Technology
Augusta Opens Digital Learning Centers, Boosting Resident Literacy Skills
From public library resources to dedicated learning centers, Augusta’s digital infrastructure is reshaping how residents connect, work, and learn.
How we reported this
Access to technology has moved from a convenience to a necessity in Augusta, prompting a wave of support for residents looking to bridge the digital divide. Across the city, various organizations are deploying resources ranging from free internet hubs to specialized software training, helping individuals navigate an increasingly online world with greater confidence.
Community-Driven Resources for Skill Development
For those seeking to improve their proficiency, the options available within the city are diverse. The Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity Community Engagement Center provides digital literacy classes designed to help residents build essential computer skills and interact with the digital landscape safely. Similarly, the Augusta University Literacy Center offers free, volunteer-based computer skills training and digital literacy assistance on a weekly schedule, running Monday through Friday. At the institutional level, Augusta University’s IT department hosts workshops for all experience levels, covering everything from productivity software to the navigation of complex online databases.
Educational opportunities for adult learners are also a central focus of these efforts. Students can access the Northstar Digital Literacy program, which utilizes 12 proctored modules to teach skills such as troubleshooting, document creation, and professional communication in online work environments. Meanwhile, Augusta Adult & Community Education operates a hands-on digital literacy lab where English Language Learner (ELL) students receive guidance on drafting emails and distinguishing between safe and unsafe internet content.
Expanding Access Across the City
Infrastructure development is keeping pace with education. AT&T has established two Connected Learning Centers in Augusta, located at the Boys & Girls Clubs and at RISE Augusta. These centers serve as hubs for free internet access and provide educational tools to help youth and families learn the principles of safe broadband adoption. For those utilizing the Augusta Public Library, a library card grants access to an extensive array of digital resources. This includes the Beanstack web-based reading challenge program and a collection of over 6,000 digital audiobooks and eBooks available through the Kansas e-Library.
Residents interested in utilizing these services should begin by checking the current schedules at their local community engagement sites or the Augusta Public Library. Whether through formal proctored certification programs or informal, volunteer-led computer workshops, these resources are designed to ensure that technical barriers do not prevent Augusta residents from accessing the tools needed for professional and personal growth.