Impact Focus: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage During Digital Inclusion Week

On October 8, we partnered with the Latin American Association to celebrate both Hispanic Heritage Month and Digital Inclusion Week with a specialized training workshop. The event aimed to promote digital equity within Spanish-speaking communities and attracted a diverse group of participants, including families from Guatemala, Mexico, and other Latin American countries. All 27 participants received a laptop, hands-on digital training, and resources like information about low-cost Xfinity Internet Essentials and the Inspiredu help desk.  

For participant Rosa Lopez, the event not only offered an opportunity to improve her consulting business but also a way to support her children’s digital learning journey. With three boys—one in college, one considering returning for his GED, and a four-year-old already showing interest in computers—Rosa understands the importance of digital literacy.  

"In today’s times, it’s no longer a want but a necessity,” she shares. “To me, digital skills are as essential to my community as learning English. Both can be intimidating, but if we focus on our fear of change, we won’t move forward. Everything is digital now, and we have to adapt." 

Digital literacy as a path to success 

For many in Rosa’s community, the digital divide can directly impact access to educational and economic opportunities. Specifically, she discussed how important it is for younger generations like her boys to have access to digital tools, whether for college or future job applications. “Most jobs now require digital platforms just to apply,” she explained. “Learning how to navigate this digital world is critical for their future.” 

At Inspiredu, our commitment to digital inclusion extends beyond the basics of digital literacy. At the workshop, our trainers introduced popular Microsoft applications and gave participants a chance to practice using them. In addition, eight learners expressed interest in pursuing Google certification programs through Coursera, which offers courses in areas such as digital marketing, data analytics, and cybersecurity, among others.  

Addressing language barriers in digital learning 

For Spanish-speaking communities, language barriers can mean missing important resources and information for full participation in society. This includes digital tools and skills. “Years ago, it didn't really matter if you knew a lot about computers,” Rosa recalls. “Now, if you want to, say, engage with your kids in school, you have to learn how to navigate digital platforms.” 

To combat these barriers, the Latin American Association played a pivotal role in the success of the workshop by providing translators to ensure that participants, regardless of English language proficiency, could follow along. “It’s essential to have organizations like the Latin American Association helping bridge the gap,” Rosa noted. “They provide crucial support to our community.” 

The workshop also offered hands-on learning—a key learning tool for participants like Rosa. She valued the opportunity to practice what she learned, especially in the area of cybersecurity, a skill she hopes will enhance her consulting business that targets leadership growth and workplace culture in the manufacturing industry.  

“People learn in many different ways,” Rosa explains. “And that is something that I think a lot of programs don't stress enough. This was a practical learning experience everyone can use.” 

A day to connect and celebrate 

The workshop was not just about learning but was also an opportunity to celebrate community. Participants were treated to a continental breakfast, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter, cultural pride, and even a birthday celebration for one of the attendees. Families joked about bringing their own family dishes next time. 

Inspiredu Program Specialist Chanterries Roberts sees the event as an overall success. "The trainers enabled Spanish-language computer settings, so participants were more comfortable from the start,” she shares. “Plus, they were engaging and very organized. This all worked together to put the families at ease, and they were grateful."  

A true testament is Rosa Lopez’s new commitment to the program: "I wasn’t previously aware of these resources, but now I’m sharing them with others in the community. We all need to learn, adapt, and grow together." 

Inspiredu plans to offer another workshop for Spanish speakers in early May 2025, and this one will feature immigration lawyers as a resource component, along with other community services.