Welcome
Hello St. Louis! As we head into fall, I’m excited to share updates from ConnectSTL! Our city’s coalition working to close the digital divide. This quarter we’ve been busy: launching new training programs, expanding our Learning Labs, and gearing up for Digital Inclusion Week (Oct 6–10, 2025). In this issue, we’ll highlight upcoming events, spotlight community advocates, update you on our programs and portal, and point you to ways to get involved. I hope you find inspiring news and ideas you can share or join. Together, we’re making technology work for everyone in St. Louis.
Digital Inclusion Week 2025 (Oct 6–10)
Digital Inclusion Week 2025 – St. Louis (Oct 6–10) brings a week of free, citywide events designed to promote equity, access, and belonging through technology. Each day has a different theme, and all events are free and open to the public. Whether you’re a family, student, professional, or advocate, there’s something for you. Highlights include engaging activities for kids, hands-on training for job seekers, a flagship summit on digital futures, and a fun teen tech night. We invite you to participate in any or all of these events – details and registration are available at connect-stl.org/diw.
Key events each day include:
- Day 1 (Mon, Oct 6): Kids in Tech Day (Carpenter Branch Library, 4–6pm) – A family-friendly kickoff to DIW with BGG Gaming Foundation and the library Makerspace. Kids and parents can enjoy hands-on tech activities, games, creative learning stations, and giveaways.Register Here!
- Day 2 (Tue, Oct 7): Community Inclusion Day (Harrison Education Center, 12–4pm) – Practical support meets opportunity. Visit partner tables (like NPower and MoveWorth) offering free digital literacy classes, resume/career coaching, device giveaways, and even professional headshots. This day is tailored for job-seekers and adults looking to strengthen digital skills and connect to resources.Register Here!
- Day 3 (Wed, Oct 8): Creative Tech Day (Best Buy Teen Tech Center, 3–6pm) – A youth-focused tech showcase. Teens can try drone demos, AI app building, music/audio production labs, and more. Led by Alonzo “Zo” Lee and other local innovators, this event inspires students to create with technology (complete with food, music, and prizes).Register Here!
- Day 4 (Thu, Oct 9): Digital Dreams Day (Cortex Innovation Community, 12–4:30pm main program, reception 4:30–6pm) – Our flagship summit on “equity, access, and belonging in a digital future.” Community leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators will lead panels on infrastructure, advocacy, and creative careers. The afternoon also features student innovation showcases and networking (meals by Levels Nigerian Cuisine).Register Here!
- Day 5 (Fri, Oct 10): The Place to Be (Thomas Dunn Learning Center, evening) – A safe, fun hangout for teens. Enjoy the YMCA gaming truck, tech demos (drones, VR, etc.), pizza, games and music, plus charging stations. It’s an opportunity for youth to connect and unwind with peers in a creative tech space.Register Here!
Digital Inclusion Week is more than events; it’s a call to action. By bringing technology and learning into our neighborhoods, we create a City where everyone can access, learn, and thrive in the digital age. We hope you’ll help spread the word and join us on one or more days.
For an overview of all the days of Digital Inclusion Week, View our portal. To have your business or event listed, send us a message! Digital Inclusion Week Overview!!
Call to Participate
We want you to be part of Digital Inclusion Week. If you or your organization are hosting events, offering digital equity services, or want to volunteer or sponsor, please contact us so we can feature your contributions on the citywide calendar.
ADVOCATE & COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
A cornerstone of ConnectSTL is ensuring everyone’s voice is heard as we plan our work. That’s why we train and nominate Community Advocates who represent diverse populations. At our recent coalition meeting, members stressed that we need advocates to bridge gaps and share resources. We currently have openings for volunteer Advocate roles representing Veterans, Persons with Disabilities, rural residents, non-English speakers, low-income neighborhoods and more.
If you or someone you know belong to one of these groups and want to help guide our digital inclusion efforts, please consider stepping up. Advocates attend quarterly meetings and advise on outreach and programs. Email Tanjii Cole (our Coalition manager) for more info or to nominate yourself or someone else.
In this community spotlight, we also encourage you to share stories of neighbors making a difference. Do you know a local teacher, organizer, or youth who’s championing tech equity? We want to shine a light on community-driven successes. Send us nominations for our next newsletter and together we’ll celebrate the people powering change in St. Louis.
Partner Spotlight
We’re fortunate to work with amazing partners who share our vision. This quarter we highlight two key ConnectSTL allies:
MoveWorth – a St. Louis-based digital strategy and training firm that has joined forces with the city’s development agency (SLDC) to lead our Digital Literacy Education Program. MoveWorth leverages its marketing and tech expertise to deliver free classes and workshops for residents of all ages. They help create hands-on curriculum (from basic computer skills to advanced tools) and ensure our learners get practical, career-focused training. MoveWorth’s mission is to deliver “innovative solutions and unparalleled support” so that digital skills translate into economic growth for each person and business they serve.
NPower Missouri – a national nonprofit located at St. Louis Community College that provides free technology training to under-resourced young adults. NPower equips trainees with the IT skills employers demand, opening doors to tech careers. Here in St. Louis, NPower also plays a critical role on the ground: they staff the in-person Community Help Desk and learning labs with “Digital Navigators”. These staff offer one-on-one tech support at our City’s Learning Labs (more on those below). In short, NPower is bridging our tech workforce gap while helping current residents with day-to-day digital needs.
These partners exemplify the spirit of ConnectSTL: local leadership, education institutions, and community organizations all coming together. We thank them for their energy and invite more organizations to partner with us whether to host an event, offer training space, or join the Coalition.
ADVOCATES & COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS:
We’re seeking nominations for individuals and organizations who embody Community-Driven Digital Futures. Submit by October 6 in the following categories:
- Digital Equity Champion – Sustained impact in bridging the digital divide
- Innovation in Action – Creative new solutions advancing digital access
- Community Voice / Rising Star – An inspiring journey that opens doors for others
Email nominations to coletan@stlouis-mo.gov
Program and Portal Updates:
ConnectSTL Portal:
Our online resource hub at connect-stl.org is up and running. The portal helps residents find local tech assistance: use it to search for free computer training, affordable internet options, device donation programs, and community WiFi spots. We’re continually updating it with new listings (if you know a program to add, let us know!).
Learn2Tech Cohort:
This October, we launched a Learn2Tech cohort – a free 4-week digital skills bootcamp at strategic locations near impacted areas. The program covers essentials like email, Office tools, online safety, and career searching, empowering adults to gain confidence on the computer. We have spots opening for the next cohort this fall. Watch our events page or contact connectstl@stlouis-mo.gov to register.
Community WiFi:
The Pilot Community WiFi project has completed Phase 1 in city parks, with Phase 2 planned for Downtown and additional parks.
Learning Labs:
Learning Labs have been established at four recreation centers, with one location shifted to Harrison Education Center in July 2025 due to infrastructure issues. These labs provide walk-in access to computers, tech help, and digital literacy support.
Digital Navigators / Community Help Desk:
The Digital Navigators program has been integrated with the Community Help Desk initiative, with a focus on hosting digital literacy classes at Learning Labs. Residents can still receive one-on-one support for devices, internet access, and online skills.
Each of these resources are designed to help you and your neighbors get connected, learn, and grow.
How To Get Involved:
Your involvement makes all the difference. Here are some ways St. Louisans can participate:
- Attend or Volunteer at Events: Join us for Digital Inclusion Week, the Learning Lab workshops, or neighborhood pop-ups. You can volunteer as a lab assistant, workshop facilitator, or even bring your organization’s table to Community Inclusion Day. Sign up as a volunteer at connect-stl.org/diw or email us.
- Join the ConnectSTL Coalition: Our coalition meets quarterly and is open to all. Civic groups, businesses, schools, and concerned residents are encouraged to attend and contribute ideas. Bringing a new perspective to the table strengthens the plan for all.
- Become a Digital Advocate: If you have time and passion to share, consider becoming one of our volunteer Advocates (see above). Advocates share info with their communities, help plan culturally-relevant outreach, and ensure underserved groups stay front-and-center. Email us to learn how you can sign up.
- Spread the Word: Share ConnectSTL news with your network. Tell friends about free trainings, post our event flyers at libraries/churches, or highlight these resources on social media. The more people know what’s available, the more we can move the needle.
- Partner with Us: If you represent a business or nonprofit, talk to us about sponsorship or collaboration. Tech companies can sponsor training classes or labs; educators can volunteer in classrooms; organizations can host events at their venues.
There’s a role for everyone – from helping one neighbor get online to steering citywide initiatives. Please reach out, ask questions, and let us know how you want to pitch in. Together, we can keep St. Louis moving forward.
Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know needs assistance with technology, data, or connectivity, here’s where to turn:
- ConnectSTL Portal: The first stop is our online directory (connect-stl.org/portal). Search by topic (Internet, Devices, Training, etc.) to find local programs offering free/discounted internet plans, computer refurbs, and classes. New resources are added regularly.
- Learning Labs: As mentioned, all four city rec centers now house Learning Labs. Walk in any day to use a computer or get help. Hours and locations are posted on stlouis-mo.gov or by calling the Parks Dept (314-657-3400). Friendly staff can even help you apply for services, build resumers or schedule a one-on-one session.
- Library Digital Navigators: The St. Louis Public Library has Digital Navigator staff who can meet with you by appointment. They can help set up email, apply for jobs online, or troubleshoot devices. Visit a branch to connect.
- Community Help Desk: NPower’s Community Help Desk is available (in-person and virtual) to answer tech questions and link you to services. Contact Community help Desk Manager, Beverly George, at 314.310.1031 for more information.
- Local Partners: Many neighborhood organizations (churches, schools, senior centers) run their own workshops or have hotspots. So don’t forget to connect with your local neighborhood planning committee.
No one should have to struggle to go online. We encourage anyone needing support to use these resources, and to reach out. We’re here to help connect St. Louis.
Thank You to Sponsors & Partners
Finally, none of this work happens alone. We are deeply grateful to the sponsors and partners who fund and fuel ConnectSTL’s programs. ConnectSTL and its digital equity programs are supported by federal ARPA/Recovery Funds passed through the City and SLDC. City leadership (SLDC and the Office of the Mayor) provides ongoing backing, and industry sponsors like BJC HealthCare, T-Mobile, and local organizers and conveners who have stepped up for events.
On the community side, dozens of organizations donate time and expertise. For example, WashU’s Institute for School Partnership helps design our youth coding events; St. Louis County Library offers space and classes; the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA open doors for teens; and groups like SLATE, Great Rivers Greenway, and the County Economic Empowerment Center bring program support. We also thank media, faith, and civic groups who spread the word and host labs. Every partner – from tech volunteers to funders – plays a role in bridging the digital divide. Thank you for investing in our city’s future. Thank you as well to Levels Nigerian Cuisine for sponsoring our delectable for to eat!
Your support helps us advance digital equity in St. Louis.
We also want to thank all of our partners, including Verizon, Microsoft, World Wide Technology, The Delmar Divine, The Urban League and St. Louis Public Library for their dedication to digital inclusion.
Stay Connected!
Visit our website for the latest updates on ConnectSTL’s efforts and events in St. Louis.
Contact Us
Stay up-to-date with ConnectSTL by following us on social media and checking our website (connect-stl.org). Join the conversation with #ConnectSTL. We’ll keep posting new resources, event recaps, and success stories. If you have ideas or news to share, email us at Tanjii@connect-stl.org. We look forward to seeing you at the Digital Inclusion Week events and hearing all about it! And you can expect event invites and news updates via email and social channels before then.
Thank you for reading and for all you do to make St. Louis more connected and inclusive. Let’s carry this momentum into the fall and beyond.