the digital divide in the state of California, this month we’re highlighting some facts and figures about the issue in another major... read more →

May 9, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

CTN’s Exciting New Digital Equity Initiative with EAH Housing in the Central Valley

Community Tech Network has partnered with EAH Housing to launch a new digital equity initiative in California’s Central Valley. The program is funded by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)... read more →

Internet Access Crucial to Older Adults’ Emotional and Physical Health

Did you know that nearly 42% of older Americans (60+) living in the United States do not have high-speed internet at home? In today’s digital age, access to technology has... read more →

May 3, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy

The State of Digital Equity in California

California, home to the renowned Silicon Valley, is often considered a hub for technological innovation in the United States. However, digital inequity is still a major problem across the state,... read more →

volunteer opportunities san francisco bay area | best volunteer opportunities san francisco | volunteer opportunities near me

5 Reasons to Volunteer with Community Tech Network

Volunteering has many benefits. It can help you feel more connected to your community (which can decrease loneliness and depression), and it can offer you a sense of achievement in... read more →

April 27, 2023
digitalLIFT
General, Volunteer

Bringing Digital Equity to Rural, Homebound, and Non-English-Speaking Learners – April 2023

For some folks, acquiring digital literacy skills can be a challenge. Maybe they’ve heard that there are technology classes offered in their area, but what if they are homebound and cannot... read more →

Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering with Community Tech Network

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer for Community Tech Network? Our volunteers transform lives every day by teaching older adults how to use technology. However, you probably want to... read more →

April 18, 2023
digitalLIFT
General, Volunteer

Back to Her Roots: Yanely Gonzalez Returns to Hometown to Serve Community as Digital Equity Coordinator

Whenever possible, Community Tech Network strives to hire individuals directly from the communities which we are serving since such folks best understand the local context and needs. As we expand... read more →

CTN Customizes Digital Literacy Curriculum to Support Texas-Based Latinx Organization

El Buen Samaritano (EBS), located in Austin, Texas, is a powerhouse organization. Serving mainly the Latinx community, EBS offers its clients access to a food pantry, assistance in applying for... read more →

Digital Equity and Environmental Justice

Paperless has become one of society’s most popular buzzwords. Going shopping? Many stores now offer to email your receipt instead of printing it. Need to sign a contract? Just add... read more →

April 7, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Digital Equity and Workers’ Rights

Let’s say you’re unemployed and looking for a new job. It's summertime and brutally hot outside. You walk all over town looking for a “We’re Hiring” sign, only to return... read more →

April 6, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Vy Vo: Bringing Key Resources to Vietnamese and Asian Communities

When she was a young child, Vy Toung Vo and her family moved to the U.S. as refugees from Vietnam. She has since dedicated her career to supporting Vietnamese and,... read more →

CTN Partners with San Mateo, Sonoma Counties to Implement California Department of Aging’s Access to Technology Funding

The California Department of Aging recently awarded millions of dollars to counties across the state to help bridge the digital divide for older adults (60+) and adults with disabilities (18+).... read more →

CTN Hosts First Graphic Design, Photo, and Video Editing Class

Each year, 4.2 million young people across the United States experience homelessness. Did you know that about 1 in 3 of these homeless youth live in California? Lutheran Social Services... read more →

Bridging the Digital Divide for San Francisco’s Chinese Community – March 2023

For non-English-speaking individuals living in the United States, accessing resources can be difficult. Community Tech Network offers its services in eight languages, including Chinese (both Cantonese and Mandarin dialects).... read more →

Uhunoma Edamwen: Young, Promising Leader in the Field of Digital Equity

Uhunoma Edamwen has worked to address the digital divide from every angle: as a journalist, as a researcher, and even as a federal government official. Now he’s brought his talents... read more →

Providing Remote Digital Literacy to Homebound and Rural Individuals with Vivalon

Vivalon is the largest nonprofit serving older adults in Marin county, California. It offers older adults free rides and meals, as well as an array of classes. These include fitness,... read more →

Bringing Digital Literacy to Non-English Speakers

“Individuals from marginalized communities that do not speak English as their primary language have to overcome two barriers — the digital literacy and the language one — to apply for... read more →

March 14, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

Connections, Health, Aging, and Technology (CHAT): Learner Satisfaction Surveys

In 2022, CTN was selected as one of three organizations to provide digital literacy as part of the California Department of Aging’s Connections, Health, Aging, and Technology (CHAT) program. The... read more →

March 13, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

One to Watch: Jenny Rubio, an Up-and-Coming Leader in Digital Equity

Jenny Rubio is a promising new powerhouse in the field of digital equity. A recent graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Jenny has been advocating for digital inclusion since... read more →

March 10, 2023
digitalLIFT
Staff Spotlights

gender digital divide | digital gender gap

The Gender Digital Divide

When you think about women’s* rights, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably not women’s access to technology. However, across the world, the U.S. State Department estimates (PDF)... read more →

March 8, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

CTN Offers Digital Literacy Classes, Provides Free Devices to Chinese-Speaking Learners at GLIDE Foundation

As part of our work with the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, Community Tech Network recently offered its first device training at GLIDE Foundation. The training supported 10... read more →

Why Smartphones Are Not Enough to Bridge the Digital Divide – Feb 2023

Just two months into 2023, Community Tech Network has been able to start the year strong. We are building relationships with new partners and continuing to work alongside our... read more →

February 16, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

High School Senior Trained as Digital Navigator to Help Chinese Community in San Francisco Get Online

Xiaolin Li has an impressive resume. She is a fellow with the GOAT 23 program, which helps young people develop their own businesses. She knows how to code and do... read more →

February 10, 2023
digitalLIFT
General, Staff Spotlights

Superstar CTN Volunteer Hosts Webinar to Teach Older Adults How to Use WhatsApp

Kristy Ng, a recent graduate of the University of San Francisco with a degree in business administration in management, first learned about Community Tech Network when CTN’s Pat Jew spoke... read more →

non profit volunteer near me | non profit community service near me | tech volunteer opportunities

How to Become a Volunteer at Community Tech Network

Are you interested in volunteering with Community Tech Network? In today’s society, those without digital skills are left behind. For example, how can folks schedule doctor’s appointments, search for jobs... read more →

February 6, 2023
digitalLIFT
General, Volunteer

racial digital divide | racial gap caused by lack of home broadband services

Digital Equity for Black Americans: A Racial Justice Issue

One key topic is often left out of discussions about racial justice: the racial digital divide. Individuals can search and apply for jobs, scholarships, and career opportunities online. They can... read more →

February 6, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

why is internet so expensive in america | why does internet cost so much | why is wifi so expensive

Why Is the Internet More Expensive in the USA than in Other Countries?

In Argentina, data plans for cell phones are available for as little as $4.00 USD per month. How is this possible when Americans pay about $114 per month on average... read more →

February 2, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy

What Is Digital Redlining and How Does It Perpetuate Poverty?

January is Poverty Awareness Month. At Community Tech Network, we believe that when discussing poverty, one must also address digital redlining. Internet service providers, or ISPs, often intentionally underinvest in... read more →

January 26, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Digital Mythbusting: Why Smartphones Are Not Enough to Bridge the Digital Divide

Myth: Smartphones are enough to bridge the digital divide. Imagine that you’re a high school student writing a 10-page essay on your phone. How difficult is it to switch between... read more →

January 26, 2023
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

CTN Offers Digital Navigator Training to Youth Library Volunteers

In fall 2022, Community Tech Network offered its digital navigator training to 17 high school juniors and seniors who are volunteering within the San Francisco Public Library system. The students... read more →

January 24, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

Thank You for All Your Support in 2022! – Jan 2023

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT IN 2022! We hope you had a wonderful New Year! As we enter 2023, Community Tech Network would like to extend an... read more →

January 18, 2023
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

CTN’s Kami Griffiths Teaching Online Digital Equity Course Through NTEN!

Kami Griffiths, Community Tech Network’s executive director and co-founder, is teaching an online course next month through NTEN. The course, which is designed for other nonprofit leaders, focuses on digital... read more →

January 9, 2023
digitalLIFT
General

CTN Named One of 22 National Organizations to Receive Grant as Part of the Alliant Quarter Million Dollar Challenge

Community Tech Network is thrilled to be named a grant recipient of the Alliant Quarter Million Dollar Challenge. Alliant, a national digital financial institution, is committed to bridging the digital... read more →

CTN Receives Grant from Google Fiber to Launch Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Specialist Training

Community Tech Network is thrilled to announce that it has received a $20,000 grant from Google Fiber to support us as we launch an Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) enrollment specialist... read more →

Okta Donates $75,000 to Community Tech Network in Lieu of Conference Swag

Last month, Okta hosted its Oktane2022, a major three-day event featuring world-class speakers such as Serena Williams and Magic Johnson. Typically, attendees at conferences return home with bags full of... read more →

Staff Spotlight: Jessica Pasquarello

Jessica Pasquarello, Community Tech Network’s communications and marketing associate, comes to the organization with extensive experience as both a writer and an activist. Jessica is a graduate of the University... read more →

October 21, 2022
digitalLIFT
Staff Spotlights

Telecom Giants Say They Want to Help Close the Digital Divide. Here’s What They Have in Mind

Big internet service providers have committed billions of dollars to the cause of closing the digital divide in recent years. But these firms’ charity is also a tool for... read more →

Celebrating Al Ho, CTN’s Digital Literacy Instructor and Technology Lead

Last month, Al Ho, the technology lead at Community Tech Network (CTN), headed to Harvard University to conduct research on structural biology and molecular pharmacology. By looking at the molecular... read more →

September 7, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

New California State Partnership with CTN – Aug 2022

NEW CALIFORNIA STATE PARTNERSHIP WITH CTN New Grant Announcement - Community Tech Network (CTN) has been selected as one of three organizations to provide digital literacy training as... read more →

New Grant Announcement! The California Department of Aging’s Connections, Health, Aging and Technology (CHAT) Program

Community Tech Network is thrilled to announce that it has been selected as one of three organizations to provide digital literacy training as part of the California Department of Aging’s... read more →

August 30, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

Funder Spotlight: Okta for Good

According to Keenan Harrell, Okta for Good’s Community Impact Program manager, promoting digital inclusion is a key to building an equitable society. Says Keenan: “Technology is embedded in just about... read more →

CTN’s Bilingual Digital Literacy Training with the Santa Clara County Libraries

“Libraries are all about literacy — not just in terms of books, but in terms of all resources. Today, the tool that people need to succeed is digital literacy. Digital... read more →

Alexey Morov: Continuing a Family Legacy as a Digital Equity Champion

Alexey Morov, Community Tech Network’s training manager, sees his work as a way to both combine his various skill sets and continue his family legacy of working to bridge the digital... read more →

Partner Spotlight: I.T. Bookman Community Center

Community Tech Network’s relationship with the I.T. Bookman Community Center highlights some of the many ways in which CTN supports its partner organizations. CTN began working with I.T. Bookman through... read more →

Stand Up For Digital Equity – July 2022

HELP BRING DIGITAL LITERACY TO YOUR COMMUNITY Are you looking to help bring digital literacy to your community? Government funding is available! The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Ryan Huang

Several years ago, Ryan Huang began volunteering as a bilingual digital coach for CTN’s Home Connect program after learning about CTN through his aunt, who works for Glide, a partner... read more →

Kari Gray: A Lifelong Digital Equity Advocate

Kari Gray is an enthusiastic digital equity champion. For more than two decades, she has been fighting for everyone in the Bay Area to have equal access to the internet.... read more →

Partner Spotlight: City of Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale lies in the heart of Silicon Valley, a globally renowned technology hub. Yet there exists a major digital divide within the community, with many residents offline. Hoping to bridge... read more →

The Inequality of Broadband Access

Access to high-speed internet, or broadband, is a human right, yet 21 million Americans are still offline, creating a digital divide in which many individuals do not have access to... read more →

July 7, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Staff Spotlight: Skye Downing

Skye Downing’s passion for digital equity developed many years ago. “My son and I lived in a low-income part of town, and I offered the principal of his elementary school... read more →

Digital Navigators Will Guide Less Experienced Users to Telehealth

After access to broadband is secured, it’s time to tackle obsolete personal devices and outdated software. Helping you navigate these muddy, electronic waters will be the Digital Navigators at... read more →

Digital Literacy and Access Is a Human Rights Issue

In today’s increasingly technological society, many vital tasks have become digital, including accessing healthcare, managing one’s finances, applying for government services, and searching and applying for jobs. Yet, over 21... read more →

June 30, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

How Digital Literacy Helped Shameka’s Parenting and Career

Thirty-five-year-old Shameka heard about Community Tech Network through our partner, Compass Family Services, which supports homeless and at-risk families and helps them become economically self-sufficient. While Shameka says she already... read more →

Our 2021 Annual Report is Here! – June 2022

CTN’s 2021 Annual Report Is Here! Community Tech Network is excited to announce the release of our 2021 Annual Report! This past year was exciting and challenging for... read more →

CTN’s 2021 Annual Report Now Available!

Community Tech Network is excited to announce the release of our 2021 Annual Report! This past year was exciting and challenging for CTN, as we returned to some in-person (masked!)... read more →

June 21, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

Tech Week

Community Tech Network has been participating in the San Francisco Public Library’s annual Tech Week for the past eight years. CTN’s senior program manager, Stephen Minor, says the impact is... read more →

June 16, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

How Can States Plan for the Long Game of Digital Equity?

With billions of broadband infrastructure dollars at stake, states have to ensure that digital equity programs are sustainable long after federal money has been spent. Here’s how they can... read more →

Partner Spotlight: Burbank Housing

“CTN is not only bringing communities together, but it’s bringing families together as well.” — Mary Lockhart, Resident Service Coordinator for Senior Housing at Burbank Housing CTN’s Partnership with Burbank... read more →

Connect Your Community to the Internet! A Webinar to Help with Applications for Digital Literacy Funding

On Thursday, June 16, at 2 p.m. Pacific, Community Tech Network will host a free webinar to outline the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) grant process. What Is the CPUC Grant?... read more →

June 10, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

Airwaves for Equity: A National Effort to Improve Digital Literacy

In 2022, nine of the country’s largest digital inclusion organizations joined forces to launch the Airwaves for Equity Coalition. The coalition is urging Congress to dedicate a portion of its... read more →

June 9, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

Fast Facts on the Affordable Connectivity Program

Update: CTN continues to monitor the wind-down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), but, unfortunately, we are not able to support individuals with the transition. Please visit FCC.gov or contact... read more →

June 7, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

Reflections on the 2022 On Aging Conference

Together with leaders from Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Front Porch, CTN’s executive director Kami Griffiths participated in a panel last month at the American Society on Aging conference... read more →

June 2, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

May is Older American Month – May 2022

MAY IS OLDER AMERICAN MONTH! This month, we are raising awareness about older adults’ lack of internet access and how it negatively impacts their health outcomes. About 42%... read more →

Third-Year College Student Ivy Discusses the Joys of Volunteering with CTN

During the pandemic, Ivy Au, a third-year neurobiology student at UC San Diego, decided to volunteer with Community Tech Network. “Because of COVID, I recognized the importance of the internet.... read more →

CTN’s New Apprenticeship Program: Teacher Spotlight

After participating in the Sunset Tech Connect program with CTN, Edmond, a senior citizen from Hong Kong, was invited to become a teaching assistant for the next cohort. This is... read more →

May 24, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

Learner Spotlight: Damaris

Nine years ago, Damaris and her family migrated from Michoacán, Mexico, to Sunnyvale, California. Due to economic struggles, Damaris was unable to graduate from high school, and her knowledge of... read more →

Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks Visits CTN and Hamilton Families

Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks is a strong advocate for digital equity. While in California to learn more about digital equity programs in public housing and community-based organizations serving vulnerable... read more →

May 12, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

Older Americans Month: Seniors’ Lack of Internet Access and the Resulting Public Health Crisis

Today nearly 22 million (42%) older Americans do not have broadband access at home, and Black and Latino seniors are 2.5 and 3.3 times more likely to lack this vital... read more →

May 10, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

Help Bring Digital Literacy to Your Community – Apply for the DigitalLIFT Program!

Are you a community leader who assists residents/clients with signing up for home internet? Are you helping people access the internet to complete online activities? Are you currently conducting digital... read more →

CTN Volunteers Transform Lives! – April 2022

IT'S VOLUNTEER MONTH - CTN VOLUNTEERS TRANSFORM LIVES! As a young professional in San Francisco’s tech sector, Mary Grace Reich wanted to find a way to give back to the... read more →

Wilma’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Success Story

Update: CTN continues to monitor the wind-down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), but, unfortunately, we are not able to support individuals with the transition. Please visit FCC.gov or contact... read more →

TechWomen Leaders Volunteer with CTN!

TechWomen, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, aims to empower, connect, and support the next generation of women leaders in science, technology,... read more →

April 14, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Promoting Health Equity in Rural Texas with St. David’s Foundation

St. David’s Foundation is one of the largest healthcare foundations in the United States, investing over $80 million each year. Through a unique partnership with St. David's HealthCare, the foundation... read more →

Digital Inclusion Training Programs Increasing Nationwide

As government and other groups that work directly with communities across the country increasingly prioritize digital equity, programs to train new experts in the field are steadily growing. Digital... read more →

The Pandemic Pivot: CASE’s Stories of Impact

Image: CTN impact statistics throughout the pandemic Recently, the Coalition of Agencies Serving the Elderly (CASE) — a collaborative of 40 San Francisco nonprofit organizations — partnered with the San... read more →

April 7, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

We’re Hiring: Communications and Marketing Associate

Do you love to write? Are you passionate about communicating stories of impact? Join CTN as we build a more digitally inclusive world for all! CTN’s part-time communications and marketing... read more →

Creating Inclusive Technology with Volunteer Mary Grace Reich

“With CTN, it’s really nice to be able to work towards technology having a positive impact on the day-to-day lives of San Franciscans and Bay Area residents through digital coaching.”... read more →

1-on-1 Digital Lessons for SF Older Adults at No Charge!

Do you want to learn how to use your laptop or tablet and safely navigate the internet without having to leave your home? A digital coach can help! CTN launched... read more →

March 29, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy

Celebrating 14 years of Digital Equity! – March 2022

CELEBRATING 14 YEARS OF DIGITAL EQUITY! When CTN officially gained its nonprofit status in 2008, only 55% of Americans had access to in-home broadband internet. Twitter was just getting off the... read more →

Digital Inclusion for Seniors Changes Amid Pandemic

While seniors have long been a population on the wrong side of the digital divide, the evolution of tech like video chatting and telehealth makes digital inclusion for older... read more →

CTN Wins Inaugural Anthem Award!

CTN is proud to share that we won a Silver Anthem Award in the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion category for nonprofit campaigns! Launched in response to the prevalence social good... read more →

March 22, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy

Staff Spotlight: Audrey Potts

“It's nice to see that everybody genuinely wants to help,” reflects CTN program coordinator Audrey Potts. “It's nice to wake up in the morning and think, ‘I really want to... read more →

March 17, 2022
digitalLIFT
Staff Spotlights

Teaching Online Shopping with Well Connected

For older adults, the internet provides a pathway to connection, convenience, and engaging with the world beyond immediate physical surroundings. Technology offers all sorts of possibilities for engagement and activity.... read more →

Connecting Generations with Digital Literacy Pioneer Tobey Dichter

“It's not about the technology. It's about what the technology can do for you,” says Tobey Dichter, founder and chief executive officer of Generations on Line. In 1996, Tobey Dichter... read more →

March 10, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Connecting Mandarin-Speaking Learners in Sunnyvale

“There is a common misconception that since Sunnyvale is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we don't have residents in need,” says Angela Chan, youth and family resources manager... read more →

Celebrating 14 Years of CTN!

When CTN officially gained its nonprofit status in 2008, only 55% of Americans had access to in-home broadband internet. Websites sported a clunky aesthetic, now considered a “throwback” style. Apple... read more →

March 3, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

14 Ways the Internet Improves Our Lives

The internet is a near ubiquitous aspect of modern life — making it easy to take for granted all the skills, tools, opportunities, and benefits that it provides. In celebration... read more →

March 1, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Supporting Digital and Racial Equity in San Francisco

When we say the phrase “digital divide,” we often think of its immediate implication: that some people lack access to the internet. Yet it’s important to think of technology in... read more →

February 24, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Teaming Up with Twitter for an Inclusive Internet

“CTN fills the gap between a product like Twitter and the people who we want to enjoy and use it,” says Karl Robillard, Twitter’s head of social impact. In many... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Jack Fellows

A native of the UK, Jack Fellows originally moved to California to complete his MBA in data analytics. While finishing up his degree, he wanted to invest in the community... read more →

Making Connections with Volunteer Jim Hu

“During the pandemic, I hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to many new people,” reflects CTN volunteer Jim Hu. “Once I got into volunteering, I became more engaged in talking... read more →

Expanding Digital Inclusion with the City of Austin

“We feel CTN is a thought leader in the digital inclusion space. There are not a lot of organizations that do what CTN does, which is having a specific and... read more →

Working Together for Safer Internet Day!

CTN is excited to join hundreds of organizations across the globe participating in Safer Internet Day! Led by ConnectSafely in the U.S., Safer Internet Day is an international educational event... read more →

Twitter Donates $50,000 to digitalLIFT

Empowering Communities with Digital Literacy San Francisco, CA – February 4, 2022 Access to the internet is a critical quality of life issue for older adults that reduces social isolation,... read more →

Join the CTN Team!

Are you looking for a flexible, purpose-driven job? With new partnerships, programs, and learner populations, CTN is expanding faster than ever before. We're looking for motivated team players to help us... read more →

February 3, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, Staff Opening

CTN Expands Digital Inclusion in ATX! – Feb 2022

EXPANDING DIGITAL INCLUSION WITH THE CITY OF AUSTIN “Technology raises the ceiling of what is possible, but it also raises the floor of what you need to be... read more →

February 1, 2022
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Enrollment Is Now Open for the Affordable Connectivity Program

Update: CTN continues to monitor the wind-down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), but, unfortunately, we are not able to support individuals with the transition. Please visit FCC.gov or contact... read more →

January 31, 2022
digitalLIFT
General

Sharing Knowledge to Promote Digital Inclusion

As we look towards the new year, CTN is focusing on knowledge sharing to work towards a more digitally inclusive world. Those who are cut off from the digital world... read more →

January 27, 2022
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Learner Spotlight: Laurie Rehaney

“Thank God for this computer; I never would have found my new job without it,” says CTN learner Laurie Rehaney. When Laurie Rehaney heard about CTN’s digital literacy classes in... read more →

Thank You for a Year of Transformation & Growth! – Jan 2022

THANK YOU FOR A YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION & GROWTH! As we welcome a new year, we look back on 2021 with pride and gratitude. Over the year, we... read more →

January 20, 2022
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Staff Spotlight: Josie Boyle

Photo: Josie receives gift of appreciation from her Russian-speaking Home Connect learners. From teaching youth in Russia to teaching older adults in the Bay Area, Josie Boyle followed an eclectic... read more →

Connecting Seniors in the Sunset

In 2019, CTN received a grant from Metta Fund to provide digital skills training and tablets to monolingual seniors in San Francisco’s Sunset District. This new program, called Sunset Tech... read more →

January 19, 2022
digitalLIFT
General, Partner Spotlights, Sunset Tech Connect

Learning Tech Skills at Minna Lee

Learning tech skills can be difficult for any newcomer, but its challenges are exacerbated for those who lack stability. Imagine, for example, trying to access accounts without a long-term phone... read more →

January 13, 2022
digitalLIFT
CPUC, Partner Spotlights

Transforming Lives at the Downtown Senior Center

Photo: San Francisco's Downtown Senior Center team San Francisco’s Downtown Senior Center serves as a hub for activities and social connections for countless older adults. For nearly a decade, the... read more →

In the Computer Lab with Volunteer Rafael Z.

When Rafael Z. found himself with extra time on his hands, he knew that volunteering would be a fulfilling way to spend it. The San Francisco native has worked a... read more →

Writing Resumes with Sacramento Youth

Photo: A screenshot from one of CTN Instructor Paolo Banzon's virtual classes With the pandemic shifting the focus of most employment to the virtual space, it has become imperative for... read more →

Looking Back on 2021 at CTN

At the beginning of 2021, the CTN staff was cautiously optimistic about what the year might hold. In many ways, the availability of vaccines — along with continued mask-wearing and... read more →

December 21, 2021
digitalLIFT
General

Your Gift Fosters Connection – Dec 2021

YOUR GIFT FOSTERS CONNECTION! With the holidays right around the corner, many of us are preparing to reunite with loved ones and gather with friends. But for older... read more →

December 16, 2021
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Staff Spotlight: Pat Jew

“Everything is going digital. If we can help the older generation get comfortable and familiar in the digital world, they will be able to connect with the younger generation,” says... read more →

December 14, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Staff Spotlights

Broadband Equity and the Digital Divide

Recently, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) added two new terms to its growing glossary: broadband equity and the digital divide. While such terms may seem self-explanatory to those involved... read more →

December 13, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Learner Spotlight: Enil J Claros

“I really hope that whatever I learn, I can use it to the best of my abilities to help other people learn too,” says CTN learner Enil J Claros. Originally... read more →

Consumer Technology Association Foundation

Funder Spotlight: CTA Foundation

Today we are excited to highlight the CTA Foundation, one of CTN’s longtime funding partners. Affiliated with the Consumer Technology Association, the foundation links seniors and people with disabilities with... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Hanyang Xu

“Every time I start working with the older adults, I feel like I'm shortening the gap between our generation and theirs,” says volunteer digital coach Hanyang Xu. Originally from China,... read more →

Invest in Connection!

For a moment, imagine being a senior who has limited to no prior experience using technology. Maybe you’ve used a desktop computer at a community center, or maybe you know... read more →

November 30, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Partner Spotlight: Family Caregiver Alliance

As the pandemic prompted many nonprofits to transition their programming to online formats, it became a challenge to connect with clients who did not have the skills or resources to... read more →

Learner Spotlight: John Thompson

One of the great pleasures of working with older adults is that they always have a tale to tell — and Home Connect learner John Thompson did not disappoint. Originally... read more →

November 18, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Learner Spotlights

A Pivotal Year – Read Our Annual Report! – Nov 2021

2020 ANNUAL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE! We are excited to share our 2020 Annual Report — now live on our site! In it, you’ll find stories of challenge, change, and perseverance.... read more →

November 18, 2021
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Multilingual Q&A Sessions Support New Tech Users

How can I uninstall apps from my tablet? Where do I check to ensure my email was sent? How can I add a background photo to my home screen? How... read more →

November 15, 2021
digitalLIFT
Home Connect

Our 2020 Annual Report Is Available!

We are excited to share our 2020 Annual Report — now live on our site! In it, you’ll find stories of challenge, change, and perseverance. You can also follow along... read more →

November 5, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Staff Spotlight: Dima Khoury

“I would say it’s my motto in life. I think education and learning how to use technology, in general, is the equalizer in the world,” says CTN training manager Dima... read more →

Device Shortage Impacts Digital Divide

According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, digital inclusion refers to the “activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use... read more →

November 4, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Learner Spotlight: Anna Chou

"This is just a marvelous program; that's all I can say. It is so helpful and just super!" says Home Connect learner Anna Chou. A native of San Francisco, Anna... read more →

November 2, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

The Program to Help Pay for Internet Isn’t Reaching the People Who Need It Most

At the height of the pandemic, nearly 93 percent of U.S. households with children were involved in some form of distance learning from home, according to Census Bureau data.... read more →

CTN and Sourcewise Train Seniors in Gilroy

Last spring, CTN started partnering with Sourcewise, a Santa Clara–based organization that helps older adults effectively navigate their health and life options. As a part of its digital inclusion program,... read more →

October 28, 2021
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteer Spotlight: Serena Pang

“Learning anything takes a lot of courage,” reflects volunteer digital coach Serena Pang. “I think the seniors are really brave that they're willing to learn how to use the tablets.”... read more →

CTN Creates Pathways To Digital Empowerment – Oct 2021

CTN CELEBRATES ANOTHER DIGITAL INCLUSION WEEK! Every year, Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) raises awareness of solutions addressing home internet access, personal devices, local technology training, and support programs. Sponsored by the... read more →

October 21, 2021
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Learner Spotlight: Mr. Huang Dongpo

Recently, one of our Central Texas learners, Mr. Huang Dongpo, sent a letter of gratitude to his bilingual digital literacy Instructor, Naimei Tang. Mr. Dongpo is one of many seniors... read more →

October 18, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Learner Spotlights, Senior Connect

Senior Connect Update

Last spring, we officially launched our Texas-based program Senior Connect — a collaboration between Senior Access, AGE of Central Texas, and CTN. Replicating nearly all aspects of our Home Connect program,... read more →

October 18, 2021
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner, Partner Spotlights, Senior Connect

Staff Spotlight: Lauren Cotter

CTN’s marketing and communications director, Lauren Cotter, has extensive experience in the marketing world — including television, film, and video production; branding; sales and sponsorship; digital and social marketing; and... read more →

Learning Tech and Conquering Language Barriers

For those who did not grow up using technology, it can be frustrating to try to navigate devices and use online tools. For those whose primary language is not English,... read more →

Teaching Tech Skills with Hamilton Families

Back in April, CTN began a partnership with Hamilton Families to provide digital literacy training to over 200 adult clients. We started with virtual classes, teaching 16 participants in English... read more →

CTN Celebrates Digital Inclusion Week 2021!

Every year, Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) raises awareness of solutions addressing home internet access, personal devices, local technology training, and support programs. Sponsored by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA),... read more →

October 5, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

3G networks are shutting down next year. Here’s what you should know.

Kami Griffiths has a perfectly fine phone. It’s your standard Samsung Galaxy smartphone with all the important apps, a decent camera and a screen big enough to watch videos.... read more →

Distributing Devices with Sourcewise

In April, CTN began partnering with Sourcewise to provide over 400 seniors with Google Home speakers. This technology allows users to make calls, play music, request reminders, or receive news... read more →

September 30, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Partner Spotlights

From Learner to Trainer: Karen’s Senior Connect Success

Senior Connect learner Karen Riley-Maiden has spent her life helping others in the human services sector. After retiring from her career, Karen moved from upstate New York to Round Rock,... read more →

September 27, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Learner Spotlights, Senior Connect

Including Seniors in a Digital World

In 2021, a quarter of Americans aged 65 and older are not using the internet. Beyond access to broadband and devices, how can we ensure seniors have the digital skills... read more →

CTN Helps Families & Older Adults Get Online – Sept 2021

INCREASING DIGITAL INCLUSION WITH AT&T AND METTA FUND With fall in full swing, CTN is staying busy with new partner programs, new staff members, and exciting new grants.... read more →

September 23, 2021
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Volunteer Spotlight: Phil Tse

“There's tons of information available out there,” reflects volunteer digital coach Phil Tse. “It is so useful, but without internet access, you cannot get to it. I think having access... read more →

CTN Wins National Award for Digital Equity Project

Community Tech Network is excited to be awarded the COVID-19 Response Digital Equity Project of the Year for Senior Support from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA).... read more →

September 21, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

CTN Volunteers

September 16, 2021
digitalLIFT
Home Connect, Videos

Learner Spotlight: Leonard Cruz

“I would say technology is the thing of the future, but the future is here today,” says Home Connect learner Leonard Cruz. “In order to operate in this world, you... read more →

September 16, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Learner Spotlights

Digital Skills Training at Mosaica Family Apartments

Photo: The Mosaica Family Apartments, located in San Francisco's Mission neighborhood. CTN is excited to begin a new partnership with Lutheran Social Services (LSS), a nonprofit organization focused on ending... read more →

Charter Awards $1 Million in 2021 Spectrum Digital Education Grants to 49 Nonprofits Supporting Broadband Literacy

STAMFORD, Conn. – Charter Communications, Inc. today announced the recipients of its 2021 Spectrum Digital Education grants, awarding a total of $1 million to 49 nonprofits in 16 states and... read more →

Heartwarming Stories from CEI Senior Learners

Every couple of months, we have the special opportunity to celebrate senior learners who complete the iPad Training Program at the Center for Elders' Independence (CEI). These virtual graduation ceremonies... read more →

AT&T Supports Digital Parents Program

“AT&T believes that digital literacy is hugely important and more important every day,” says Cammy Blackstone, external affairs director at AT&T. “As a company, our bread and butter is making... read more →

September 7, 2021
digitalLIFT
Digital Parents, Funder Spotlights, General

Volunteering Benefits Ourselves and Others

Photo: CTN Instructor Sabrina Tam helps an older adult learner with his tablet. Some days, the news cycle and its global tragedies are overwhelming. It can be difficult to discern... read more →

September 3, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General, Volunteer Appreciation

Increasing Social Connection with Metta Fund

“There's sort of this invisible population that, due to some of the structures that we've built — and internalized ageism — we don't really see or want to see. As... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Xiuzhen Xu

A native of China, Xiuzhen Xu immigrated to the United States in 2003. For several years, she worked as a kindergarten teacher in San Francisco. Now retired, Mrs. Xu wants... read more →

August 26, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Navigating In-Person Training with CEI

A valued partner of CTN, the Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) is a community-based organization that helps at-risk seniors live safely and independently at home instead of in a nursing... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Jasper Hua

“If you enjoy helping people but your schedule demands a lot of time, CTN is quite flexible. Whatever your schedule is, the senior learners will definitely try to make the... read more →

Ken Jackson, a CTN donor and former volunteer

Funder Spotlight: Ken Jackson

When Ken Jackson retired from his more than 30-year career with Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, his life was at a point of inflection. He had just moved across... read more →

Employee Spotlight: Jannette Estrada

“I discovered that technology is for everybody,” says bilingual digital instructor Jannette Estrada. “No matter your age, no matter what language you speak, no matter if you have any physical... read more →

Partner Spotlight: Compass Family Services

For over a hundred years, Compass Family Services has served the San Francisco community by helping homeless and at-risk families become stably housed, emotionally and physically healthy, and economically self-sufficient.... read more →

Tackling Telehealth with UCSF

The pandemic has prompted a rapid increase in virtual healthcare. Telehealth, often touted as a solution to healthcare inequalities, can offer convenient, flexible, accessible, and more affordable care options to... read more →

The Road to a Digital-First San Francisco

Home to Silicon Valley and several major tech companies, San Francisco is a global leader in technological innovation. And yet, thousands of its residents lack high-speed internet access and the... read more →

August 2, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Meeting Needs Through Collaboration – Aug 2021

COLLABORATING WITH PARTNERS TO MEET UNIQUE NEEDS “I am confident that our partnership with Community Tech Network will improve the quality of life for our seniors, both physically... read more →

Home Connect

This video is an overview of Home Connect, a program by Community Tech Network that provides tablets, internet and digital literacy to seniors. With increased social isolation, this work... read more →

Kami Griffiths Presents to Chicago-Based Group Make Room @ The Table

While CTN’s work currently focuses on the Bay Area and central Texas, it is our goal to establish digital literacy hubs across the nation. We are always glad to share... read more →

July 29, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Teaching Online Banking with Well Connected

Every year, CTN has the opportunity to volunteer with Covia, a Bay Area nonprofit recently affiliated with Front Porch. Covia and Front Porch offer senior living, extensive programming, affordable housing,... read more →

July 27, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, SF Partner

Pew Research Offers Updated Statistics on Digital Divide

A recent report by Pew Research provides us with updated statistics on the digital divide, revealing that 77% of Americans subscribe to home broadband services in 2021. While this is a slight... read more →

July 22, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Partner Spotlight: Glide

“I am confident that our partnership will improve the quality of life for our seniors, both physically and mentally, in this challenging time,” reflects Tina Huang, client advocate at Glide.... read more →

July 20, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Partner Spotlights

“Senior Connect” program launches to provide digital literacy and equity for older adults in Central Texas

Austin, TX – Nearly 45% of Texans over the age of 65 lack home broadband internet. Access to the internet has been identified as a critical quality of life issue for... read more →

Partner Spotlight: City of Oakland

Community Tech Network is excited to partner with the City of Oakland in a new partnership that will offer beyond-the-basics digital literacy courses. This skilled cohort has already learned how... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Derek Slater

Derek Slater wants to create a more open, secure, and inclusive world through access to information. He currently serves as the Global Director of Information Policy at Google — a... read more →

CTN Advocates for Dignity Fund

Community Tech Network's goal is to eliminate the digital divide and increase digital literacy. As we pursue this mission, we recognize the importance of local, state, and federal funding sources... read more →

CTN Launches Senior Connect in Central Texas! – July 2021

CTN IS CONNECTING SENIORS IN CENTRAL TEXAS Did you know that only 55.3 percent of Texans age 65 and older have broadband at home? One reason for this is... read more →

Community Tech Network 5 Staff Speakers for the Dignity Fund

Kami Griffiths - Executive Director, Co- Founder of Community Tech Network Stephen Minor- Senior Program Manager Sabrina Tam - Senior Program Manager Carlos Silva - Digital Literacy Trainer and... read more →

June 29, 2021
digitalLIFT
Videos

Learner Spotlight: Patricia Blaine

“I'm so grateful for this opportunity to reach the world through my tablet!” says Senior Connect learner Patricia Blaine. Born in Philadelphia, Patricia describes herself as a gypsy who has... read more →

June 28, 2021
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner, Learner Spotlights, Senior Connect

Partner Spotlight: Sourcewise

In April, CTN began a new partnership with Sourcewise, a Santa Clara–based organization that provides older adults the tools and services they need to effectively navigate their health and life... read more →

Employee Spotlight: Maria Vazquez

Photo: Bilingual digital coach Maria Vazquez teaches a Zoom-style class to Spanish-speaking learners. CTN’s bilingual digital coach Maria Vazquez believes that digital literacy is not just important, but critical. “One... read more →

Connecting Seniors in Central Texas

When the pandemic hit, Community Tech Network quickly changed its focus to support older adults who lack home internet access. We built a new program, called Home Connect, thanks to... read more →

June 21, 2021
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner, General, Partner Spotlights, Senior Connect

Home Connect Reaching Russian-Speaking Learners

CTN recently started working with a new group of Russian-speaking residents at San Francisco’s Eastern Parks Apartments. Although the group has been attending Home Connect classes from home, we recently... read more →

June 17, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Home Connect Participants, SF Partner

Celebrating CEI’s iPad Training Graduates

As a part of our partnership with the Center for Elders' Independence (CEI), CTN instructors have spent the past year working with groups of isolated senior learners on their digital... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Luis Mascarenhas

A native of India, Home Connect participant Luis Mascarenhas has lived in San Francisco for the past 15 years. He currently works for a vaccination clinic and spends his extra... read more →

June 10, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

CTN Hiring for New Leadership Position

As an organization, Community Tech Network is facing a pivotal point in its history. Over the past year, we rapidly shifted our organizational structure to accommodate remote instruction. At the... read more →

CTN’s Volunteers Build Community Through Connection

For over 13 years, CTN’s mission has been to transform lives through digital literacy. We believe that access to the internet is a human right and that those without the... read more →

June 3, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Volunteer Appreciation, Volunteer Spotlights

New Leadership Position Open and Celebrating Graduates – June 2021

CELEBRATING CEI IPAD TRAINING GRADUATES As a part of our partnership with the Center for Elders Independence (CEI), CTN instructors have spent the past year working with groups... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Ji Shi

Volunteer digital coach Ji Shi moved to the U.S. from China to study computer science. After graduating last year, Ji was unable to return to her native country due to... read more →

Board Member Spotlight: Eric Beattie

“CTN is one of those wonderful organizations that strengthen our community,” says board member Eric Beattie. “I was just really impressed with the operations and how you can leverage funding... read more →

Frequent Internet Use Improves Mental Health in Older Adults

This May, CTN is observing Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organization, one in four older adults experiences a mental disorder — and depression is the most... read more →

May 25, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

CTN Is Looking for Bilingual Digital Literacy Instructors

Community Tech Network is continuing to search for part-time bilingual digital literacy instructors in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are especially looking for candidates who possess language skills —... read more →

May 21, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

CTN Supports The Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion

“Equity is being intentional about helping people,” says Clint Odom of the National Urban League. “It is not just flooding the zone with a subsidy or telling people to sign... read more →

May 17, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Building Communities of Strength: Older Americans Month 2021

When the Kennedy administration designated May as Older Americans Month (OAM) 58 years ago, only 17 million Americans had reached their 65th birthday. Today, nearly 55 million Americans are aged... read more →

May 17, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Volunteer Spotlight: Illya Kulinych

“This is the time that we need to push to volunteer, to help people, to build community,” says volunteer digital coach Illya Kulinych. “You might spend just 10 minutes helping... read more →

It’s Connect with Tech Week!

According to the most recent citywide needs assessment in 2018, more than 100,000 San Francisco residents lack internet access at home or are not proficient at using the internet and... read more →

May 10, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Partner Spotlight: Striving for Digital Equity with Calle 24 (Part 2 of 2)

The digital divide goes beyond broadband access; it is an issue of social infrastructure, a lack of digital literacy, and an uneven distribution of technology. But how does the digital... read more →

May 3, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Partner Spotlights, SF Partner

Partner Spotlight: Striving for Digital Equity with Calle 24 (Part 1 of 2)

CTN is excited to start a new partnership with San Francisco–based nonprofit and advocacy group Calle 24. Calle 24’s mission is to advocate for the cultural continuity, vitality, and community... read more →

May Is Older Americans Month! – May 2021

MAY IS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) each May, Older Americans Month celebrates older adults’ unique and lasting contributions to their communities.... read more →

From Volunteer to CEO: Kami Griffiths’ Volunteer Journey

Photo: July 2007, Kami Griffiths holds up a USB drive while teaching a digital skills class at the Hayes Valley Learning Center in San Francisco. “If you’re interested in starting... read more →

April 29, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Staff Spotlights, Volunteer Appreciation, Volunteer Spotlights

Looking Back on One Year of Home Connect

“Gone are the days of one needing to ‘travel’ to gain access to the internet,” says Stephen Minor, CTN's senior program manager. “Equal access means bringing the internet directly to... read more →

April 27, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect

Volunteer Jared Boddum’s Long, Rewarding Journey with CTN

“It’s not about the computer. That is an aspect of the work, but it is mostly about teaching, communication, and meeting people where they are,” says Jared Boddum, one of... read more →

April 23, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Volunteer Appreciation, Volunteer Spotlights

Partner Spotlight: Hamilton Families

This month, CTN wrapped up the first round of classes with our new partner Hamilton Families. We are excited to kick off this partnership and look forward to working with... read more →

A Spanish Digital Literacy Q&A Session

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. When the student is really ready, the teacher will disappear. (Lao Tzu) Only an ancient proverb could describe the delightfully surprising... read more →

April 12, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect

10 Years with SF Connected

According to Pew Research, one-third of adults ages 65 and older say they never use the internet, and roughly half say they do not have home broadband services. This makes... read more →

April 12, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Partner Spotlights, SF Connected

Volunteer Spotlight: Lauren Woolley

“Do good for others, and it may come back in unexpected ways.” This cliche proved true for volunteer digital coach Lauren Woolley. Throughout their Home Connect sessions, Lauren and her... read more →

Kami Griffiths Hosts Webinar: Connecting the Unconnected

The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear that the digital divide is a persisting problem in our country, and it's not going to solve itself. As libraries and community centers remain... read more →

Research Shows Volunteering Makes Us Happier – April 2021

RESEARCH SHOWS VOLUNTEERING MAKES US HAPPIER! This month, Community Tech Network is celebrating National Volunteer Month. CTN’s volunteers play a crucial role in our community. They are the... read more →

According to research volunteering makes us happier

Research Shows That Volunteering Makes Us Happier

You know that warm feeling you get when you help someone out, brighten someone's day, or better another person's life? There is something rewarding about offering your time and resources... read more →

Congress Passes Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The pandemic continues to shift many aspects of our daily lives online — from accessing telehealth, completing schoolwork, searching for jobs, and working from home. Now more than ever, internet... read more →

March 30, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General, Tech Training Solutions

Learner Spotlight: Maria Del Rocio Vacas

A native of Ecuador, Maria Del Rocio Vacas has spent her life caring for those around her. She has worked as a nurse, looked after her sick mother, and cared... read more →

March 25, 2021
digitalLIFT
Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Employee Spotlight: Carlos Sivira Falcon

Originally from Venezuela, Carlos Sivira Falcon has spent most of his life in the Bay Area. After graduating from San Jose State University with a degree in business, Carlos began working... read more →

What Is Digital Readiness?

The digital divide is no longer a division between those with access to technology and those without it. A holistic explanation of the digital divide must consider an individual's level... read more →

March 18, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

CTN in the News: Associated Press

The Associated Press featured Community Tech Network in a recent article, "Never too late: Pandemic propels older shoppers online." Over a dozen different news outlets have picked up the article, including... read more →

March 15, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Volunteer Spotlight: Ariana Chen

"My learner is interested in my success, and I'm interested in her success," says volunteer digital coach Ariana Chen. "I love how passionate the older adults are to learn, grow,... read more →

CTN in the News: AARP

Last month, Community Tech Network was featured in an AARP article, Programs Can Help Older Adults Get or Upgrade Computers, Internet Access. This article stresses the need for accessible technology... read more →

March 8, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

We’re Hiring: Bilingual Digital Literacy Instructors

Community Tech Network is excited to announce new openings for part-time bilingual digital literacy instructors. Those selected to fill this position will play a key role in educating older adults... read more →

March 8, 2021
digitalLIFT
Staff Opening

13 Years of CTN: Our Partners and Sponsors

From CTN's inception, our mission has been to unite organizations and volunteers to transform lives through digital literacy. This mission has taken different forms over the years, but 2020 challenged us... read more →

March 4, 2021
digitalLIFT
Funder Spotlights, General, Partner Spotlights

13 Years of CTN: Our People

Community Tech Network is, above all, a community. It is a web of people — each with their own unique skills and perspectives — making a collaborative effort to transform... read more →

13 Years of CTN: Our Journey

Thirteen years ago on March 3, 2008, Community Tech Network acquired nonprofit status. But this isn't how the story begins. In 2001, CTN had its start as a project of... read more →

March 2, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

March 2021 Network News

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF CTN! On March 3, Community Tech Network turned 13! Since our founding in 2008, we have enlarged our community, greatly expanded our impact, and learned... read more →

New Report Highlights the Digital Divide

We are excited to see a new report, created by Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Humana, that provides current data on digital connectivity among older adults. Without updated data... read more →

February 26, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Celebrating Black Leaders in Tech

Community Tech Network's goal is to promote equitable access to technology and transform lives through digital literacy. Of course, we could not fulfill this mission without technology. For this year's... read more →

February 25, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Never too late: Pandemic propels older shoppers online

NEW YORK (AP) — In November, Paula Mont did something new: The 86-year-old, who hasn’t left her New Jersey senior living community in nearly a year, went shopping —... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Brenda Joyce

When expat Brenda Joyce came to visit family in the U.S. last spring, she planned to stay just two or three months. Because she left her personal computer back home... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Joyce Banks

"My learner and I have built a grandmother-granddaughter relationship," says volunteer Joyce Banks. "I treat her like my grandmother, and she treats me like a granddaughter. We spend a lot... read more →

We’re Hiring: Volunteer and Program Coordinator

Community Tech Network is excited to announce a new position opening for a full-time Volunteer and Program Coordinator. The person selected to fill this position will play a key role... read more →

February 16, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Staff Opening

Partner Spotlight: On Lok

"Partnering with CTN has created opportunities for our seniors to access resources, services, and programs virtually. It has been essential to our seniors and 30th Street staff to provide access... read more →

February 16, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Partner Spotlights, SF Connected

COVID-19 Vaccination Resources

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have provided devices and training to over 200 seniors in San Francisco. These seniors should now be able to use this newfound online... read more →

February 11, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Partner Spotlight: Tech Allies 2.0

"Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) has enjoyed our collaboration with CTN for the Tech Allies 2.0 Program," says Debbie Uchida, who is a volunteer coordinator and coordinator of... read more →

Live Q&A Session for Learners

How do I take a screenshot? What happens when I click the microphone button on Zoom? Where do I go to send videos and photos to friends? These are a... read more →

February 9, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect

Programs Can Help Older Adults Get or Upgrade Computers, Internet Access

Beverly Black's pre-pandemic life was busy, including work as a childcare provider three days a week until the March lockdown in New York City left her alone at home.... read more →

Employee Spotlight: Emma Reeder

"Be the change you want to see in the world" is Emma Reeder’s favorite quote. After seeing it on a bumper sticker in the fourth grade, Emma knew she wanted... read more →

Getting Seniors Online and Vaccinated

According to a report by the Older Adults Technology Services, nearly 22 million American seniors do not have broadband access at home, representing 42 percent of the nation’s over-65 population. As... read more →

February 2, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect

February 2021 Network News

CTN IS HELPING SOLVE ONLINE VACCINE REGISTRATION ISSUES According to a report by the Older Adults Technology Services, nearly 22 million American seniors do not have broadband access at home,... read more →

February 1, 2021
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

CTN Is a Data Privacy Champion for 2021’s “Data Privacy Day”

In 2017, "personal data" was deemed the most valuable resource in the world … yet 46 percent of consumers feel they've lost control over their own data (Salesforce). It is... read more →

January 28, 2021
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General

Volunteer and Spread The Word!

Older adult learners are curious about new technology, but many lack the support and training necessary to use it. The internet can be an incredible tool for communication, creativity, and... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Sean Lee

CTN volunteer Sean Lee adheres to the Asian philosophy of "filial piety"— he was taught to have the utmost respect for his elders and a dedication to serving them. "Since... read more →

January 19, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Volunteer Spotlights

NETGEAR’s Donation of Hotspots Supports CTN’s Home Connect Learners

Community Tech Network is pleased to announce a generous donation of 50 NETGEAR hotspots, along with reduced-cost internet access enabled by AT&T, to accelerate the expansion of our Home Connect... read more →

January 12, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Partner Spotlights, SF Partner

Learner Spotlight: Baofei Miao

Baofei Miao arrived in the Bay Area 30 years ago from China with her husband and their children. She worked with the Chinese postal service and in the telecommunications industry... read more →

January 6, 2021
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

January 2021 Network News

2020 — A YEAR OF CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY We encourage you to read our perspective on an extraordinary year and our preparations for 2021. Every aspect of our lives was affected... read more →

2020 — A Year of Challenge and Opportunity

Photo: Some of 2020's Home Connect older adult learners, volunteer digital coaches, and supporting CTN staff members. We are used to sharing heartwarming, inspirational stories in this space. In 2020,... read more →

December 23, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect

Employee Spotlight – Stephen Minor

Photo: Stephen stands next to a mural in El Chota, Ecuador. Stephen Minor's path to his current position as senior program manager with CTN followed a long and winding road.... read more →

December 21, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Staff Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: David Turner from CEI’s iPad Training

Photo: CTN learner David Turner and his wife Susan on CEI's iPad Graduation Day. David Turner became a member of the Center for Elders' Independence (CEI) 16 years ago after... read more →

December 16, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, SF Partner

Tech Training Calendar for Older Adults Now Available!

Photo: A screen shot from the new tech training calendar for seniors located on CTN's website. As Home Connect participants learn to access the internet and the information highway, staff... read more →

December 10, 2020
digitalLIFT
General

Funding to Get Your Community Connected: A Recorded Webinar

The January 4, 2021, deadline is rapidly approaching to apply for funding to provide digital literacy instruction and devices from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). To assist organizations serving... read more →

December 9, 2020
digitalLIFT
Advocacy, General, SF Partner

Volunteer Spotlight: Crystal Why

Crystal Why's life has been grounded in connecting with others through theater and performing arts. Crystal recently experienced a major lifestyle change: A lengthy surgical recovery and the pandemic's unexpected... read more →

Home Connect’s Digital Coaches from Sea to Shining Sea

CTN's digital literacy training programs over the past 12 years have a common denominator — reliance on both professional staff trainers and dedicated, trained volunteers to deliver programs in the... read more →

December 7, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect

December 2020 Network News

CTN ADDS NEW HOME CONNECT LEARNING PATHWAY CTN just released a new Learning Pathway for the Home Connect program, increasing the number of customized learning options from five... read more →

December 1, 2020
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Employee Spotlight: Carol Simmons

Carol joined CTN in February of 2019 as CTN's first Encore Fellow and operations director. This wide-ranging role has given Carol the opportunity to manage CTN's Digital Literacy Awards; find... read more →

Letter of Appreciation from a Home Connect Learner

Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of writing a blog post about an isolated older adult participant in our Home Connect program. After her story was published, she sent... read more →

November 30, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Home Connect Participants

New Learning Pathway Added to Home Connect

CTN's Home Connect program was released in early March as a response to the stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines put in place after the pandemic's arrival. Created by CTN staff,... read more →

November 27, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect

Help an Older Adult Get Online This Holiday Season

The holiday season has begun! As you plan your after-Thanksgiving shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, take a minute and imagine what life would be like without access to... read more →

November 23, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect

Thank-You Note from a Learner

CTN staff trainer Carlos Sivira recently received a heartfelt thank-you from Robert Averett, one of Carlos's Home Connect learners. With Robert's permission, we are sharing his touching tribute so you can... read more →

November 21, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect

Learner Spotlight: Elmira Lagundi

Before the pandemic, Elmira Lagundi was a regular at Canon Kip Senior Center, where she had nutritious lunches with friends, played bingo, and participated in singing and dancing activities. After... read more →

November 17, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Learner Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Guandong Lu

Guandong Lu and his family moved to the U.S. from Guangzhou, China, in 1998. He frequently commuted to Guangzhou for the next 18 years as the owner of an international... read more →

November 16, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Celebrating CEI’s Recent iPad Graduation

Photo: George Janske receives his graduation package delivered by CEI in anticipation of the graduation ceremony. In July, we featured a Partner Spotlight for the Center for Elders' Independence (CEI) highlighting... read more →

November 16, 2020
digitalLIFT
CPUC, General, Home Connect, Partner Spotlights

We’re Hiring: Communications and Marketing Associate

Community Tech Network is pleased to announce a new position opening, and we need your help in finding the right person to fill it. The person selected to fill this... read more →

November 11, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Staff Opening

Volunteer Spotlight: Daniel Rascon

When Daniel Rascon was doing a full-time remote internship this summer, his employer gave him time off to do volunteer work. While searching for remote volunteer opportunities that would help... read more →

2019 Annual Report Available

Photo: Read about why this image was selected for the cover of our 2019 Annual Report We are pleased to make available our 2019 Annual Report, delayed due to the... read more →

November 6, 2020
digitalLIFT
General

Employee Spotlight: Al Ho

Photo: Al Ho and several of his students (pre-pandemic) after a session of their digital learning class taught in Cantonese at the Sunset Beacon Neighborhood Center. Al Ho began his... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Elpidia Morales

Photo: For COVID survivor Elpidia, drawing on her tablet helps her manage her depression and cope with her isolation. While every Home Connect older adult learner's story is unique, we try to... read more →

November 2, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Learner Spotlights

November 2020 Network News

SUPPORT OUR INITIATIVE TO KEEP SENIORS SAFE As COVID-19 spreads, access to the internet was shown to be a critical need for telehealth, ordering medications and groceries, and... read more →

November 1, 2020
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Learner Spotlight: Socorro Galvez

Photo: Home Connect learner Socorro Galvez practices on her guitar, thanks to her new tablet, YouTube, and Zoom. Many of us are fortunate enough to have learned to play a... read more →

October 27, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Learner Spotlights

Partner Spotlight: Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc.

Photo: Mission Neighborhood Centers provides weekly music sessions via Zoom. Mission Neighborhood Centers, a valued CTN partner, is a bountiful referral source for potential Home Connect learners. Since the pandemic... read more →

Austin Social Inclusion Task Force

Since the pandemic's arrival, the digital divide among older adults has become a significant barrier to helping them access programs and services only accessible remotely through technology. This situation spotlights... read more →

October 22, 2020
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner, General

Learner Spotlight: Linda Z.

Before she participated in CTN's Home Connect program, Linda Z's computer skills were limited to programs she learned and used for her job as an office clerk. Born in China,... read more →

October 22, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Learner Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Maria Bajarano

Let's address this first, to avoid any confusion (possibly more for the author that the reader): This learner spotlight focuses on Maria Bajarano, originally from Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico. She has... read more →

October 20, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Learner Spotlights

Volunteer Spotlight: Deepa Varghese

Deepa lives in Chicago and currently works remotely for a Chicago company in systems implementation. Over the past three years, she has taught her grandparents, who live in an assisted... read more →

Partner Spotlight – Sequoia Living

Community Tech Network is pleased to announce a new training partnership with Sequoia Living, a venerable San Francisco organization that provides a stimulating living environment for older adults as well... read more →

Kami Griffiths Hosts Digital Inclusion Week Webinar October 5

Photo - Screen grab from the webinar It's been over six months since the pandemic left us sheltering in place. Everything about how we live and work has changed. By... read more →

October 8, 2020
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner, Developing Digital Leaders, General

Learner Spotlight – Kam Yuk Woo

While there is never a convenient time for a pandemic, this is especially true for Kam Yuk Woo. A native of Guangzhou, China, Kam Yuk has been living in the... read more →

October 7, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Learner Spotlights

October 2020 Network News

KAMI GRIFFITHS HOSTS WEBINAR DURING DIGITAL INCLUSION WEEK CTN’s executive director Kami Griffiths hosted a webinar to kick off Digital Inclusion Week in Austin. This is a week dedicated... read more →

Partner Spotlight: Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development

Photo: Mara Stewart (left), an intensive care manager at the Ping Yuen North, thanks CTN employee Annie Tan for delivering and setting up devices in preparation for remote resident training. San... read more →

Partner Spotlight – San Francisco Bay Area Encore Fellows™ Program

Over the past two years, CTN has proudly participated in the San Francisco Bay Area Encore Fellows™ Program. This unique opportunity matches highly skilled, experienced professionals approaching retirement with social... read more →

Registration Open for Digital Inclusion Week Webinar

It's been over 6 months since the pandemic has left us sheltering in place. Everything about how we live and work has changed. By now, most nonprofits have been able... read more →

September 24, 2020
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner, General, Partner Spotlights

Volunteer Spotlight: Krista Marquez

Krista began volunteering for Community Tech Network in July, and proudly became a digital coach after completion of her initial orientation and training. In looking back, her match to Linda... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Zhi Zhen

Zhi Zhen has lived in San Francisco's Sunset District since she and her daughter moved here in 2006 from Guangzhou, China. For many years, Zhi Zhen worked as part of... read more →

September 21, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Employee Spotlight: Jannell Q. Mateo Rivas

Photo: Jannell teaching at Twitter's NeighborNest before the pandemic. "I love my job and I love CTN." This is how Jannell describes her 3+ years as a bilingual digital literacy... read more →

September 16, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Staff Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Carlos and Bonnie Perez

Big congratulations go out to the first married couple to be enrolled in CTN's Home Connect program! Bonnie and Carlos learned about our Home Connect program from a friend of... read more →

September 14, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Manolo Sandoval

Photo: Maria Vazquez and Manolo visiting about his training experiences. An active member of the Mission Neighborhood Senior Center, Manolo Sandoval was unaccustomed to being socially isolated when the pandemic... read more →

September 7, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Adelaida Moreno

Photo: Adelaida and her instructor, Maria Vazquez, work on a lesson. Adelaida, a native of El Salvador, has been a San Francisco resident for over 18 years. She is a... read more →

September 3, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

September 2020 Network News

CENSUS DEADLINE APPROACHING — LET’S GET EVERYONE COUNTED! September is the official final leg of this marathon-turned-ultramarathon that is the 2020 Census. ALL residents are urged to complete... read more →

September 1, 2020
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Learner Spotlight: Kennard Wilson

When Kennard Wilson was invited to participate in CTN's Home Connect program, he was initially skeptical until he Googled CTN and found out we are a legitimate organization. He then... read more →

September 1, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Renee Kidera

When Renee, an older adult sheltering at home, was asked how she got involved in CTN's Home Connect training, she did not hesitate to answer: "I was referred by God,... read more →

August 31, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Employee Spotlight: Kate Sheludziayeva

Eight years ago, while Kate was studying psychology in her native country of Belarus, she had the opportunity to emigrate to the United States. Knowing that she needed to focus... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Bessie Paris

Photo: Bessie Paris speaks at the 2019 Digital Inclusion Week Celebration. Community Tech Network partnered with Austin's Family Eldercare to provide the Connect @ Home program from November 2018 to... read more →

August 27, 2020
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home, General, Learner Spotlights

AT&T California Donates $20,000 to Community Tech Network

AT&T also expands its affordable internet program for eligible families. AT&T California recently awarded a $20,000 grant to Community Tech Network to provide digital literacy training to home-bound seniors who... read more →

August 25, 2020
digitalLIFT
Funder Spotlights, General, Home Connect, Partner Spotlights

Volunteers Needed to Become Digital Coaches

While all are welcome to apply, we especially need people bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, Russian, and Tagalog. In response to the COVID pandemic, Community Tech Network reformatted our traditional in-person... read more →

August 24, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect

Learner Spotlight: Rosario Martinez

A native of El Salvador and a Californian since 1977, Rosario has worked for many years as an advice nurse at Clinica La Raza in Oakland. She took a leave... read more →

August 19, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Volunteer Spotlight: Donald Michida

Donald Michida, a CTN volunteer trainer for over three years, was taking a break due to a very busy schedule. That all changed in early April when CTN executive director... read more →

August 11, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Volunteer Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Alice

Alice (not her real name, per her request) has devoted her life to helping others in a variety of settings. These include employment with the Office of Domestic Violence, supporting... read more →

August 11, 2020
digitalLIFT
Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Catherine McGrath

Before the stay-at-home mandate was issued in March, Catherine McGrath was a regular user of the SF Connected computer lab at a nearby branch of the San Francisco Public Library... read more →

August 6, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Valerie

Valerie enjoyed her part-time job assisting hospital visitors at the information desk at CPMC's Mission Bernal Campus. Then COVID-19 arrived, and her position was eliminated to help ensure employee and... read more →

August 3, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

August 2020 Network News

HOME CONNECT: CTN’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19 This is our story — a three-part recap of how Community Tech Network’s volunteers and employees, supported by leadership from our board... read more →

CTN’s Response to COVID-19: Part 3 of 3

CTN's Home Connect Program at Three Months This is our story — a three-part recap of how Community Tech Network's volunteers and employees, supported by leadership from our board members and... read more →

CTN’s Response to COVID-19: Part 2 of 3

Photo: Some of the volunteer digital coaches instrumental in the development of Home Connect Volunteer Digital Coach Task Force Refines Home Connect Design This is our story — the second in... read more →

July 29, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect, Volunteer Spotlights

CTN’s Response to COVID-19: Part 1 of 3

CTN Takes Action to Ensure Continuity of Its Programming This is our story – a three-part recap of how Community Tech Network's volunteers and employees, supported by leadership from our board... read more →

What Is Your Volunteer Time Worth?

Independent Sector has released their findings for the value of volunteer time in 2019 Independent Sector, in partnership with the University of Maryland's Do Good Institute, has just released the new... read more →

Cardinal Point Learners Participate in Online Graduation

Photo: Cardinal Point student graduates and CTN staff celebrate virtually to commemorate the completion of the digital training of almost 40 Cardinal Point residents. In May 2020, CTN announced a... read more →

Coronavirus: The Bay Area seniors who are left behind by a telehealth tech divide

Dan Makevich’s terrible eyesight made him retire early from his beloved job of 15 years as a tour guide in the Bay Area and Yosemite. When the pandemic hit,... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Scott Aiu

"Too good to be true." That is how Home Connect learner Scott Aiu described his first impression of CTN during that first phone conversation with staff member Stephen Minor while... read more →

July 15, 2020
digitalLIFT
General, Home Connect Participants, Learner Spotlights

Partner Spotlight: Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI)

Photo: CTN staff member Jannell Q. Mateo Rivas conducts a training session with patrons of CEI via Zoom I am the Bilingual Digital Literacy Program manager at CTN, and in... read more →

Partner Spotlight: NEXT Village

Photo: CTN staff member Sabrina Tam delivers a device to NEXT Village client Leoni, who will soon become a new CTN digital learner. In early June, Jacqueline Jones, the... read more →

July 2020 Network News

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: EDWIN RAGADIO Edwin Ragadio is one of our volunteer digital coaches and has a great deal of experience working with older adults who are new to... read more →

Comcast Announces Internet Essentials Program Extension

This announcement should be of interest to all digital training partners and caregivers working with low-income individuals and families. After COVID-19 impacted our world back in March, the FCC asked broadband... read more →

June 30, 2020
digitalLIFT
SF Partner

CTN Donates Devices to GLIDE

Photo: Saundra Haggerty, back row with the green shirt, is the case manager of GLIDE's Men in Progress program. Because of our long history of helping low-income and older adults... read more →

June 30, 2020
digitalLIFT
General

Millions of Americans Depend on Libraries for Internet. Now They’re Closed

On a typical afternoon in The Before Times, the Cherokee Public Library in Cherokee, Iowa (pop. 4,900), would be full of kids. A chatty crowd of three or four... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Edwin Ragadio

Photo: Edwin with a digital learner in the pre-COVID world before masks and social distancing were part of the norm. When digital coach volunteer Edwin Rogadio was asked what attracted... read more →

Continuing to Make Connections

Last week I delivered a donated laptop to an older adult in San Francisco to better help him along in his search for gainful employment. Over the years we have... read more →

Securing Internet for Home Connect Participants

The Home Connect program's rollout continues, and as expected, there are many lessons to be learned along the way. This process is being streamlined through proactive sharing of feedback and... read more →

June 3, 2020
digitalLIFT
Home Connect

Staff Spotlight: Laurie Sanchez

One of the fringe benefits of having a daughter on staff at CTN is the convenience of having a "built-in" digital coach to help you with online challenges. CTN's development... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Amy Hansen

Photo: Amy’s daughter Laina's reaction to sampling a s'more for first time. We know you are wondering but no, this is not a photo of Amy Hansen but rather... read more →

Home Connect Learning Challenges

Anyone who has ever helped an older adult learn to use technology can relate to how difficult that can be, and how important it is to demonstrate patience while providing... read more →

June 2, 2020
digitalLIFT
Home Connect

June 2020 Network News

UNDERSTANDING OUR NONPROFIT PARTNERS Nonprofits, government agencies and businesses all face a host of service issues as their clients and customers shelter in place. One ongoing challenge, particularly with... read more →

San Francisco Nonprofit Organization To Provide Digital Literacy To Elderly

SAN FRANCISCO—“Community Tech Network,” a nonprofit organization that aims to provide the elderly with digital literacy, has launched the “Home Connect” program. This program will provide vulnerable seniors in... read more →

Home Connect Sessions Underway

Photo: Staff member Carlos Sivira conducts a Home Connect lesson with a senior learner. The delivery of devices to the newly identified Home Connect learners continues with several learners having... read more →

San Francisco nonprofit provides local seniors digital literacy through new initiative

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) — A San Francisco nonprofit focused on providing digital literacy to older adults launched a new initiative to bring internet, technology and training into the... read more →

Partner Spotlight: Curry Senior Center

Photo: CTN employee Kate Sheludziayeva leads a digital learning class at Curry Senior Center prior to the COVID-19 restrictions. Curry Senior Center is a valued training partner that has shared... read more →

Employee Spotlight: Sabrina Tam

Photo: Sabrina assisting a group of older adult learners in the days before social distancing As a senior program manager with CTN in San Francisco, Sabrina Tam has seen her... read more →

Partnership in Austin Provides Support and Training

Photo: Computers set up at Cardinal Point in anticipation of the remote training sponsored by Austin's Foundation Communities. Late in 2019, CTN and Foundation Communities were awarded a grant from... read more →

Offering Remote Training Support

Photo: Staff member Kate Sheludziayeva helps Victor with a tech issue. CTN staff members have experienced another unanticipated, yet not entirely unexpected, impact from the COVID-19 environment. CTN's past digital... read more →

May 12, 2020
digitalLIFT
General

CTN Celebrates Home Connect Milestones

Photo Caption: CTN employee Sabrina Tam is preparing to deliver a new tablet to one of the Home Connect learners. Employees and volunteers of Community Tech Network recently celebrated two important... read more →

May 2020 Network News

A HEARTFELT THANK-YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS National Volunteer Week 2020 was celebrated the week of April 19 – 26, providing us with another opportunity to say “thank you”... read more →

May Is Older Americans Month — Make Your Mark

For 57 years, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been a special time to recognize older adults' unique and lasting contributions to their communities by celebrating how they volunteer their time,... read more →

April 30, 2020
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteer Spotlight – Alexander Bryan

Caption: CTN volunteer Alexander Bryan assists older adult learners at the Canon Kip Community Center. Since Alexander Bryan is a freelance graphic designer who works from home every day, the... read more →

Providing Connections During COVID-19

Photo Caption: A park becomes a classroom In early April, a senior in San Francisco reached out to Castro Senior Center to find out where he could go for internet... read more →

PSA – Home Connect

During the COVID-19 crisis, seniors need to stay sheltered in place in order to stay safe, but in doing so they become isolated if they are not online. Community... read more →

April 25, 2020
digitalLIFT
Videos

A heartfelt THANK YOU you to our Volunteers

Did you forget that the week of April 19 – 26 is National Volunteer Week? We haven't! The staff of Community Tech Network wants to thank our past and current volunteers... read more →

2020 Census Update and Reminder

With all the daily chaos resulting from COVID-19, we need to be reminded that life continues to happen beyond our living room walls and our protective face masks! Do you... read more →

April 14, 2020
digitalLIFT
General

Home Connect Progress Update

Photo Caption: CTN staff member Josie configures a new tablet for a Home Connect senior. As our new Home Connect program continues to evolve, we intend to keep you informed... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Robert Barnwell

Before Bob Barnwell retired 11 years ago, his use of technology was limited to what was required for success in his job as a high-tech inside salesperson in the Bay... read more →

Home Connect Offers Customized Learning Pathways

Home Connect is CTN's newest COVID-19-inspired program, designed to connect isolated seniors to the internet and leverage its resources from the comfort and safety of their homes. Our initial goal... read more →

April 1, 2020
digitalLIFT
Home Connect

Learner Spotlight: Thaddeus Reece

Thaddeus Reece is a man of many talents, having worked as a farmer, carpenter, locksmith, painter, and journeyman plumber, to name a few. Little did he know that a new... read more →

April 2020 Network News

LEARNER SPOTLIGHT: THADDEUS REESE Inspired by a sister confined to her home because of a disability, Thaddeus became a CTN adult digital leaner. Armed with a new resume (and... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Sharon Randle

On February 18, 2020, Sharon Randle graduated from a digital skills training program taught by CTN volunteers at Episcopal Community Services in San Francisco. If it was possible to name... read more →

Announcing Home Connect: A Response to COVID-19

For over 12 years, CTN has fulfilled its mission of helping seniors join the digital world by engaging them in a variety of public setting such as libraries, senior centers,... read more →

March 26, 2020
digitalLIFT
Home Connect

Learner Spotlight: Seyoum TesfaMichael

Seyoum TesfaMichael currently works in a local nursing home and has recently developed a new passion for using the internet to transform his life and to help others. A native... read more →

Tech Firms Could Keep Seniors Safe in Coronavirus Lockdown by Funding Connectivity

Low-income San Francisco seniors are facing a connectivity crisis as well as a health crisis. For most Bay Area residents coping with the mandate to shelter in place as... read more →

Computer Centers Prepare for Census Day

The national census happens every 10 years and aims to count the entire population of the country at the location where each person usually lives. By responding to the census,... read more →

March 18, 2020
digitalLIFT
General

For Older Adults, Public Health Crisis Becomes Information Crisis

For 12 years, Community Tech Network has been connecting older adults who are tech-savvy with their less technologically minded peers to increase the number of older adults who have digital... read more →

March 10, 2020
digitalLIFT
General

March 2020 Network News

CTN AND COVID-19 As the public health crisis isolates people at home, we know older adults are most vulnerable to COVID-19. Now that seniors can no longer leave their... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Dale Thompson

An unspoken testimonial to any nonprofit organization is when an employee also serves as a service delivery volunteer! CTN's Dale Thompson is one of those superheroes who works quietly in... read more →

February 27, 2020
digitalLIFT
Volunteer Spotlights

Learner Spotlight – Carlo Terrone

Here's a story from one of the learners I've worked with at Aquatic Park Senior Center: "I am 82 years old. Learning is hard. Trying to keep up with the... read more →

February 25, 2020
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Nominate a Digital Leader in San Francisco

The fifth annual Digital Leaders Awards is happening on May 20 at Twitter HQ in San Francisco. It will bring together prominent community and business leaders to celebrate the people... read more →

Austin Partners Getting More Families Connected

We are proud to announce a new partnership with Foundation Communities in Austin. Together we will provide digital skills training and refurbished computers to 20 low-income families living at their... read more →

February 18, 2020
digitalLIFT
Partner Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Mary Midgett

Mary Midgett, age 83, hasn't stopped learning. She goes to Bernal Heights Senior Center a couple days a week learning digital skills on social media and other essential skills such... read more →

February 11, 2020
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Volunteer Spotlight: Rudy Lacoe

While walking into a San Francisco Giants day game, CTN volunteer Rudy Lacoe had a chance meeting with a job seeker whom he had helped the week before. After the... read more →

February 2020 Network News

NOMINATE A DIGITAL LEADER IN SAN FRANCISCO If you know of an individual, company, organization, or funder doing exemplary work to close the digital divide in San Francisco,... read more →

February 1, 2020
digitalLIFT
digitalLIFT digest

Expanding Digital Literacy in Chinatown

Last July, CTN renewed a contract with the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development in San Francisco to continue providing digital skills training and support in underserved areas of the... read more →

January 22, 2020
digitalLIFT
Partner Spotlights

Another Great Year with TechWomen

On October 26, CTN hosted another San Francisco Tech Teach-In event with TechWomen at 30th Street Senior Center. Nine volunteers helped out during the two-hour event and helped learners with... read more →

January 14, 2020
digitalLIFT
Tech Teach-ins

Seniors in the Sunset Learn Tablet Skills

At the end of October, we taught our final class as part of Sunset Tech Connect in San Francisco. In total, 48 older adults graduated from this 12-week training program... read more →

January 7, 2020
digitalLIFT
Digital Skills Training, Sunset Tech Connect

January 2020 Network News

DIGITAL SKILLS CLASSES FOR PARENTS IN AUSTIN Last November, CTN partnered with Latinitas to provide a basic digital literacy class for 15 parents and grandparents at Martin Middle School in... read more →

Digital Skills Classes for Parents in Austin

Last November, CTN partnered with Latinitas to provide a basic digital literacy class at Martin Middle School in Austin. The participants were parents and grandparents who use their smartphones for... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Brinda Faye Drummer

Brinda was born and raised in the Fillmore and Ingleside in San Francisco. She has recently moved to a senior citizen center in the Bayview after selling her family home.... read more →

December 5, 2019
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Continued Success at the NeighborNest

In late September, 19 Spanish speakers graduated from the Beyond the Basics course CTN held at the NeighborNest in San Francisco — the biggest class this year! Thirteen of those graduates continued... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Three Castro Seniors

The Castro Senior Center is located in Ellard Hall at Most Holy Redeemer Church in the heart of the Castro District of San Francisco. The center is directed by Patrick... read more →

December 3, 2019
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Joyce Yeeping Jung Wong

Joyce Yeeping Jung Wong started taking computer classes at the Chinatown YWCA around five years ago. Before that, she would visit the South San Francisco Library. However, they had no... read more →

November 4, 2019
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Sunnyvale Parents Enjoy New Digital Literacy Program

The days of textbooks and workbooks are numbered as our schools step up the use of online tools to communicate with parents, as well as to issue and receive homework... read more →

No Place Like Home: Seniors Get Computer Training

In August, Community Tech Network launched a new training program in San Francisco at the Dr. George W. Davis Senior Residence, managed by Bayview Senior Services. Seventeen residents have graduated... read more →

November 1, 2019
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home, CPUC, Partner Spotlights

Learner Spotlight: Nin Soon Yi

Nin Soon Yi is an 83-year-old resident of San Francisco who visits the Chinatown YWCA computer lab. He learned to use computers only three years ago. Feeling that it is... read more →

October 24, 2019
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Another Fantastic Digital Inclusion Week!

Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) is an annual opportunity to raise awareness about solutions that address home internet access, access to digital devices, and local technology training programs. Spearheaded by the... read more →

October 22, 2019
digitalLIFT
Partner Spotlights

CTN and Digital Inclusion Week in AUSTIN for 2019

Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) is an international event happening October 7 – 11, 2019. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of solutions addressing access to home internet, devices, and local... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Ota Tovar Arreola

Ota Tovar Arreola first came to the San Francisco Senior Center on O'Farrell Street in 2016 at the age of 63. Besides her desire to access the internet, she was also... read more →

The Silver Tsunami

The Silver Tsunami … It's not a disaster; it's an accumulating human wave that merits attention and planning. Scientific advancements, improved medical services and informed self-care are resulting in longer... read more →

September 23, 2019
digitalLIFT
General

September’s Breakfast Brag & Borrow at the Women’s Building

We were a small but mighty group, graciously hosted by Kristen Acosta, food pantry coordinator and programs assistant at the Women's Building. Others in attendance were Willy Franklin (Healthright 360),... read more →

September 23, 2019
digitalLIFT
Brag & Borrow

Expanding Digital Literacy Training to Westbrook in Bayview

Last week I attended the grand opening of Westbrook, a beautifully renovated housing development managed by the San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC). We began partnering with them in 2018... read more →

September 18, 2019
digitalLIFT
CPUC, Partner Spotlights

Getting There Together Event in San Francisco

On Sunday, September 8, CTN had a table at Getting There Together, an event organized by the Coalition of Agencies Serving the Elderly (CASE). The overall purpose of the event was... read more →

September 18, 2019
digitalLIFT
General, SF Connected

Digital Inclusion Week 2019

Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) lead by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) aims to raise awareness of solutions addressing home internet access, personal devices, and local technology training and support programs.... read more →

September 18, 2019
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner

Digital Device Drop-in Program Meeting Huge Need in Austin

CTN volunteer Andrea Romero spends her Mondays with other volunteers at the Terrazas Branch of Austin Public Library teaching people experiencing homelessness (PEH) basic phone literacy skills and how to... read more →

Our Impact in 2018

We're excited to share our 2018 Annual Report, which can be downloaded here as a PDF document. In it you'll see details about the work accomplished last year in both... read more →

CTN seeking Bilingual (Cantonese and Spanish) Digital Literacy Instructors in San Francisco

JOB DESCRIPTION The Bilingual Digital Literacy Instructor will be energetic and enthusiastic about providing quality digital literacy training to 1) English- and Cantonese-speaking learners and 2) English - Spanish speaking... read more →

August 14, 2019
digitalLIFT
General, Staff Opening

Getting a Complete Census Going Online

April 1, 2020, is Census Day. Everyone from newborn to elder who is primarily residing in the United States is to be counted. The first census in 1790 counted the... read more →

August 14, 2019
digitalLIFT
General

Digital Skills Graduates at I.T. Bookman

The I.T. Bookman Community Center was built on the foundation of a communal need for multipurpose space within the community, with the purpose of embracing the needs of the surrounding Oceanview,... read more →

August 13, 2019
digitalLIFT
Digital Skills Training, General, SF Partner

Connecting Seniors to Online Resources

Well Connected, a Covia Community Service, is a virtual community that provides activities, education, friendly conversation, and an assortment of classes and support groups for older adults living throughout the... read more →

Tablet Training Builds Connection and Confidence for Seniors

Two groups of Sunset Tech Connect learners recently completed 12 weeks of basic tablet and internet skills training. Both classes were taught in Cantonese and ran from April 16 to... read more →

July 16, 2019
digitalLIFT
Digital Skills Training, General, Sunset Tech Connect

You Never Stop Learning – Helping Seniors Across the Digital Divide

CTN volunteers give San Francisco seniors access to computers/devices and basic digital skills training so they can learn to access resources and maintain connections with service and social networks.... read more →

July 1, 2019
digitalLIFT
Videos

Breakfast Brag & Borrow: June Recap

The June Breakfast Brag & Borrow was hosted at 826 Valencia for the first time. 826 Valencia is a nonprofit that serves San Francisco youth by helping them develop... read more →

Another Inspirational Digital Leaders Awards in 2019!

On Wednesday, June 26, CTN celebrated its fourth annual Digital Leaders Awards ceremony at Twitter headquarters in San Francisco. You can relive or experience the event by viewing DLA photos... read more →

Finding Inspiration in Service

For anyone who has had a positive volunteer experience, they know it can be transformational, especially if the volunteering involves direct service. I have been volunteering for as long as... read more →

June 26, 2019
digitalLIFT
General

CTN Teams Up with City of Austin to Deliver Digital Skills to People Experiencing Homelessness

CTN has teamed up with the City of Austin Innovation Office to teach people experiencing homelessness (PEH) to use Google Voice so they could maintain connections with service and social networks... read more →

The CTN Experience as an Instructor

Recently, I told a group of former college classmates, "I went to college before Big Data." The shift towards a data- and tech-driven society accelerates every day. Unfortunately, this acceleration... read more →

Announcing the 2019 Digital Leaders Awards Speaker, Brewster Kahle!

With the 2019 Digital Leaders Awards less than a month away, we are excited to announce this year's speaker: Brewster Kahle, founder and digital librarian of the Internet Archive. A passionate... read more →

2019 Digital Leader Awards Winners announced!

CTN is excited to announce the 2019 winners of the Digital Leaders Awards! Through public nominations and the help of a committee, the following people and organizations have been selected to... read more →

CTN Celebrates 2019 Volunteers!

On May 22, CTN volunteers gathered at Google Community Space to celebrate their accomplishments from the past year. Sixteen CTN volunteers, staff, and partners came together to share stories over... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Yun Kwong Wong

Yun Kwong Wong is a local resident of San Francisco in the outer Sunset district. Since retirement, Mr. Wong has enjoyed learning to use technology and attends CTN's Sunset Tech Connect... read more →

A Public Housing Digital Inclusion Blueprint

At least 100,000 San Francisco residents lack adequate Internet access and miss out on economic and educational benefits. So the city has made strides by working with a local Internet... read more →

Bring Your Own Device Day (BYOD) with Adobe @ Northloop

On Friday, April 29, residents from Family Eldercare's Northloop Apartments joined Adobe volunteers to receive digital skills training for a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) day. Adobe recently partnered with... read more →

Nominate a Digital Leader for the 2019 Digital Leaders Awards!

Nominate a 2019 digital leader now through May 8! Each year, CTN celebrates San Francisco's champions of digital inclusion, recognizing people who are doing amazing work to bridge the digital... read more →

Childcare Providers Advancing Their Tech Skills

Last week, CTN staff member Sabrina Tam taught the Introduction to Spreadsheets class to home-based child care providers at the Children's Council of San Francisco. The three-class series was offered in... read more →

From Learner to Trainer: MJ Isabell @ Curry Center

MJ Isabell is one of the third-year cohorts in Curry Senior Center's Wellness Program, Senior Vitality. This class enables clients to better manage their health and well-being through in-home internet... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Cordelia McGee-Tubb

Cordelia McGee-Tubb tutors for Curry Senior Center's Senior Vitality program. The program's main goal is to introduce and teach seniors to use technology (primarily iPads and Fitbits) to support their... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Sherry Lee

Sherry Lee has been coming to the open lab hours at the OMI Senior Center, managed by Catholic Charities, in San Francisco since 2017. She comes to the lab almost... read more →

NVW Spotlight: Corporate Volunteer Team @ Google Fiber

For National Volunteer Week, we are featuring one of our corporate partners, Google Fiber. The Google Fiber team has participated in two Tech-Teach-In (TTI) events in Austin over the past year,... read more →

We Celebrate Older Americans in May

Like many designations that divide humanity into categories, age is often thought of as less than others. And "less than" invites marginalization. We live in a world designed by younger... read more →

April 10, 2019
digitalLIFT
General, SF Partner

Building a Digital Inclusion Movement

Last week I was at my favorite conference of the year — the Net Inclusion Conference. Held in Charlotte, North Carolina, the conference brought together policymakers, practitioners, academics, and executives... read more →

April 10, 2019
digitalLIFT
General

NVW Volunteer Spotlight: Kate Puckett

Another featured volunteer for National Volunteer Week is Kate Puckett. Kate Puckett is one of CTN's volunteers at Rosa Parks. She is a sophomore biology major at the University of San Francisco, which is... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Bessie Hawkins

A staple of the North Loop Apartments community, Bessie Hawkins (shown here in the back left-hand corner) brought an unmatched energy to her Connect @ Home tablet class. Each day,... read more →

NVW Volunteer Spotlight: Tim Hazen

During National Volunteer Week, we had a conversation featuring CTN volunteer Tim Hazen. How and when did you become involved with CTN? My wife Katrina attends the Ceramic Studio at Aquatic... read more →

NVW Volunteer Spotlight: Brenna Carrick

Brenna Carrick became involved with Community Tech Network when a member of her sorority posted the volunteer opportunity on their website! She is currently working as a Junior Design major... read more →

Digital Inclusion for People with Disabilities @ Net Inclusion Conference

I was excited to attend my very first Net Inclusion conference and honored to moderate the session on Digital Inclusion for People with Disabilities to discuss how digital inclusion is a... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Paolo Cassinari

Paolo Cassinari is one of CTN's volunteers from Curry's Senior Vitality. He is with the second cohort at this site. Paolo has a bachelor's and master's degree in electronic engineering... read more →

Come See Us at Net Inclusion!

We're very excited to lead two sessions (and participate in the Lightning Round) at this year's Net Inclusion conference happening in Charlotte, North Carolina. Here are descriptions of each session... read more →

March 27, 2019
digitalLIFT
General

Adventures in Developing a Virtual Training Program @ NTC

For any nonprofit organization with volunteers, how it interacts with them is always a top priority. Nonprofits will devote a large amount of resources to ensure that their volunteers are... read more →

Save the Date: 2019 Digital Leaders Awards

The 4th Annual Digital Leaders Awards is scheduled for June 26 and will happen again at Twitter's HQ in San Francisco. Please save the date! Expect a call for nominations... read more →

Another Great Year at NTC!

My favorite things to talk about are my son and digital inclusion, so I felt very fortunate last week to present on the latter topic at the Nonprofit Technology Conference... read more →

March 18, 2019
digitalLIFT
General

CTN on the National Conference Circuit

We are excited to be attending three national conferences and speaking on panels to share information about our work. Here is where we'll be and what we're talking about: Nonprofit... read more →

March 11, 2019
digitalLIFT
General

Thank You, Amplify Austin Supporters!

Amplify Austin Day, the city's annual day of giving, was Thursday, February 28, 2019. The 24-hour period provides an easy way for the community to give together while helping local... read more →

March 9, 2019
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner

2019 International Women’s Day Is Today!

Today is International Women's Day, celebrating the achievements that women have brought about in our world. When it comes to technology, women have been instrumental since the very beginning of... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Idella Johnson

Idella Johnson is one of the six graduates for the month of February at Columbia Park Manor, a SAHA senior housing property in Pittsburg, California, where CTN provides digital literacy training. I am... read more →

Amplify Austin 2019 Is This Week!

Amplify Austin Day Is This Thursday! Amplify Austin Day, our city's annual day of giving, is coming up this Thursday, February 28, 2019. The 24-hour period provides an easy way... read more →

February 25, 2019
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner

Volunteer Spotlight: Andrea Romero

At a recent volunteer appreciation party in Austin, CTN sat down with one of its stand-out members, Andrea Romero. Andrea has been volunteering with CTN since September of 2018, mainly... read more →

February 21, 2019
digitalLIFT
Volunteer Spotlights

Tablet Class at SAHA Senior Housing

In most of our lives, technology provides convenience, entertainment, and a moment of distraction. For some, however, tablets can become a needed connection to the outside world. The power of... read more →

February 6, 2019
digitalLIFT
CPUC, Digital Skills Training, SF Partner

Come see CTN at NTC!

We're very excited to lead two sessions at this year's Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) happening in Portland, March 13 to 15. Here are descriptions of each session and a list... read more →

February 4, 2019
digitalLIFT
General

Teach-In with Dell

On Friday, January 25, Dell volunteers provided digital literacy training for older adults at the AGE Computer Lab for CTN's monthly Tech Teach-In program. During the three-hour session, the 15 volunteers... read more →

Austin Connect @ Home Program’s First Graduates

After 12 weeks of everything from the basics to online banking, the 36 members of the very first Connect @ Home class graduated from the program. Community Tech Network, Family... read more →

CTN Receives Metta Fund Grant to Bridge the Digital Divide for SF Seniors

Community Tech Network is delighted to announce receiving a grant from Metta Fund, a private health foundation dedicated to San Francisco's aging population and those furthest from access and opportunity.... read more →

January 4, 2019
digitalLIFT
Digital Skills Training, SF Partner, Sunset Tech Connect

Volunteer Spotlight: Ashleigh Rogers

Normally our volunteer spotlights are reserved for those who give their time in the community working directly with learners. This post is to recognize a different type of volunteer and... read more →

William’s Corner: Listening to Learners

I'd like to kick off the new year by sharing my experience as a senior digital and adult literacy trainer and recent observations I've made. Technology has much to offer... read more →

January 1, 2019
digitalLIFT
Digital Skills Training, General, SF Partner

2018 Has Been a Great Year @ CTN!

In 2018, we helped 1,805 unique learners with the support of 196 tutors through 9,772 hours of service. We served learners at 65 different locations and and distributed 510 devices.... read more →

December 21, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Teach-in at Defy Ventures

CTN recently partnered with Defy Ventures to host a Tech Teach-in for their program participants, whom it calls entrepreneurs-in-training (EITs). Defy provides rigorous employment readiness, character development, and entrepreneurship training... read more →

December 18, 2018
digitalLIFT
Digital Skills Training, General, Partner Spotlights, SF Partner, Tech Teach-ins

Learner Spotlight: Stephan Ricks

I met Stephan Ricks the first day of the Connect @ Home program in October of this year. He explained to me that he would need some extra help signing... read more →

December 14, 2018
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home, Digital Skills Training, Learner Spotlights

Digital Inclusion Funding Opportunities in California

Last month, CTN organized a meeting in San Leandro with the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) so they could share information about their... read more →

December 6, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteer Spotlight: Chuck Linton

Just after the latest Connect @ Home class came to a close, I sat down with Chuck Linton at Oak Springs Villas in Austin to talk about his volunteer work... read more →

December 5, 2018
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner, Connect @ Home, Volunteer Spotlights

Breakfast Brag & Borrow: November Recap

On November 8, Breakfast Brag & Borrow returned to the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) to share success and seek answers from fellow nonprofit technology providers. As the host, SFPL... read more →

December 3, 2018
digitalLIFT
Brag & Borrow, General

CTN and Sprint Provide Devices and Digital Literacy Training to Foundation Community residents

Community Tech Network (CTN) and Sprint teamed up to distribute 15 new Samsung tablet devices to learners at Bluebonnet Studios in south Austin. The residents were provided with six months of... read more →

Thankful for Technology

Thanksgiving is about celebrating the wonderful things in life — food, family, and friends. When preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, we reach out to our loved ones to invite them, search for... read more →

November 19, 2018
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home

Seniors and Students Sharing Stories

In so many ways, technology has improved our lives. But for many of us, technology has become a barrier as well. What can be done to ensure that technology improves... read more →

November 13, 2018
digitalLIFT
Digital Skills Training, Intergenerational

iPad Class at Children’s Council San Francisco

CTN recently completed a series of classes with students from the Children's Council San Francisco with the goal of maximizing their use of iPad technology. Students went beyond the basics... read more →

Digital Inclusion in San Antonio

Last week I had the privilege of attending Connect Todos: Digital Inclusion and Upward Mobility, a digital inclusion summit organized by the San Antonio Digital Inclusion Alliance. Pictured here are... read more →

November 6, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Tying Up Cybersecurity Month

Each and every one of us needs to do our part to make sure that our online lives are kept safe and secure. That's what National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) —... read more →

November 2, 2018
digitalLIFT
General, Internet Safety

Catching Up with Tech in the Connect @ Home Program

Jody and Ruthie talked with me after their digital skills class on a rainy afternoon in Austin. Neither of them had owned a tablet before, but both bring their own... read more →

October 25, 2018
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home

Connect @ Home Cohorts Kick Off in Austin!

The new Connect @ Home cohort at several Family Eldercare communities in Austin began last week, getting a feel for their new Samsung tablet devices. Seniors from North Loop Apartments,... read more →

October 19, 2018
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home

Where in the World is Christopher Park?

A question uttered by more than a few San Francisco residents over the years. Nestled in the corner of Glen Canyon Park, it is easy to miss its open fields... read more →

October 19, 2018
digitalLIFT
SF Partner

Volunteer Spotlight: Hyon Lee

Hyon Lee uses the internet in his daily life to search for opportunities, doctors, education, and even where to go for lunch. He found CTN online and decided it was... read more →

Lyft Conducts Bring-Your-Own-Device Event at Curry Senior Center

On October 1, Lyft volunteers conducted a bring-your-own-device teach-in for seniors at the Curry Center in San Francisco. The event had 9 volunteers and 13 participants. The learners' needs were diverse,... read more →

Connect @ Home Pilot Concludes with Ride Austin App Experience

Last week, CTN and Family Eldercare congratulated their first class of learners on completing the Connect@Home Program at Rebekah Baines Johnson (RBJ) Center. I had the good fortune of seeing... read more →

Encouraging learners to vote online

CTN and other local nonprofits are joining in to support voter registration in Austin. Austin Free-Net is using registration materials in their computer labs to encourage clients to vote in... read more →

Kami Griffiths Finalist at Austin’s SCORE Awards

On Monday, September 24, the Austin staff attended the annual Celia Bell awards to recognize Kami Griffiths as a finalist for the award for nonprofit leader in the Austin community. Kami... read more →

September 26, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Creating Content with Accessibility in Mind

CTN works with a demographic that requires us to consider a variety of digital needs. For a staff member responsible for online marketing content as well as the delivery of... read more →

September 18, 2018
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner, General

Digital Skills Changing Lives!

Ira Seiden was left behind because he didn't have the right tools. "I had the desire, I wanted it, but couldn't do it because the tools weren't there. No one... read more →

Celebrating International Literacy Day

September 8 is International Literacy Day. The aim of the day is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies. UNESCO has designated the 2018 theme as... read more →

September 7, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Community Partnerships Help to Bridge the Digital Divide

Every Thursday, volunteer Michael Wiggins and I meet with assigned learners participating in digital literacy engagement at Saint Francis Living Room. This senior center is run in conjunction with Curry Senior... read more →

August 27, 2018
digitalLIFT
General, SF Partner

Learner Spotlight: Kimberlyn Barton

Kimberlyn Barton was recruited to work as a lab apprentice in the HACA/Austin Pathways program in 2016 when she was the president of the resident council at Lakeside Apartments. During... read more →

Digital Inclusion Program Helps Older And Low-Income Austinites Catch Up With Technology

Jan Morgan used to think smartphones were for young people. "I didn't want a phone smarter than me," she joked. She refused to get one. Instead the 66-year-old bought flip... read more →

Microsoft Delivers Training Opportunities to Central Texas Residents

Microsoft is dedicated to employee engagement. The company matches employee donations of time and money to nonprofit organizations. Microsoft provided central Texas learners with two unique training opportunities through CTN's... read more →

A Fond Farewell from CTN Program Manager Joanna Bell

It's always hard to say goodbye, but its especially difficult when it involves leaving an organization as wonderful as CTN. When I started at CTN in February 2017, I was... read more →

August 14, 2018
digitalLIFT
Staff Spotlights

Next Steps for Ready, Set, Connect!

In 2012, CTN launched a new initiative to train youth in San Francisco to help older adults improve their digital skills. The following year, the program relocated to Oakland through... read more →

August 14, 2018
digitalLIFT
SF Partner

Learner Spotlight: Deirdre Leban

Learning is free but you've got to want it. Your mind has to want change. This is Deirdre Leban's motto. Since October of 2017, CTN has provided 10 months of... read more →

Breakfast Brag & Borrow: Summer recap

As might be expected in a month filled with momentous graduations, transitions from school to summer schedules, and closing the San Francisco fiscal year, our June meeting hosted by Tenderloin... read more →

July 26, 2018
digitalLIFT
Brag & Borrow, Developing Digital Leaders

Overcoming Language Barriers with a Translation App

CTN provides biweekly training to a group of Austin residents through the HACA/Austin Pathways Lab Apprentice Program. These trainings prepare the students to serve more than 500 affordable-housing residents with the goal... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Kevin Di

As a part of CTN's partnership with the San Francisco Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development, we have placed volunteers in three Neighborhood Access Points across the city. Neihborhood... read more →

Teaching Beyond the Basics

About a year ago, Michelle Duke, Associate Director of Communications and Administration at Tenderloin Housing Clinic (THC), approached CTN to see if we might provide training to their staff. THC often hires from... read more →

Austin Residents Learn Smartphones from AT&T Volunteers

For Digital Inclusion Week in Austin, CTN held a series of events called Tech Teach-Ins. These events match corporate volunteers with community members looking to improve their digital skills and... read more →

Training on DAHLIA Coming to a Close

Since November we have had the opportunity to work with the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) to deliver training on the San Francisco Housing Portal — DAHLIA.... read more →

Connecting Older Adults in Austin

We are thrilled to announce that through funding from the Consumer Technology Association Foundation, Family Eldercare and CTN will offer our Connect @ Home program. Together we will provide 40... read more →

June 14, 2018
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home

Learning Laptops at Bayview Commons

Pictured here are two learners from a recent class that I taught at Bayview Commons Apartments, one of the many properties owned or managed by the San Francisco Housing Development... read more →

From the Bay Area to Central Texas: a Recap of Activities for Digital Inclusion Week 2018

CTN offices in both San Francisco and Austin participated in this year's Digital Inclusion Week, May 7 – 11, which was sponsored by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). In San... read more →

San Francisco Digital Equity Playbook

San Francisco Digital Equity is a citywide initiative to ensure that all residents have the tools and ability to participate in digital society. Community Tech Network has been working with... read more →

May 21, 2018
digitalLIFT
SF Partner

2018 Digital Leaders Awards Recap

On May 9, we held our third annual Digital Leaders Awards and had a fantastic time! Click here to view photos of the event captured by Job Portraits. I had the... read more →

RSC Trip to Adobe

Ready, Set, Connect! (RSC) is our annual youth project. RSC has developed the skills of youth trainers who have helped more than 4,000 Oakland residents develop their digital skills. To... read more →

Partner Spotlight: Roberta Przybylski of AGE

When Roberta Przybylski retired from the public sector, after working as an educator and a technical writer and teaching herself how to use the computer, it seemed like a natural... read more →

Bridging The Digital Divide – Helping Those Left Behind By The Tech Revolution

Meet Ira and Richard, two residents in Episcopal Community Services supportive housing left behind in the technology revolution. Follow their journey to complete CTN Basic Digital Literacy training, receive... read more →

May 10, 2018
digitalLIFT
Videos

CTN Highlights Importance of Internet Access for All

Digital Inclusion Week 2018 is May 7 - 11 and Community Tech Network (CTN) is participating in this nationwide event both in the Bay Area and in Austin. DIW2018 is... read more →

May 7, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

CTN Recognizes Our Outstanding Volunteers During Volunteer Appreciation Week!

Last Tuesday, CTN hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party to celebrate the work and commitment of our volunteers across the Bay Area. Volunteers are the secret sauce that make CTN's... read more →

Connect with Tech in San Francisco!

More than 100,000 San Francisco residents lack internet access at home or are not proficient at using the internet and digital devices. As more basic services are moving online, many... read more →

April 26, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Recap of Net Inclusion 2018

Last week I spent my time in Cleveland, Ohio, at the third annual Net Inclusion conference. This gathering, organized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), is very special. I'm... read more →

April 24, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

The Digital Leader Award winners have been announced!

Each year CTN gives awards in the following categories: Digital Champion, Digital Changemaker, Digital Inclusion In The Community, Digital Bridge Builder, and Digital Amplifier Award. Through public nominations and the... read more →

It’s National Volunteer Week and we recognize Michael Wiggins!

It's National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize volunteers from all over the country who dedicate their time to a chosen cause that benefits their community. From developing strategy on... read more →

Special Events in Austin for Digital Inclusion Week, May 7 – 11

Digital Inclusion Week 2018 will happen May 7-11, and Community Tech Network is participating in this nationwide event both in the Bay Area and in Austin. DIW2018 is sponsored by... read more →

April 13, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Announcing our Speakers: 2018 Digital Leader Awards

As the Digital Leaders Awards event draws nearer, we are excited to announce this year’s speakers: Eric Dorsey and Mehran Sahami! Both are Stanford grads, and Dr. Sahami has returned... read more →

Breakfast, Brag and Borrow: February/March recap

Breakfast Brag & Borrow met at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in the Tenderloin in February and March. In February, resident organization, Tech in the Tenderloin made a presentation about... read more →

April 2, 2018
digitalLIFT
Brag & Borrow

Tickets Available for the Digital Leaders Awards

Tickets are now available for our third annual Digital Leaders Awards! This inspirational event, happening on May 9 at Twitter HQ, will honor San Francisco's champions of digital inclusion in the... read more →

March 30, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

CTN is 10 and Has a New Brand!

Community Technology Network turned 10 on March 3, 2018, and has a new name and brand. After a decade of transforming lives through digital literacy, CTN is proud to announce... read more →

March 12, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Nominate a San Francisco Digital Leader!

The third annual Digital Leaders Awards is happening on May 9 at Twitter HQ in San Francisco. It will bring together prominent community and business leaders to celebrate the people... read more →

March 10, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteer Spotlight: Derek at Rosa Parks

A Bay Area native, Derek has spent a majority of his life in work that involves the internet. Among his many experiences, Derek was previously involved in public policy with... read more →

300 free computers and 150 hotspots helping Austinites get online

Hundreds of low income Austinites were connected to the internet at the El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission on Friday. For some of them, it was the first time... read more →

Expanding to Central Texas!

Community Tech Network is turning 10 — and we have expanded our reach to more communities! CTN's transition to a national organization with a presence in both the Bay Area... read more →

Meeting Learners Where They Live

We know that the digital divide affects low-income communities, so it has been a priority of ours to address that need. Our very first partner was a housing development (Mission... read more →

February 28, 2018
digitalLIFT
CPUC, General

Corporate Partners Play a Role in Our Success

Over the years we have benefited from local companies in a variety of ways. Because our work relies so heavily on volunteers, we've developed partnerships that have provided both the... read more →

February 27, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Convening for Digital Inclusion

One of CTN's very first activities was to organize monthly events. In 2008, using the Meetup platform, we brought people together to discuss different topics and meet each other. We... read more →

February 26, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Bringing the Generations Together

Soon after CTN started providing training in senior centers, we realized how difficult it was to find volunteers who were available during the day. So we decided to branch out... read more →

February 25, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Serving Seniors Digital Skills

We know from several studies conducted by the Pew Research Center that older adults are one of the demographics most likely to lack digital access and skills. So when the... read more →

February 24, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteers — Our Secret Sauce

Service has always been important to me. As a child I was a member of our local 4-H group that would regularly bring cookies to a local retirement community or... read more →

February 23, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

CTN is 10! How It All Began

It's amazing how quickly a decade can go by, but here we are. Ten years ago on March 3, Community Technology Network became a nonprofit. But it wasn't really the... read more →

February 22, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

CTN Turns 10 and Launches a New Brand!

Community Technology Network turns 10 on March 3, 2018, and has many accomplishments to show for the decade of service. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kami Griffiths, the organization... read more →

February 14, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Bridging the Gap Event Distributes Devices to Low-Income Families in Austin

PCs for People partners with Mobile Beacon and the City of Austin Digital Inclusion Program (PDF) to provide free computers to low-income individuals that need access to a home computer.... read more →

February 13, 2018
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner

Net Inclusion Summit 2018

The next Net Inclusion Summit is happening April 17 through 19 in Cleveland, Ohio. For anyone who cares deeply about helping their community members access the internet and gain critical... read more →

February 13, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Save the Date: Digital Leaders Awards 2018

We're excited to announce the third annual Digital Leaders Awards! Our wonderful partners at Twitter will be hosting us again at their HQ in San Francisco the evening of May... read more →

February 13, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteer Spotlight: Vern at Excelsior

During CTN's 2017 Volunteer Appreciation Awards, Vern was awarded the title of Marathon Man for dedicating five years and counting with CTN to assisting computer learners. Vern chuckles and replies... read more →

Breakfast Brag & Borrow: January Recap

Breakfast Brag & Borrow is a monthly networking meeting held on the third Thursday of each month. We invite fellow nonprofits and community service providers to gather over coffee and... read more →

February 12, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Transforming Lives Through Digital Literacy for Nearly a Decade!

Together with our partners, trainers, and funders, we have been able to help minimize the digital divide for nearly a decade. Without our dedicated community, this work would not have... read more →

January 16, 2018
digitalLIFT
General

Introducing the Sixth Cohort for Ready, Set, Connect!

We are really excited to be partnering again this year with the Oakland Public Library on the Ready, Set, Connect! program. In the program's sixth year, this current cohort of... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Anna at Centro Latino

Every Friday, Anna can be found at Centro Latino in the Mission, assisting community members in Spanish and English at the computer lab. She has a strong passion for giving... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Camille Lester

Walking into the Downtown Senior Center, visitors are immediately embraced by a bright smile. Its source is Camille lester, unofficially known as "Big Deal Camille." A native of San Francisco,... read more →

January 10, 2018
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Net Neutrality

Today the United States may undergo a major change in Internet regulation that could greatly affect the country — the end of net neutrality. For those unaware of what net neutrality is,... read more →

December 13, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Digital Literacy @NeighborNest – Year Three!

Thanks to the support of Twitter, residents of the Tenderloin, mid-Market and SOMA neighborhoods can continue to gain crucial digital literacy skills and receive personalized training at the NeighborNest, a... read more →

December 13, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

November Brag and Borrow Recap

CTN hosts a monthly gathering called Breakfast, Brag & Borrow (BB&B). Our executive director, Kami Griffiths, launched this regular meeting in 2014, hoping that people would show up (there were... read more →

December 12, 2017
digitalLIFT
Brag & Borrow, General

Learner Spotlight: James Johnson

Not having a computer at home nor wanting one, James Johnson, a regular user in the computer lab, makes incremental advances each day towards his poetic creations. He comes equipped... read more →

December 4, 2017
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

CTN Kicks Off in Austin, Texas!

Community Tech Network is expanding, and what better place to grow than in Texas — where everything is said to be bigger and better? Under the direction of executive director and... read more →

November 15, 2017
digitalLIFT
Austin Partner

Learner Spotlight: Robert Boyd

Robert Boyd, also known as International Red, was living (and may still be) at the Ambassador Hotel, a six-story, 134-room single-room-occupancy (SRO) hotel at 55 Mason Street in the Tenderloin district.... read more →

November 7, 2017
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Digital Literacy Training for NeighborNest Parents

In 2016, Twitter approved a grant in the amount of $30,000 to Community Technology Network to fund a pilot digital literacy program at Twitter's NeighborNest. The purpose was to address... read more →

November 2, 2017
digitalLIFT
Digital Parents, Digital Skills Training

October Breakfast, Brag, and Borrow Recap

Since 2014, CTN has organized monthly networking meetings we call Breakfast, Brag, and Borrow. On the third Thursday of each month, we invite fellow nonprofits and community service providers to... read more →

October 31, 2017
digitalLIFT
Brag & Borrow, General

Tech Teach-In: TechWomen Volunteer in the Bayview

On Saturday, October 7, 12 volunteers from the TechWomen program came out to Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center to provide technology tutoring and support to the staff and clients there. TechWomen... read more →

Without a Net

Verizon recently released the movie Without a Net: The Digital Divide in America. It does a spectacular job of explaining the digital divide as it pertains to schools and our... read more →

October 24, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Goldman Sachs Employees Volunteer at Downtown Senior Center

On Wednesday, September 27, volunteers from Goldman Sachs joined CTN at Downtown Senior Center for a "bring your own device" volunteer teach-in event. Seniors were invited to come in with... read more →

Celebrating International Literacy Day

On September 8, in celebration of International Literacy Day, CTN, San Francisco Public Library, and Bayview Senior Services collaborated to present a community event recognizing the importance of digital and... read more →

October 9, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Partner Spotlight: Peggy Gallagher at Downtown Senior Center

Before taking on the role as program coordinator at NCPHS's Downtown Senior Center, Peggy Gallagher had spent 10 years as the Senior Marketing Manager at Sony's video game division. She... read more →

October 9, 2017
digitalLIFT
SF Partner

Trainer Spotlight: Tony Pound

I started with CTN the week of September 8, 2015, and we were scheduled to attend the volunteer training that Friday. Anthony Pound, a United Kingdom transplant, was among those... read more →

Valdez Plaza Graduation

In early 2016, CTN partnered with a wonderful organization called Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA). SAHA is an organization that's committed to building long-term communities for low-income and special needs... read more →

Connecting with Comcast Internet Essentials

Community Technology Network recently hosted another successful Comcast Internet Essentials sign-up event at the Willie B. Kennedy senior apartments. Comcast's Scott Adams was on hand to present Ruilian Liang with a new... read more →

August 31, 2017
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home

Trainer Spotlight: Margaret Abdilova

When Margaret Abdilova signed up for a community fund raising event two years ago, she hadn't anticipated how much her high-tech career experience would affect the lives of San Francisco seniors. She attended... read more →

Learner Spotlight: John Gambaccini

John Gambaccini got his start with his computer skills education back in 1997 when Glide Memorial offered a free course on basic computer applications. More than 30 years ago, a... read more →

July Breakfast, Brag & Borrow Recap

Since 2014, CTN has organized monthly networking meetings we call Breakfast, Brag & Borrow. On the third Thursday of each month, we invite fellow nonprofits and community service providers to gather... read more →

Photovoice Participants Appreciated at Reception

CTN recently got together with the some of the participants of the Photovoice project for a reception at the San Francisco Main Library. We organized the reception to gather together the... read more →

July 18, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Tech Allies — Connecting Seniors Across the Digital Divide

We are excited to share a guest post by Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) program coordinator Debbie Uchida, pictured here with Emil. Her story illustrates the positive power... read more →

July 18, 2017
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home, Tech Allies, Tech Teach-ins

June Breakfast, Brag & Borrow Recap

Since 2014, CTN has organized monthly networking meetings we call Breakfast, Brag & Borrow. On the third Thursday of each month, we invite fellow nonprofits and community service providers to gather... read more →

Free Gigabit Internet for 1,000 SF Homes

CTN loves to see corporate-nonprofit partnerships providing access to the Internet in San Francisco's most disadvantaged communities. Therefore, we were delighted to learn of a new initiative between Monkeybrains and... read more →

July 12, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Trainer Spotlight: Michael Wiggins

Michael Wiggins has been volunteering with CTN for just over a year now. He works in the tech industry and had been researching opportunities to teach digital literacy in Indonesia.... read more →

San Francisco’s First Digital Inclusion Week

Nonprofits and libraries across the country organized special events held the week of May 8 as part of Digital Inclusion Week. San Francisco had over 50 events, including a tech expo, technology... read more →

June 7, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Digital Inclusion Heroes Honored at Awards Ceremony

A fun night was had by all at our recent Digital Leaders Awards. In case you missed out, here's a quick rundown of the evening and here's a link to... read more →

Beyond the Bay: Expanding CTN’s Impact Nationwide

Next year, Community Technology Network will celebrate its 10th anniversary as an independent 501(c)(3). From its humble origins as a project of TechSoup, CTN's programmatic reach has massively expanded. In... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Dorothy Quock

Dorothy Quock has long been a dedicated leader at the YWCA Chinatown Computer Learning Center. A native of San Francisco and a speaker of Cantonese, she is keen on social... read more →

Grads with Gratitude

On May 18, we cheered on the youth participants of the fifth graduating class of Ready, Set, Connect! Gathering at the Main Library in Oakland, the youth gave their final... read more →

Getting Connected

There are 4.4 billion people worldwide who have never used the internet: Let us introduce to you one of them! Anel Trujillo is a mom of two with an... read more →

May 30, 2017
digitalLIFT
Videos

I Can Teach!

Ready, Set, Connect! is CTN's Oakland-based workforce development program for youth aged 16 to 24. We asked one of this year's participants, Shauna McQueen, to share what she has learned... read more →

Three Cheers for Volunteers!

April 23 – 29 was National Volunteer Week, which was an opportunity to celebrate community service. CTN is fortunate to have an amazing group of people who donate their time... read more →

Announcing the Winners of Digital Leaders Awards 2017

We are excited to announce this year's winners of our Digital Leaders Awards! Through public nominations and the help of a committee of judges, the following people and organizations have... read more →

April 30, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

“Life Got Wider”: New Photo Exhibit Explores the Online Lives of Seniors

"I bought a tablet about two years ago. … Prior to that, I wasn't able to fully enjoy TV and radio because I am hard of hearing, so I would... read more →

April 6, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Partner Spotlight: Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center

At the southeastern end of San Francisco, in the Bayview district, you can find the Dr. George W. Davis Senior Residence and Center. It opened its doors in August 2016,... read more →

March 22, 2017
digitalLIFT
General, SF Partner

2017 Nonprofit Technology Conference (17NTC)

On March 23, over 2,000 nonprofit professionals from around the world will amass for the 17NTC at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC for three days of tech-focused events.... read more →

March 20, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Career and Community: Youth Find a Future in Tech with CTN

Eighteen young people, 30 weeks, 64 hours of professional development training, 953 hours of service to 1,409 community members . . . These are just a few of the statistics... read more →

SF Tech Council: a Vision for a Connected City

CTN is a proud member of the SF Tech Council, a collective of organizations that is dedicated to advancing digital inclusion for older adults and people with disabilities. Established in... read more →

March 13, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Nominate a Digital Leader in San Francisco!

The second annual Digital Leaders Awards is happening on May 10 at Twitter HQ in San Francisco. It will bring together prominent community and business leaders to celebrate the people... read more →

Digital Inclusion Week: May 8 – 13

Did you know that 16 percent of American adults and 58 percent of older American adults don't use the internet? This can be a scary fact in the 21st century,... read more →

February 22, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

IFAN: Yes We Can!

The California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) has been championing a new law for the state Legislature that will support internet access and broadband adoption for another decade. The Internet For... read more →

February 2, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Join Us at the Digital Leaders Awards 2017!

An awards ceremony and reception celebrating the guiding principles and achievements of digital inclusion in the Bay Area We are delighted to announce that CTN is once again partnering... read more →

January 26, 2017
digitalLIFT
General

Tech Allies: Home Help for Seniors

CTN recently received a $100,000 grant from Metta Fund to support a vital new program for seniors in San Francisco. Can you help us raise match funding? Tech Allies is... read more →

Certifiably Tech-Savvy

Earlier this year, CTN announced an important strategic partnership with Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA). SAHA provides affordable accommodations and services to empower people and strengthen neighborhoods. CTN is being... read more →

Tapping Into the Potential of Tablets

Think of mobile technology — a smartphone or tablet — and you probably picture it in the hands of a Millennial. But at CTN, we understand that mobile technology is not the... read more →

Taking Families a Step Closer to Digital Literacy

While riding public transportation or walking around town, have you ever stopped to notice who around you isn't staring at their smartphones? I have begun to pay more attention to... read more →

October 28, 2016
digitalLIFT
Digital Parents, Digital Skills Training

Mouse in the House: Getting California Connected at Home

You may know that Community Technology Network supports public-access computer labs all over the Bay Area, but did you know we are also committed to getting more people connected in their... read more →

October 13, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

Comcast Kicks Off Another Great Year

On September 12, Comcast organized an event to kick off another year of Internet Essentials and make a few important announcements. The event happened at the Dr. George W. Davis... read more →

October 11, 2016
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home

Are You Ready, Set, Connected?

Our fifth session of Ready, Set, Connect! kicked off on September 20. Wendy Chen, the Teen Outreach Librarian for Oakland Public Library, was involved in the selection process. It was... read more →

Helping to Get Out the Vote

September 27 was National Voter Registration Day, and we are excited to support our learners as they exercise the important right and responsibility to vote. In order to provide this support, CTN... read more →

You Have a Match! Mobile Device Teach-Ins with Tech Employees

CTN has facilitated a number of teach-in events with tech companies with the goal of bringing more of our clients across the digital divide. Our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)... read more →

Support Oakland Youth!

When you hear the phrase "get a job," do you ever stop to think that in order to do so you need to have digital literacy skills? From email, to... read more →

September 13, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

Team CTN: Welcome, William!

We are proud to announce that long-time volunteer William Dean has joined the CTN staff part-time. If his name rings a bell, that's because William was a recipient of the... read more →

September 9, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

AT&T and Giants Recognize CTN as a Community All Star!

On August 17, Community Tech Network and four other organizations were recognized as Community All Stars by the Giants and AT&T. This program has been in effect for 12 years and brings... read more →

September 7, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

Comcast Newsmakers Kami Griffiths

September 6, 2016
digitalLIFT
Videos

Ready, Set, Connect! Youth & Community Development Program

If you believe everyone deserves equal access to technology & computer skills training, please donate to Ready, Set, Connect! today: http://bit.ly/supportoaklandyouth For a limited time--your donation will be doubled... read more →

September 6, 2016
digitalLIFT
Videos

5 Ways to Make Digital Devices Easier to Use for Seniors

Elderly users of digital devices are increasing in numbers. More than half of online seniors in America use Facebook nowadays. As seniors continue to make up a growing portion of today's digital society, it is important that... read more →

September 2, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

Trainer Spotlight: Randy Schroeder

Randy Schroeder, now in his early 70s, is not ready to stop working. Having a grandfather who lived to see 100 and retired three times, he likes to stay busy... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Robert Chau

At first glance, Robert Chau, 77, doesn't appear to be your typical power Android user.From cleaning his Android app cache to customizing the homescreens of his launcher, Robert uses his Samsung Galaxy S5 in an amazingly... read more →

Digital Literacy en Español at Twitter’s NeighborNest

Our digital inclusion efforts continued this June at Twitter's NeighborNest, where I taught the digital literacy course in Spanish. The four-part workshop series focused on building the learners' basic computer and... read more →

Trainer Spotlight: Taylor Glas-Hochstettler

Taylor Glas-Hochstettler joined our Digital Literacy Corps in May 2016 and tutors at the Castro Senior Center. Here he shares a bit about his experience as a volunteer and the difference he is making through... read more →

Free Antivirus — What’s Best for Slow PCs?

Click here to read the 2023 version. Back in the day, Symantec and McAfee were the industry leaders in providing paid antivirus solutions. Running free antivirus programs for assured protection... read more →

July 28, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

$10 Broadband Program For Low-Income Households Expanding

A growing number of low-income Californians are eligible for $10 a month broadband service due to the expansion of the program run by Comcast. The program, called Internet Essentials,... read more →

Meet Our NTEN Digital Inclusion Fellow, Samantha Akwei

Poet. Activist. Community Leader. These are the identities Samantha Akwei manifests in her life and brings to the work she will do at Community Technology Network over the next year.The... read more →

July 9, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

Digital Inclusion Leadership At Its Best

Our first annual Digital Leaders Awards ceremony was held at Twitter. The awards recognized the inspiring work happening in the Bay Area to close the digital divide. View pictures from... read more →

July 7, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

5 Tips for Teaching Digital Literacy Skills to Non-English Speakers

Becoming digitally literate can be a long journey for many learners. It can seem like an impossible one to those who speak limited or no English. However, thanks to technology, it has... read more →

July 5, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

Oakland Youth Celebrated for Their Success

On June 2, Ready, Set, Connect! ended its fourth session with a graduation celebration held at Oakland City Hall. Eighteen young people completed the program with a final project —... read more →

Volunteers from Startups Help Seniors in San Francisco

Community Technology Network facilitated a Tech Teach-In at the North Beach Library on June 24, 2016. We paired seven seniors from Next Village SF with seven volunteers from Startups Give Back... read more →

Making Connections, Transforming Lives

June 17, 2016
digitalLIFT
Videos

A Cause for Celebration!

On April 19, volunteers, their friends and family, and CTN staff and board members gathered to celebrate our amazing volunteers and the work they're doing to help CTN meet our... read more →

California Grant Program Expanding Internet Access and Training

Last year I shared that we would be working with SAHA Homes in the East Bay to deliver digital literacy training to their residents. That project is well underway, and... read more →

June 13, 2016
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home

Bridging the Technology Divide One Family at A Time

The fourth session of our Ready, Set, Connect! program (RSC) wrapped up last week with another 18 amazing young people completing the 8-month program and helping over 1,000 fellow community... read more →

Learner Spotlight: Xiu Ping Zhang

Two months ago, Xiu Ping had never touched a computer in her life. If you would've asked her about Apple, she would've replied (in Cantonese), "Fuji or Washington?"Fast forward to... read more →

6 Reasons To Attend the Digital Leaders Awards!

Do you have your ticket to the Digital Leaders Awards on June 16? If not, don't be excluded from the digital inclusion event of the year! Time and tickets are... read more →

Twitter NeighborNest Marks One Year of Providing Low-income Families With Access to Technology

NeighborNest hosted over 3,500 visits from local residents, conducted 920 programming hours, and provided 800 hours of free childcare in its first year. Launching digital literacy program to... read more →

Digital Literacy Training at Twitter’s NeighborNest

CTN is excited to partner with Twitter on their NeighborNest, a computer lab in the Tenderloin that provides services to low-income and homeless families and youth. I was lucky to... read more →

Next Village Facebook 101 Training

Community Technology Network and Next Village teamed up to provide one-on-one training for a group of seniors at the North Beach Library on March 23, 2016. Wonderful volunteers Arthur, William,... read more →

Become a Digital Inclusion Fellow!

We are very excited to announce that CTN was selected by NTEN to be a host city for their Digital Inclusion Fellowship Program! CTN and the San Francisco Public Library... read more →

May 4, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

Big News from NTC

Last month the biggest nonprofit technology conference happened in the Bay Area. Appropriately named the Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC), and organized by NTEN, the conference is a perfect opportunity for... read more →

April 29, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

Announcing the Digital Leaders Awards: June 16

We are organizing a Digital Leaders Awards reception on Thursday, June 16, 2016, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It will be at the Twitter Building, 1355 Market Street in San... read more →

Getting Connected with Comcast

Last fall we made the exciting announcement that we would be partnering with Comcast to share information about their pilot program Internet Essentials for Seniors. Internet Essentials brings low-cost Internet... read more →

March 8, 2016
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home

Kami Griffiths on Comcast Newsmakers

Community Technology Network’s Kami Griffiths on the need for teaching digital literacy and CTN’s model programs. Access to computers and the internet is critical, and so are the skills... read more →

February 24, 2016
digitalLIFT
Videos

Technology Training at Tel-Hi

To ring in the new year and to help seniors understand how to use those new devices they received over the holidays, Community Technology Network and Next Village teamed up... read more →

February 9, 2016
digitalLIFT
Tech Teach-ins

Culture, Economics, and Technology in Cuba

In April, you can travel to Cuba while supporting CTN's mission to transform lives through digital literacy. We will be leading a delegation there that will focus on culture, economics,... read more →

February 9, 2016
digitalLIFT
General

Digital Literacy: A Tool to Support Many Missions

In 2008, I worked with a small team of volunteers to launch the nonprofit Community Technology Network, whose mission is to transform lives through digital literacy. It was the... read more →

In the Heart of Tech, a Persistent Digital Divide

In recent years, San Francisco has become the epicenter of technological development. While multi-billion dollar companies develop the latest new Internet services, 100,000 San Francisco residents cannot afford a... read more →

Tech Company Quantcast Connects with Nonprofits

CTN program managers Laurie and Heather were pleased to be part of Quantcast's 1st Annual Data For Good Volunteer Match Day on November 19, 2015. CTN was among 12 nonprofit... read more →

December 1, 2015
digitalLIFT
Tech Teach-ins

Voices of the Community – The Digital Divide – Have & Have Nots – How Digital Skills Changes Lives

In the epicenter of the Tech Startup 100k San Franciscans don't have broadband and 50 thousand of them access the internet through dial-up service. Our show on the Digital... read more →

Meet RSC’s Fourth Cohort!

The fourth iteration of Ready, Set, Connect! has officially completed its first month! We currently have a wonderful, diverse cohort of 19 young people, ages 16 to 24, who speak... read more →

Service Learners from USF Bridge the Digital and Language Divide

We are excited to welcome 11 new technology trainers from the University of San Francisco! These students come from different majors, ranging from business, economics, and finance to international studies.... read more →

I Am Pro-Literacy. Are You?

Before I helped establish CTN as a nonprofit, I lived in New York City and worked for the Parks Department in their Computer Resource Centers. In 2003 I was teaching... read more →

October 25, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Getting East Bay Families Connected

In the next few months, Community Technology Network will be rolling out a new program providing digital literacy training to low-income East Bay residents. The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) has expanded... read more →

Introducing Heather DeSmidt and Laurie Sanchez

Community Technology Network has a new program management team. Heather DeSmidt and Laurie Sanchez will both serve as digital literacy program managers, helping place and support volunteers and trainers at... read more →

September 21, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Ready, Set, Connect! Now Accepting Applications for the 2015-16 Iteration

Ready, Set, Connect!, a workforce development program provided by the Oakland Public Library and Community Technology Network, is now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 school year. Ready, Set, Connect! (RSC!)... read more →

September 10, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Digital Inclusion Roundup

2015 is proving to be an exciting time, with a flurry of announcements about new programs to foster digital inclusion. Here's a quick overview of three interesting initiatives that came... read more →

August 24, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Low-Cost High-Speed Internet for San Francisco Seniors: Comcast Pilots Expansion of Internet Essentials

On August 19, Comcast announced a pilot program to expand its Internet Essentials to low-income San Francisco seniors over 65. San Francisco is one of two counties involved in the... read more →

August 23, 2015
digitalLIFT
Connect @ Home

Volunteer Spotlight: Jang Sunjung

The following was written by Jang (Rachel) Sunjung, a CTN intern from Korea: I've been a Community Technology Network volunteer for six months, tutoring at Aquatic Park Senior Center. I... read more →

Making Technology Fun

Even though "technology" is in our name, we aren’t always on the cutting edge of new tech innovations. I'm embarrassed to admit that I only recently learned about augmented reality... read more →

August 21, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Fun Digital Learning Treats from the San Francisco Public Library

Spend the rest of the summer enjoying this rich menu of digital delicacies — great resources for individuals wanting to learn something new online as well as for tutors and trainers... read more →

July 21, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Ready, Set, Connect! Completes Another Successful Year

Teah spent eight months as part of a team known as the TechnoSaviors. In May, Teah and her team completed Ready, Set, Connect! (RSC!), a professional development program designed to... read more →

July 16, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

The State of Digital Inclusion: A Community Tech Talk with Karen Archer Perry

On a day that saw San Francisco fill with 25,000 librarians for the American Library Association Conference, Community Tech Network and Zero Divide hosted an intimate forum on digital inclusion... read more →

July 8, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

The Right Time for a National Digital Inclusion Alliance

I am so happy to announce the creation of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. There is a clear need among non-profit organizations, libraries, schools and other community institutions for a national... read more →

July 1, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

City Visions: Can Twitter teach its neighbors how to code?

In exchange for a tax deal, Twitter recently debuted NeighborNest, a community learning center across the street from its Civic Center headquarters. Monday on our program, host David Onek... read more →

Twitter NeighborNest: San Francisco’s Newest Tech Learning Center

San Francisco's newest tech learning center — Twitter's ‪NeighborNest — officially opened on May 5 with a ceremony attended by Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, Mayor Edwin M. Lee, Community Tech Network board... read more →

June 8, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Please Support the Keep Us Connected Campaign 2015

The SF Connected Program provides seniors and people with disabilities with computer training and access to help keep them connected to friends and family as well as health and other... read more →

Volunteer Appreciation Party 2015

Digital Literacy is a SUPERPOWER! On May 6th, Community Technology Network held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Party to acknowledge the many "superheroes" who volunteer in computer centers. Our amazing volunteers... read more →

Griffiths: Even in high-tech SF, there is a digital divide

When I was pregnant with my son, I was able to use my patient portal to email my doctor with questions. As a new mom, the speed and ease... read more →

Community Partnership: A Strategy for Creating Digital Inclusion

Last week I attended the fifth annual Schools, Health, Library Broadband Coalition (SHLB) conference in Washington, D.C., where I moderated a panel called "Digital Literacy Through Community Anchor Institution Partnerships." The panel... read more →

May 30, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteer Spotlight: Claire Ryan

Claire Ryan came to 30th Street Senior Center eight months ago as a Jesuit Volunteer Corps participant. Part of her duties include teaching in the center's computer lab. The center is... read more →

May 29, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Twitter opens $3 million tech skills center for SF poor, homeless

There are computers in the transitional living space where Lindsay Moodie lives, but it’s hard for her to learn how to use them when her 1-year-old daughter is climbing... read more →

Upcoming Event: How Elders, Caregivers, and Senior Services Are Influencing and Inventing Thoughtful Technologies

The Institute on Aging is presenting a one-day conference on aging and technology called BIG IDEAS, GOOD WORK: How Elders, Caregivers, and Senior Services Are Influencing and Inventing Thoughtful Technologies.... read more →

April 30, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

San Francisco Looks at Ways to Address Digital Divide — Offering New Data and Policies

A new report issued by the City of San Francisco outlines a number of policy recommendations to connect more households and address issues of Internet availability, affordablity, and adoption. The recommendations... read more →

April 29, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

What Will You Actually Use?

Recently I was talking with a learner in one of the computer labs. She wanted to print out a map. After a bit of talking, it became clear that she... read more →

April 29, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Transforming Lives Through Digital Literacy: Kami Griffiths Interviewed by Comcast Newsmakers

Kami Griffiths, Community Technology Network's executive director, was interviewed on April 24, 2015, by Comcast Newsmakers. Terri Hardesty talked to Kami about the need for teaching digital literacy and how CTN's programs address this... read more →

April 29, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY NETWORK: Transforming Lives Through Digital Literacy

Community Technology Network’s Kami Griffiths on the need for teaching digital literacy and CTN’s model programs. Access to computers and the internet is critical, and so are the skills... read more →

April 28, 2015
digitalLIFT
Videos

Report from the Aging in America Conference

Health information has increasingly moved to an online format, including information about prescription drugs, medical conditions, and healthy living. However, many older adults have difficulty accessing this information. Last week... read more →

March 31, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Thinking About Learning and Doing

I recently sat down with one of our volunteers to talk about improving methods for teaching CTN tutors to teach our learners. She had just returned from the CSUN Annual... read more →

March 30, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

PURE GOLD! CTN’s Volunteer Appreciation Party 2015

March 30, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

RSC! Interns Visit Bluewolf

On February 26 and March 5, the RSC! cohort visited Bluewolf in San Francisco to learn about the breadth of careers available within this one subset of tech.The staff at Bluewolf welcomed... read more →

Technology Has Changed Everything

I was spending time with a friend the other day who is about to have twins. I mentioned that in 2011 when I was pregnant I had to walk 20... read more →

February 24, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

What We Talk About When We Talk About Digital Literacy (Part 2)

Last month I pointed out all the different ways in which people define the term digital literacy and talked about how most of the discussion only scratches the surface. I thought it... read more →

February 24, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteer Spotlight: Cody Wild

Like many of our volunteers, Cody Wild found Community Network through the Internet. "I googled 'tech volunteering San Francisco.' I thought about wanting to volunteer because I helped my grandmother... read more →

February 24, 2015
digitalLIFT
Volunteer Spotlights

RSC! Interns Learn About Virtual Entrepeneurship

While having a 9-to-5 office job may work for many, this structure can often be difficult for both employers and employees to sustain. Real estate is becoming inreasingly expensive, and... read more →

February 16, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteer Spotlight: Charles Li

During his winter break, Charles Li took a few days off from volunteering at IT Bookman Community Center in order to finish his college applications. It's an impressive list of... read more →

January 28, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

E-Health Literacy Classes to Begin in February

CTN is excited to announce that we will be offering six e-health classes at five locations this Winter and Spring! Between February and April, we will be offering classes at... read more →

January 26, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Digital Inclusion Efforts in Kansas City

The Bay Area is leading the way in technology innovation, innovation that has changed the way that we work, communicate, and educate ourselves. But it isn't San Francisco that is... read more →

January 23, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

What We Talk About When We Talk About the Digital Divide

For many of us, talking about the work Community Technology Network (CTN) does can be rather tricky. Part of the problem is that the term digital divide has meant different things to... read more →

January 22, 2015
digitalLIFT
General

Finding Little Joys During the Long, Dark Winter

A few Decembers ago I spent the holidays helping to take care of an elderly woman. She was very sick and could not be at home. She was scared and... read more →

December 17, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Study Links Lack of Internet, Computer Access, and Poverty Level

The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) surveyed a number of schools and considered the LCFF (Local Control Funding Formula) statistic to determine how many students throughout the district need a... read more →

December 17, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Ready, Set, Connect! Completes Its First Quarter

Hello, World! The Ready, Set, Connect! team has successfully reached its first quarter! In October and November, interns learned the basics of digital literacy tutoring for the diverse patronage at Oakland... read more →

December 17, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Seniors and Youth Working to Save Their Computer Lab

A popular computer lab at the YWCA at 940 Powell Street in San Francisco is in danger of shutting down unless $20,000 can be found to keep it running. Students... read more →

December 15, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Net Neutrality – Where Things Are

“Net neutrality (also network neutrality or Internet neutrality) is the principle that Internet service providers and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, site, platform, application, type of attached equipment,... read more →

November 19, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Our First Fundraising Dinner a Huge Success!

It's hard to believe our very first Making Waves gala is already behind us. Last Thursday, nearly 90 of CTN's closest supporters gathered at the Golden Gate Yacht Club to... read more →

November 19, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

LUBA Community Technology Network For Air Nov 2, 2014

Our Intern’s Perspective on Tutoring Seniors

CTN was lucky to have a great intern from Japan for two months. Ryohei Takayama helped us with outreach research and was a computer lab monitor in our computer lab... read more →

What the Digital Divide Looks Like

We hear the term "digital divide" used quite a bit in a wide variety of contexts, and often the definition can start to feel a little muddy. Building on research... read more →

October 28, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Kami Griffith’s Interview on KEAR 2014

Robert Posey

Robert Posey might just be one of the friendliest, warmest people you will ever meet — which explains why he's been seeing the same core group of seniors at the Western... read more →

September 23, 2014
digitalLIFT
Volunteer Spotlights

Homejoy Brings Smiles to Curry’s Seniors

On August 13, 2014, the computer users at the Curry Senior Center were joined by three volunteers from the home cleaning service company, Homejoy, for an email workshop. Despite a fire incident the previous... read more →

August 26, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Meet Andrea Guzmán – Program Coordinator for Ready, Set, Connect!

CTN has a new staff member: Andrea Guzmán is the new Program Coordinator for the Ready, Set, Connect! program in partnership with the Oakland Public Library. CTN is going into the third year... read more →

TechSoup Teach-In at Tel Hi Neighborhood Center!

Seven TechSoup volunteers spent their Sunday afternoon providing technology assistance to the seniors at Tel Hi Neighborhood Center (Tel Hi).The computer lab at Tel Hi has Macintosh and Windows desktops, and TechSoup volunteers jumped... read more →

July 16, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

And That’s a Wrap!

CTN and Oakland Public Library wrapped up our Ready, Set, Connect! Program last month with a party to celebrate the youth and their achievements. The youth shared presentations about their work in the program... read more →

June 24, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

A Google Fun Day for Seniors at Aquatic Park!

On Monday, June 2, nine Google volunteers came to the Aquatic Park Senior Center computer lab to provide one-to-one tutoring to excited seniors who wanted to learn more about the fun features... read more →

June 6, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Trainer Spotlight: Carol Wexelbaum

After retiring from her job as legal assistant with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Carol Wexelbaum was looking for a new way to stay busy and give back to her community.... read more →

Spotlight: Downtown Senior Center

The computer lab was packed at the Downtown Senior Center when the Basic Computer Skills class started on April 9. Every computer was occupied, and the seniors eagerly waited to learn about... read more →

May 19, 2014
digitalLIFT
SF Partner

Our 2014 Volunteer Appreciation Party

On April 8, CTN celebrated our volunteers in style with our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party! This year’s theme was Superstars in Service because our volunteers really are the superstars that... read more →

April 25, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Kanjoya Volunteers Click with Curry Seniors

San Francisco tech business Kanjoya was founded on the principle that technology should serve to enrich lives. Now that's a principle CTN can identify with! We were, therefore, truly delighted when the... read more →

April 24, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

RSC Youth Get Their Resumes Ready

Not too long ago RSC members had the privilege of connecting via video conference with Danielle Bowers, Data and Trends Manager, Google Plus at Google, for two workshops on resumes... read more →

April 22, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Bay Area Focus: Kami Griffiths

April 16, 2014
digitalLIFT
Videos

Successful E-Health Literacy Workshop at Aquatic Park Senior Center

On March 28, 2014, CTN's first E-Health Literacy Workshop successfully finished up at Aquatic Park Senior Center! Eight seniors attended. CTN volunteers Carol Wexelbaum and Norman Bohrer worked together to deliver... read more →

April 14, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

March 14, 2014: A Phenomenal Friday

Seniors get their email in order with help from volunteers....On Friday March 14, at the Downtown Senior Center in San Francisco, CTN ran the first Internet Workshop for Seniors of 2014. The... read more →

March 21, 2014
digitalLIFT
General

Trainer Spotlight: Elen Nettlebeck

Elen Nettlebeck has been a CTN volunteer since 2011, and she has made a difference in just about every way imaginable! She has tutored seniors one-on-one, taught basic computer classes,... read more →

Trainer Spotlight: Theron Kuntz

Theron Kuntz is a superstar volunteer. For the last two months, he has spent five days a week turning the computer lab at Sala Burton Manor (a senior housing complex... read more →

Volunteer Spotlight: Andy Lau

We have many dedicated volunteers here at CTN. One of our volunteers, Andy Lau, is definitely a favorite at the Richmond Senior Center. He converses with the elderly in English as... read more →

Ready, Set, Connect! Volunteer Spotlight: Cynthia Mackey

Meet Cynthia Mackey, one of the Ready, Set, Connect! Program's (RSC) newest volunteer instructors. Cynthia runs Winning Strategies, an Oakland-based digital marketing firm that helps clients extend their brand and grow business online.... read more →

Announcing SF Connected

Three years ago, CTN began a partnership with the Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) to bring computer training to seniors and adults with disabilities throughout San Francisco. The... read more →

November 20, 2013
digitalLIFT
General, SF Connected

Service Learning Volunteer Spotlight: Michelle Condry

I have been volunteering at the Richmond senior center for about a month now. I volunteer on Friday mornings before my afternoon class. This past Friday, a very nice lady... read more →

November 15, 2013
digitalLIFT
Volunteer Spotlights

Volunteer with Community Technology Network

November 12, 2013
digitalLIFT
Videos

Client Spotlight: Gene Woo

While many people take computers for granted, many seniors do not have computers or digital devices at home. Gene Woo is one of them. An 80-year-old Chinese-American senior citizen, Mr.... read more →

October 21, 2013
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Tutoring at Downtown Senior Center

Downtown Senior Center has a large population of Russian-speaking seniors, and there is a big need for somebody who is able to teach them basic computer skills. Since Russian is... read more →

September 23, 2013
digitalLIFT
Volunteer Spotlights

Volunteer Spotlight: Cordelia McGee-Tubb

ere is an inside look into the experience of technology trainer Cordelia McGee-Tubb as she volunteers as a Teaching Assistant at the Canon Kip Senior Center basic skills computer class.A... read more →

Looking Back, Looking Forward for Ready, Set, Connect!

CTN and Oakland Public Library wrapped up our pilot Ready, Set, Connect! Program last month with a party to celebrate the youth and their achievements. The youth shared presentations about their work in the program and... read more →

July 19, 2013
digitalLIFT
General

Digital Literacy Spotlight: Eugene Fong

Mr. Fong, an elderly Chinese man, has been coming regularly to the Richmond Senior Center computer lab for a few months. He found out about the lab while having lunch... read more →

Ready, Set, Connect Brings Youth and Mentors Together

Over the past month, youth in our Ready, Set, Connect! program met with over 25 mentors from Bluewolf Consulting and Google in San Francisco. These visits served as a capstone to our 12-week program in the Oakland... read more →

June 14, 2013
digitalLIFT
General

Ready, Set, Connect! Volunteer Spotlight: Danielle Bowers

Meet Danielle Bowers, the Ready, Set, Connect! Program's (RSC) star volunteer and mentor. I recently sat down with Danielle to talk about her involvement with RSC. Kerri: How did you get started with... read more →

Salesforce Success Clinic Treats Bay Area Nonprofits

On Friday April 5, CTN, in partnership with the Salesforce Foundation, opened the doors to the first of four free Success Clinics taking place this year. The clinics are designed... read more →

April 15, 2013
digitalLIFT
General

Volunteer Spotlight: Jonathan Chiu

Jonathan Chiu, a trilingual speaker (English, Mandarin, and Cantonese) originally from Hong Kong, has recently joined the CTN team as a volunteer computer tutor. Jonathan began volunteering at the Rosa... read more →

Why It’s Easier to Scam Older Adults

A recent NPR report told of a study by psychologist Shelley Taylor (UCLA) suggesting that older adults fall victim to fraud and scams more easily than younger adults do. Physiological, psychological, and... read more →

January 15, 2013
digitalLIFT
General

Curry Senior Center Kickoff Event

On December 5, the Curry Senior Center held its official BTOP kickoff event, and it was a big success! The CTN team joined staff from Community Living Campaign, Self-Help for the Elderly, and the Department... read more →

December 12, 2012
digitalLIFT
General

Client Spotlight: Sylvia

Sylvia was introduced to the Aquatic Park Computer Lab by her friend Sid. She had used a computer previously but really hadn't had time to get to know much about... read more →

December 7, 2012
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Kami Griffith’s Radio Interview on KEAR

Client Spotlight: Hugo Salustiano

Every Monday at Aquatic Park Senior Center, a group of dedicated photographers gather together for Roger Graham's digital photography class. The class introduces Adobe Photoshop and teaches seniors how to... read more →

November 13, 2012
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

Digital Literacy Client Spotlight: John Burns

A television program about computers sent John Burns on a quest. "The TV said, 'Don't let the computer pass you by.' I'm always looking for ways to keep busy and... read more →

October 12, 2012
digitalLIFT
Learner Spotlights

We Now Bring You This Public Service Announcement

CTN has partnered with San Francisco's Department of Technology and SFGOVTV, the City of San Francisco's public access television station, to create a public service announcement about the BTOP project... read more →

October 12, 2012
digitalLIFT
General

January 17, 2011
digitalLIFT
General

Laptops Bring Youth off the Streets

Laptops can be easily taken for granted by those who have direct access to them, but the devices are a salvation for some at-risk teenagers and young adults caught... read more →

Stories That Matter

digitalLIFT Blog

All Stories

Stories That
Matter