By Pat Melgares
Division of Communications and Marketing
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is establishing a program to improve broadband access for thousands of Kansans, helping them navigate the digital economy more safely and successfully.
The Digital Ambassador program is currently being piloted in the West Plains Extension District — Scott and Finney counties — the Central Kansas Extension District — Ottawa and Saline counties — and the River Valley Extension District — Republic, Washington, Cloud and Clay counties.
"A major emphasis of this program is to help people who live in rural areas or are otherwise underserved to utilize internet applications in a beneficial way," said Rick Peterson, associate director of extension programs for K-State Research and Extension. "For example, we envision that trained Digital Ambassadors will help people learn how to access telehealth, use online banking, utilize precision agriculture, and access government documents and other resources to benefit their businesses or families. "Ultimately, we want to improve the lives of Kansans by helping them use the tools of technology safely and effectively."
According to a report from the Washington D.C.-based National Skills Coalition, 92% of today's jobs require digital skills, and investments in closing the digital skills divide can generate measurable economic payoff for businesses, workers and the broader economy. The collaborative Digital Ambassadors program received initial financial support from K-State 105, which is Kansas State University's answer to the call for comprehensive economic growth and advancement solutions for Kansas.K-State 105 leverages the statewide K-State Research and Extension network to deliver the full breadth of the university's collective knowledge and solution-driven innovation to every Kansan, right where they live and work.