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Bridging the Digital Divide is a virtual conference dedicated to advancing digital equity by ensuring adults have the technology, internet access, and digital skills needed to succeed in education, the workforce, and everyday life.
Hosted by the Colorado Adult Education Coalition (CAEC) during Digital Inclusion Week, the conference brings together adult education providers, libraries, workforce organizations, employers, technology leaders, and community partners to explore innovative solutions for closing the digital divide.
Through expert presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, participants gain practical strategies and resources to expand digital access and strengthen digital literacy in their communities. By fostering collaboration across sectors, Bridging the Digital Divide helps empower adult learners with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
The conference is intended solely for professional development and continuing education and does not provide occupational training, licensure, or academic credit. It is offered by the Colorado Adult Education Coalition (CAEC) to advance digital innovation, professional learning, and cross-sector collaboration in adult education.
Explore Sessions
Digital Literacy & Essential Skills
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Digital literacy fundamentals
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Computer and mobile device skills
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Internet navigation and online research
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Email, communication, and productivity tools
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Digital problem-solving
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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AI for educators
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AI for workforce development
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Responsible and ethical AI
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Prompt engineering
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AI tools for adult learners
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AI accessibility tools
Cybersecurity & Online Safety
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Cybersecurity basics
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Protecting personal information
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Password management
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Recognizing scams and phishing
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Digital identity protection
Digital Equity & Inclusion
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Closing the digital divide
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Broadband access strategies
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Device access initiatives
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Rural technology solutions
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Equity in digital learning
Adult Education Technology
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Technology integration in adult education
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Digital curriculum development
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Learning Management Systems (LMS)
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Hybrid and virtual instruction
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Digital assessments
Emerging Technologies
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Virtual Reality (VR)
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Augmented Reality (AR)
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Extended Reality (XR)
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Internet of Things (IoT)
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Automation and robotics
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Wearable technologies
Data & Innovation
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Data-informed decision making
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Digital transformation
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Technology leadership
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Innovation in education
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Measuring digital skills outcomes
Future of Work
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Preparing learners for AI-enabled workplaces
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Digital credentials and microcredentials
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Future workforce trends
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Lifelong learning through technology
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Career pathways in technology
Accessibility & Assistive Technology
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
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Accessibility in digital content
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Assistive technologies
Digital Citizenship
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Media literacy
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Information literacy
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Responsible online behavior
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Digital communication
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Misinformation and fact-checking
Community Partnerships
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Libraries as digital access hubs
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Employer partnerships
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Workforce center collaborations
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Cross-sector partnerships
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Community digital inclusion initiatives
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Inclusive technology practices
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Supporting learners with disabilities
Workforce Technology
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Technology for career readiness
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Digital workplace skills
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Industry technology trends
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Technology in apprenticeships
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Technology for small businesses
Colorado Digital Divide Statistics
More than 300,000 Coloradans lack broadband internet access, limiting access to education, employment, healthcare, and government services.
In 2025, approximately 94.7% of Coloradans had broadband internet access, meaning roughly 5.3% remain without broadband service.
Rural residents face greater connectivity challenges. Among Coloradans without broadband, rural residents were nearly twice as likely to report that broadband was unavailable where they live (22.4%) compared to the statewide average.
Partner Sponsor
We are a nonprofit telecommunications organization that is transforming connectivity by providing affordable broadband to under-resourced communities, including nonprofits, schools, and libraries. We reinvest our surplus into driving social change. Our products and services empower organizations to thrive in an interconnected world.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mission-telecom
Primary contact name and email: Ari Jimenez (ari.jimenez@missiontelecom.org)
In 2021, recognizing a growing demand among peer organizations for digital training solutions, we introduced the Capacity Building Program. This initiative laid the foundation for a robust suite of online classes and multilingual curriculum hosted on our website.
Today we partner with hundreds of nonprofit and government agencies across the country providing both direct services and capacity building.
Our mission is to strengthen communities by providing essential tech training and resources.
Website: https://digitallift.org/about/
Contact: info@digitallift.org
Partner
Colorado Digital Divide Statistics
Cost remains the largest barrier to broadband adoption. Among Coloradans without broadband access, 57.3% cite cost as the primary reason they do not subscribe. For low-income households, that number rises to 73.5%.
Colorado estimates that approximately 10% of households still lack adequate internet access, with rural communities experiencing the greatest challenges.
Some broadband analyses estimate that only about 65% of rural areas in Colorado have adequate internet access, highlighting persistent infrastructure gaps across rural and frontier communities.
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Partner Sponsor
For more than 50 years, KET has developed adult education curriculum and professional development resources that support high school equivalency preparation, workforce readiness, and educator success.
KET's FastForward® is a mobile-friendly online learning system aligned with the GED® test, offering self-paced instruction in math, language arts, science, and social studies. Additional resources include Workplace Essential Skills, which integrates academic and employability skills for career success, and workbook series designed for adult basic education, GED® preparation, and workforce training.
KET also provides self-paced professional development courses that help educators strengthen instruction and improve learner outcomes.
Website: KET.org/AdultEd
Email: adulted@KET.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ket-adult-education
Facebook: facebook.com/KETAdultEd
YouTube: youtube.com/@KETAdultEd
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Partner Sponsor
Burlington English was created to address the growing need for English language acquisition for work, education, and everyday life. Since launching in 2009, Burlington English has provided adult learners with an innovative online learning platform that combines classroom instruction with flexible, anytime-anywhere access to digital learning.
Built on research from linguists, educators, and software developers, Burlington English features proprietary technology, including its SpeechTrainer® system, which helps learners improve pronunciation, listening, speaking, and overall English proficiency. The platform supports career advancement and workforce readiness through practical, real-world language instruction while providing instructors with data-driven tools to monitor learner progress, identify challenges, and personalize instruction.
Website: https://www.burlingtonenglish.com/
Contact: bethany.m@burlingtonenglish.com
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Partner Sponsor
Essential Education’s mission is to help individuals obtain their high school equivalency and beyond, while also fostering a growth mindset in learners worldwide.
Access to Education: The organization is dedicated to helping people earn their GED, HiSET, or other high school equivalency credentials, and to support them in continuing their education beyond that point.
Website: https://www.passged.com/students
Contact: meredith@essentialed.com
