In the News

“Starting a life here involves not only adapting to cultural and linguistic differences, but also, navigating our virtual world — using online portals to pay bills, find a job, access healthcare and much more.“

“The course is available for free until Aug. 28 and is tailored to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed for the world of online business.“

“We’re excited to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently conduct business via the Internet to expand into new markets,” said Vanessa Botts, instructional designer and online course instructor.”

"Looking towards the future, Sasha believes that 'you cannot have an equitable solution without including everyone’s voice.' To address digital equity concerns moving forward, it is crucial that those affected be a voice at the table and a part of defining solutions."

“Goli and Amber Hastings, an AmeriCorps member with the University of Idaho Extension Digital Economy program, spent hours helping residents through the arduous process of finding the proper tribal documentation required to receive the larger $75 discount for those living on tribal lands. Of the more than 200 households Goli and Hastings aided, about 40% had not had internet before.”

“It is so rewarding just seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they finish those training and they get to keep those Chromebooks. I had a lady give me a hug out of nowhere,” Bolgen said.

“When Frances Goli, the broadband project manager for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in Idaho, began enrolling tribal and community members at the Fort Hall Reservation last year, she found that many residents did not know about the program — even though it had been approved more than a year earlier. Goli and Amber Hastings, an AmeriCorps member with the University of Idaho Extension Digital Economy Program, spent hours helping residents through the arduous process of finding the proper tribal documentation required to receive the larger $75 discount for those living on tribal lands.”

“University of Idaho Extension’s Digital Economy Program is placing AmeriCorps members across the state to meet community members where they live and to deliver resources and training to empower Idahoans to participate in an increasingly digital society. Local resident Kylie Holveck will serve Latah County as a digital literacy coordinator, working alongside the Latah coalition, to improve digital access and opportunity in the county...”

“With support from the Idaho Legislature, the Digital Economy Program helps Idaho residents gain the skills and knowledge to be successful in a virtual career.”

“More and more employees are looking for work-from-home options and employers are rising to meet that demand. To help ensure people get the training they need to make the work-from-home setup a success, the University of Idaho Extension recently launched a Digital Economy Program that focuses on computer and remote work skill development and e-commerce training for small businesses.”

“University of Idaho Extension is out with a new program that the school said will prepare Idahoans and communities to take advantage of the digital economy and the opportunities that will be available,” Lewin said.

“University of Idaho Extension is out with a new program that the school said will prepare Idahoans and communities to take advantage of the digital economy and the opportunities that will be available.”

“A new University of Idaho Extension program aims to strengthen rural communities by teaching Idaho residents computer skills needed to work remotely and helping small businesses engage in a growing digital economy.”

“Many people, especially rural and minority individuals, are inadequately prepared to capture opportunities emerging from digitalization. Digital divides, differences in digital readiness and the high concentration of digital market power all point to the need for effective technical assistance efforts and better learning opportunities for disadvantaged groups to ensure that minorities and rural residents are prepared to lead and thrive in today’s economy.”

“A new University of Idaho Extension program aims to strengthen rural communities by teaching Idaho residents computer skills needed to work remotely and helping small businesses engage in a growing digital economy.”