PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentives, supported by AT&T

Adult male with dark hair and beard sitting at desk with computer monitor writing in a notebook, with other adults at similar desks behind him out of focus.

About Incentive Programs

Each year, the Public Library Association (PLA), in partnership with AT&T, offers financial support to public libraries through digital literacy incentive programs. These competitive programs provide the funding and resources necessary for libraries to teach basic digital literacy skills using PLA's DigitalLearn courses and training materials. Since 2022, PLA has helped nearly 400 public libraries conduct more than 3,800 workshops, training more than 19,000 learners across the country.

With support from AT&T as part of AT&T Connected Learning and the company's commitment to bridging the digital divide, we have been able to add and update more than a dozen online DigitalLearn courses and develop 9 new complete training packages. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. DigitalLearn courses and materials are free to use.

PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentives, supported by AT&T

Adult female instructor addressing a question from an adult male student with his hand raised in a classroom with other adult students.

Current & Upcoming Incentive Opportunities

2024–2025 PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T

  • Application Period July 26, 2024–October 18, 2024
  • Objective: Teach Selected DigitalLearn workshops
  • Workshop Period: December 16, 2024–May 30, 2025
  • Goals and support based on library size:
    • 50 Large Libraries will be awarded $10,000 to reach 75 learners
    • 50 Small Libraries will be awarded $5,000 to reach 30 learners
  • Link to Application | PDF of Application
  • Overview
  • FAQ

2024–2025 PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T

  • Application Period July 26, 2024–October 18, 2024
  • Objective: Digital Navigators utilize DigitalLearn materials
  • 35 Libraries will be awarded $4,000 to reach 15 Learners
  • This is a pilot program
  • Libraries must already have a Digital Navigator to apply
  • Link to Application | PDF of Application
  • Overview
  • FAQ

Stylized image of adult hands typing on a laptop from which dots of various sized seem to flow.

Awardee Portal (Coming soon)

Each incentive cohort has a portal. Your portal provides easy access to all the information and materials needed to fulfill the requirements of your award. Here, you will find essential documents, requirements, reporting tools, webinar recordings, and marketing materials, all in one location. Find the link to your cohort’s portal under Quick Links.

Adult female wearing a hijab and holding a tablet computing device conversing with another person the back of whose head is only slightly visible at the edge of the photo.

Previous Incentive Programs

Since launching in 2022, PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentives, supported by AT&T, have helped support hundreds of libraries. Selected libraries used funding to implement PLA DigitalLearn workshops, which focus on building basic digital skills. This content was developed with the support of AT&T. DigitalLearn resources are freely available at DigitalLearn.org.

Over 150 libraries were selected in 2022 to take part in the program. 1,544 DigitalLearn workshops were conducted from September 2022–March 2023, engaging 8,134 learners from all regions of the United States.

Building on our previous collaboration, PLA and AT&T supported more than 200 public libraries across 45 states in 2023. 2,288 DigitalLearn workshops were conducted reaching over 11,000 learners.

Adult female parent or caregiver supervising two young children as they use a laptop computer, which is on a coffee table in a home living space.

More Information

Every day, community members visit public libraries to complete essential life tasks that many of us take for granted. Unfortunately, many patrons lack the basic computer skills necessary to accomplish these tasks. To address this need, the Public Library Association (PLA) developed DigitalLearn.org.

The DigitalLearn platform offers self paced modules and comprehensive training materials for teaching basic digital skills.

With support from AT&T, as part of AT&T Connected Learning, PLA has been able to offer direct support to public libraries and grow our content library. All of DigitalLearn’s resources are free and many are available in Spanish.

Testimonials from 2023 Library Awardees

“We were able to reach members of the community who don't often visit the library, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.”

“These experiences have been wonderful, seeing patrons overcome their fears, learn from mistakes, and gain the courage to try again. These weekly classes became a hub of knowledge and community.”

Testimonials from 2023 Workshop Participants

“I feel that I am confident to pass on this information to my friends and family.”

“My neighbor was scammed by someone who said they were her grandson, now I know what to look for!”

“I love the practice activities and the fact that I can practice at home.”

Contact Us

If you have questions about the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentives, supported by AT&T, please contact DigitalLearnHelp@ala.org.