Building Digital Confidence and Community at Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation
Over the past year, scaleLIT partnered with the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation to expand access to digital literacy and strengthen digital equity in the community, with support from Comcast NBCUniversal. Together, we created a learning environment where participants could build confidence with technology, explore career pathways, and gain practical digital skills that support everyday life and long-term economic mobility.
The project was designed around two connected goals: equipping educators and staff with tools to support digital navigation, and providing community members with direct access to hands-on digital literacy training. Through a combination of instructor-led classes, Northstar Digital Literacy assessments, peer learning, and individualized support, participants strengthened foundational technology skills while building confidence in their ability to adapt and grow in an increasingly digital world
A Community-Centered Digital Learning Model
The Aspire digital literacy classes focused on meeting participants where they were. Over the course of six weeks, learners engaged in training on topics including:
Participants built confidence using technology for work, education, and everyday life with instructor Michael Matos.
Basic Computer & Internet Skills
Microsoft Word and Excel
Google Docs
Information Literacy
Career Search Skills
Cybersecurity and Online Safety
Digital Footprint Awareness
Accessing Telehealth Services
Participants also explored career interests, transferable workplace skills, and ways technology could support their personal and professional goals.
The program intentionally created space for learners to connect technology to their lived experiences. Some participants came into the class hoping to improve job opportunities, while others wanted to become more comfortable using email, navigating the internet, helping family members with school technology, or simply feeling less intimidated by computers.
One participant shared that their goal was “to land a career in an office,” while another hoped to “be more comfortable with computers.” Others expressed interest in entrepreneurship, caregiving, teaching digital literacy to others, and even careers in cybersecurity and game production.
Measuring Growth Through Digital Skills Achievement
Throughout the program, learners used the Northstar Digital Literacy platform to complete online learning modules and assessments. Participants collectively completed more than 100 hours of digital learning and earned digital badges and certificates in foundational digital skills areas.
Learners explored computer basics, career pathways, and online safety throughout the six-week program.
Several participants achieved proficiency scores above 90%!
The program also demonstrated the importance of sustained support and encouragement in adult learning environments. Participants entered the program with varying levels of experience and confidence, yet many showed measurable growth in both technical ability and willingness to engage with new tools and platforms.
Digital Literacy as Career Readiness
Beyond technical instruction, the Aspire partnership highlighted how digital literacy connects directly to workforce development and economic opportunity. Learners practiced transferable skills including communication, adaptability, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-direction — all critical components of career readiness in today’s workforce.
Participants explored career aptitude assessments, identified strengths and interests, and discussed how digital tools can support career advancement and lifelong learning. For many learners, the program represented more than a technology course; it became an opportunity to reimagine career possibilities and build confidence in pursuing new goals.
Digital literacy classes focused on community-based learning and workforce readiness.
Building a Sustainable Digital Equity Ecosystem
This work reflects scaleLIT’s broader commitment to strengthening digital equity across Illinois through partnerships, community-based learning, and capacity building. By collaborating with trusted organizations like Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, scaleLIT helps create sustainable pathways for ongoing digital support, digital navigation, and technology access within communities.
The Aspire project also reinforced an important lesson: digital equity is not only about devices and internet access. It is about ensuring people have the confidence, skills, support systems, and opportunities needed to fully participate in work, education, healthcare, and civic life.
We are grateful to Comcast NBCUniversal for investing in this work and helping expand access to digital opportunity in communities across Chicago.
This project reflects scaleLIT’s continued commitment to building inclusive learning environments where adult learners, educators, and community organizations can grow together and where digital literacy becomes a bridge to greater economic security and lifelong opportunity.
Outcomes and What’s Next
Participants built confidence using technology and gained certificates.
Through this partnership, scaleLIT and Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation supported adult learners in building digital confidence, strengthening workforce readiness skills, and increasing access to technology training and support.
Program Outcomes
25 unique learners engaged
108 hours of digital learning completed
95 Northstar assessments passed
95 digital badges awarded
The Aspire digital literacy classes demonstrated the importance of accessible, community-centered technology education. Participants entered the program with a wide range of experiences and goals, but many left with stronger digital skills, increased confidence, and a clearer understanding of how technology can support career advancement, education, healthcare access, and everyday life.
As this project comes to a close, scaleLIT is proud of the relationships, learning, and growth that emerged through this partnership. We are grateful to Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, Comcast NBCUniversal, instructors, staff, and participants who helped make this initiative possible and demonstrated the power of community-based digital learning.
