SLATE and SLDC Initiative Offers Technology Training, Free Laptop and Internet Access
to Eligible Participants
By Argus Community Staff
ST. LOUIS — In an economy increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence, access to digital skills is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Recognizing that reality, the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) and the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) are once again partnering to help
bridge the digital divide through a free technology training program designed to equip residents with the skills needed to compete and thrive in today’s workforce.
Enrollment is now underway for the next Learn2Tech Digital Literacy and AI Training Cohort, which begins July 6 at the SLATE Missouri Job Center in downtown St. Louis. The four-week program provides participants with hands-on instruction in computer fundamentals, digital tools, online safety, artificial intelligence applications, and career-focused technology skills. Eligible participants who successfully complete the program may receive a free laptop and one year of internet access through a mobile hotspot.
The initiative is part of ConnectSTL, SLDC’s digital inclusion effort aimed at ensuring all St. Louis residents have access to technology, connectivity, and the skills necessary to participate in the modern economy.
Organizers say the program is especially important as artificial intelligence and digital technologies continue to transform workplaces, industries, and educational opportunities across the country.
According to program materials, participants will progress through four weeks of instruction that include Digital and AI Foundations, Money Management and Online Tools, Career Skills and Online Safety, and Creativity and Real-World Projects. The curriculum is designed to help individuals build confidence using
technology while developing practical skills that can be immediately applied in school, work, entrepreneurship, and everyday life. The flyer also highlights opportunities for participants to learn resume building tools, online job search techniques, LinkedIn utilization, and cybersecurity best practices.
many residents, the program represents more than a technology course. It is a pathway to economic mobility.
As employers increasingly seek workers with digital competencies, those lacking access to technology or training often find themselves at a disadvantage. Programs like Learn2Tech seek to close that gap by providing both the skills and the tools necessary for success. The inclusion of AI literacy is particularly
noteworthy, as artificial intelligence rapidly becomes integrated into fields ranging from healthcare and education to manufacturing, logistics, marketing, and public administration.
Classes will be held in SLATE’s computer lab on the third floor of the Missouri Job Center, located at 1520 Market Street, and will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Interested residents are encouraged to register promptly as enrollment space is limited.
The effort reflects a broader commitment by SLDC and SLATE to workforce development and economic empowerment. Through strategic partnerships and innovative training opportunities, the organizations continue to help prepare St. Louis residents for careers in an increasingly digital economy.
For residents seeking new skills, career advancement, or simply greater confidence using technology, Learn2Tech may offer the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow—while gaining access to tools that can help shape a brighter future.
For additional information or to register, interested participants should contact SLATE or visit the
ConnectSTL registration portal.
