The Saline County government has joined the Nex-Tech Academy Network for Digital Skills. Community Engagement Specialist, Friday Otuya explains what this means for the Salina community.

On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, our community economic development team was at the meeting of the Saline County Commissioners in Salina. The team was on hand to present a Certificate of Membership to the county leadership following the successful hosting of a Nex-Tech Academy Session at the Salina Public Library in September 2024.

In the course of our presentation, we explained the reason for the recognition. Please see the video of the presentation.

What is the Nex-Tech Academy?
The Nex-Tech Academy is dedicated to providing educational resources and training to close the digital divide in Kansas. Through our Academy, we offer in-person digital skills training sessions, with recordings available on our YouTube channel. Our goal is to empower community members with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world confidently. Learn more about the Nex-Tech Academy.

What is the Nex-Tech Academy Network?
The Nex-Tech Academy Network is a partnership between Nex-Tech and community stakeholders towards training members of the community in 21st-century digital skills and know-how. Members of the Network include libraries, governments, community development groups, charities, and other community stakeholders.

What does the network involve?
Both Nex-Tech and the county government will collaborate and work towards digital equity and digital skills acquisition across the county. The county will utilize Nex-Tech’s expertise as a resource for upskilling members of the community who require such. Through the partnership, Nex-Tech will also pass on tips and insights that will help the community to promote digital and technology adoption sustainably.

What is next after the certificate presentation?
Both Nex-Tech and the county government are looking at various communities, community groups, or demographics, that would benefit from digital skills acquisition. When a group is identified, both will organize a training and skills acquisition session, where people can learn and get guidance on the skills they need for the digital world.

What is Nex-Tech up to in Saline County?
In 2023 Nex-Tech was awarded over $2.2 million from the Kansas Capital Project Funds (CPF) Broadband Infrastructure Program for Saline County. Nex-Tech is funding an additional $2,293,000, bringing the total project cost to $4,586,000. Construction of a new fiber optic network has started and is aimed at enhancing Internet connectivity in the region. This will bring broadband services to a residential neighborhood north of Salina and an area north and south of I-70 in the Hedville area.

Nex-Tech is thrilled to continue working with local institutions and community organizations to promote digital literacy and create a network of digitally included communities. Together, we can make a difference!