Digital Skills
Digital skills are the basic abilities people need to use technology — emailing, searching online, applying for jobs, using telehealth, and staying safe online.
Digital equity means making sure everyone can get online, use devices, and learn these skills by removing barriers like cost, lack of training, or limited access.
Free and low‑cost programs help by offering affordable internet, devices, and training so technology includes everyone rather than leaving people out.
Low-cost or free internet
Discounted or refurbished devices
Electronics repair
Misinformation, disinformation, and scams (media literacy)
Library resources (classes, makerspaces, media, and devices)
In-person classes and one-on-one help (non-library)
Online learning for beginners
Online learning for intermediate and advanced users
Workforce training
Accessibility resources
Resources for caregivers and the aging
Local organizations and professional resources
Low‑cost or free internet
Affordable Broadband Act
The New York State Affordable Broadband Act requires residential internet service providers in New York State to offer reduced-cost plans to qualifying households.
Lifeline
Lifeline is an FCC program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides a monthly discount on qualifying phone, internet, or bundled service from participating providers.
Discounted or refurbished devices
Mission: Ignite
Since 1997, Mission: Ignite has existed to end the digital divide in Buffalo, WNY, and surrounding areas. Many people lack the resources necessary to purchase a computer or get the technical training needed to use them. At the same time, rapid technology change means that over 2 million tons of hazardous e-waste is created in the U.S each year. Mission: Ignite addresses this by refurbishing technology and providing STEM training to the Buffalo community and surrounding areas.
Electronics repair
iFixit
Offers thousands of free repair guides for thousands of different devices. They combine high-resolution photos with detailed, step-by-step instructions, and they’re vetted by their team of experts. A repairable future starts with you taking repair into your own hands and looks like active legislation and products designed to be fixed.
The Tool Library | Dare to Repair Cafe
Dare to Repair Cafes are community fix-it events where people can bring in broken household items and work alongside a team of volunteer fixers to try to repair the item for free! Current repair categories include: Small appliances, small electronics, clothing & textiles, laptops (no screen repairs), lamps, sewing machines, vacuums, bicycles, furniture, and sharpening. They are unable to work on gas-powered items, TVs, cellphones, or microwaves.
Misinformation, disinformation, and scams (media literacy)
Federal Bureau of Investigations - Scams and Safety
Report incidents, learn about common frauds and scams, and how to keep yourself safe.
Federal Communications Commission - Frauds, Scams and Alerts
Guidance about several types of scams.
Library resources
All Buffalo & Erie County Public Library locations offer free public computer, internet, and wi-fi access as well as other equipment. Contact your local branch for details.
Classes and one-on-one help
Classes and one-on-one tech help are offered throughout Erie County by the TechKnow Lab, branch library staff, and partner organizations. More information on most of these programs can be found on the library system's events calendar.
Central Library's TechKnow Lab
The TechKnow Lab is a department of the Library System's Adult Outreach Services, with a computer lab and staff who travel throughout Erie County to teach digital skills. The department also works on educational handouts and videos. Classes and digital skills tutoring can be requested by contacting the TechKnow Lab at 716-858-7384 or techknowlab@buffalolib.org. Organizations are encouraged to reach out if interested in hosting classes and tutoring.
Techknow Lab handouts and brochures
Coming soon!
Makerspaces
The Central Library's Launch Pad Makerspace offers access and training for recording studios, professional audiovisual equipment, laser cutters, 3D printers, a Cricut cutting machine and more.
Other libraries in the Buffalo & Erie County Library System with makerspaces or access to some similar equipment include the the Boston Free Library, Honorable Shirley Chisholm Library, the Newstead Public Library, the West Seneca Public Library, and the Town of Collins Public Library.
Devices
Some library locations offer devices to borrow such as internet hotspots and chromebooks.
Books
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System offers a wide selection of books to assist in learning digital skills at all levels. Patrons may also wish to browse materials on persuasion, marketing, and computer crime if interested in internet safety and scams.
In-person classes and one-on-one help
Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center's (EOC) Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking (ATTAIN) Labs
The State University of New York (SUNY) ATTAIN (Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking) labs are community-based centers providing free educational, occupational, and career development courses across New York State. These programs utilize advanced technology training to enhance participants’ computer literacy, academic readiness, and job preparedness, equipping them with essential educational, vocational, and technological skills for today’s tech-driven world through self-paced courses and certifications.
Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology
BCAT offers cost-free adult workforce training programs in healthcare and tech fields, with additional support to ensure our students are successful in graduating, earning certifications, and in attaining and retaining good jobs.
Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education
BPS Adult Education is dedicated to serving Western New York residents through a commitment to high quality and equitable education to all adult learners, providing the tools and knowledge to achieve both their personal and professional goals.
Literacy Buffalo-Niagara's Digi-Skills
This free one-on-one computer tutoring program is for adults looking to improve their computer and digital literacy skills. Those interested meet with a tutor one-on-one for help at a convenient location. Learn how to use a computer, navigate the internet, search for jobs online, create an email account, use Microsoft Word and more! Students are given opportunities to earn certifications through the NorthStar Digital Literacy online program.
Mission Ignite
Mission: Ignite's Tech360 program teaches basic- and intermediate-level computer skills for free through one-on-one technology help to answer your questions and classes. They also offer workshops.
Online learning for beginners
DigitalLearn.org for learners
Thanks to Gail Borden Public Library and the Public Library Association, the DigitalLearn website is a “one-stop shop” for computer and technology training.
Digital Skills Library
The Digital Skills Library is an open repository of free learning resources designed to help all adult learners develop the digital skills needed to achieve their personal, civic, educational, and career goals. The library is managed by World Education through its EdTech Center and CrowdED Learning initiative.
LearnFree
Build practical skills with clear, self-paced lessons you can start anytime. Learn what you need, when you need it, for free.
Typing.com
A typing curriculum featuring gamified lessons to improve typing skill and speed.
Palm Beach County Library's Mouserscise
The Palm Beach County Library System presents this resource to help beginning computer users become familiar with using a mouse.
Online learning for intermediate and advanced users
The Bullshit Machines
For better or for worse, LLMs are here to stay. We all read content that they produce online, most of us interact with LLM chatbots, and many of us use them to produce content of our own. In a series of five- to ten-minute lessons, The Bullshit Machines will explain what these machines are, how they work, and how to thrive in a world where they are everywhere. You will learn when these systems can save you a lot of time and effort. You will learn when they are likely to steer you wrong. And you will discover how to see through the hype to tell the difference.
CTRL+Paint
A free learning resource dedicated to the basics of digital painting. Each bite-sized video covers a different concept, allowing you to learn complex subjects in manageable increments.
Learn with Us - Internet Society
Learning @ Internet Society empowers professionals with the knowledge you need to apply new skills, advance in your careers, and become Internet champions. The Internet Society is a global Internet education pioneer and has trained more than 100,000 learners worldwide.
LinkedIn Learning
A global massive open online course provider. It provides video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. New York State residents can get free access by signing up for a New York Public Library card.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy’s mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.
Microsoft Learn
Dive into official documentation, practical answers, and expert guidance for working and troubleshooting with Microsoft.
San Jose Public Library - Digital Skill Building Pathways
With SJPL's Digital Skill Building Pathways, you can practice the skills essential to living and working in the digital world.
Workforce training
Buffalo Urban League - Buffalo, NY - Workforce Development
Their workforce development program seeks to create avenues for economic empowerment through educational attainment, intentional programming, skills and career readiness training, mentorship, and employment outreach services. Youth and young adults ages 14-24 have access to paid work experience opportunities with local businesses, skilled trade apprenticeships and training programs with our community partners.
Codecademy
Grow in your career and unlock new opportunities by learning in-demand skills in AI, data, coding, cybersecurity, and more.
Cisco Networking Academy
Free online courses. In-person learning. Certification-aligned pathways designed to help you stand out in the job market. From AI and Cybersecurity to Networking and Digital Literacy, it’s all here.
freeCodeCamp
Advance your career by learning in-demand skills in Programming, DevOps, Cybersecurity, AI Engineering, and English for Developers.
The Foundry
The Foundry is a community makerspace located on the east side of Buffalo, NY. They empower youth and adults through hands-on STEAM, arts, and entrepreneurship programs, workforce training, and maker-focused business support.
Goodwill Goodskills Career Builder
Goodskills Career Builder gives you a big advantage in your job search by offering targeted skills training and connecting you directly with jobs that lead to higher-paying careers. This four-week training is provided at no charge and connects participants directly with hiring employers in your community. All participants receive access to a personalized expert Goodskills Career Coach for up to three years. Training includes OSHA 10 certification, forklift experience, shop math course, cybersecurity certification, resume building, job interview practice, and access to a personalized Career Coach for up to three years. Specialized training for careers in technology is also available at their Buffalo Career Center. Goodskills Career Builder is open to any adult over 18 years old residing in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, or Cattaraugus County with a high school diploma or GED authorized to work in the United States who is currently looking for a higher-paying job permanent full-time in advanced manufacturing.
Google Career Certificates
Google Career Certificates offer flexible, online training by Google experts to help you master in-demand skills and unlock a new career path in months, not years. Learn at your own pace, with no prior experience required. Gain the skills employers are actively seeking in today's job market and stand out with the industry recognized credentials from Google.
IBM Skillsbuild
Build in-demand skills in AI, cybersecurity, data, and more. Whether you’re starting your career or pivoting to something new, IBM SkillsBuild offers 100% free learning from a global leader in technology and innovation.
KC7 - Hunt Hackers. Build Your Cybersecurity Career
In KC7, you investigate real intrusions and build the skills to become a cybersecurity analyst.
LeetCode
A platform to help you enhance your skills, expand your knowledge and prepare for technical interviews.
The New York State Department of Labor - Training Opportunities
Training and education can help you get the job you are looking for, and it can also help you earn more. New York State has various opportunities and training programs available. They offer programs for online learning with Coursera, job training while on unemployment, trade adjustment assistance, and assistance with on-the-job training opportunities.
Northland Workforce Training Center
As New York State's signature workforce initiative under the Buffalo Billion initiative, Northland Workforce Training Center (NWTC) is an industry-driven, public-private partnership between employers, educational institutions, community and faith-based organizations and state and local government focused on closing the skills gap of the local labor pool and creating economic on-ramps to training, co-ops, internships, apprenticeships, and permanent employment for Western New Yorkers seeking high-paying advanced manufacturing and energy careers.
SUNY Attain
Many aspects of life today require a degree of computer literacy. SUNY’s Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking (ATTAIN) labs help you learn the basic skills you’ll need to get started, whether you’re looking for a job or considering advancing your education – at no cost to you.
Workforce Buffalo
Job seekers and employers may access a wide array of free employment and training-related services, so that workers, job seekers, and businesses can conveniently receive the help they need under one roof.
Accessibility resources
A Guide to WCAG | Web Accessibility Guidelines Overview
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium, are technical standards that help make the digital world accessible to people with disabilities. Numerous stakeholders, including disability advocacy groups, government agencies, and accessibility research organizations, collaborated to create these guidelines, which are considered the universal standard for digital accessibility.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library: Accessibility
There are a variety of accessibility tools available throughout the Buffalo & Erie County Library System. Contact your local branch, or the ADA Coordinator at access@buffalolib.org or 716-858-8900 for more information.
Library of Congress | National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) provides equipment free of charge to those patrons who need devices to play NLS audiobooks and magazines or read electronic braille materials. NLS also provides information for patrons who want or already have their own mobile devices or commercial equipment for using NLS materials. Network libraries circulate NLS playback equipment through the mail for free and can offer some assistance to patrons using their own mobile devices and other equipment.
New York State Commission for the Blind | Assistive Technology Training Resources - Buffalo
Local training resources for assistive technology.
Resources for caregivers and the aging
Caregiver Tech Solutions | Healthy Community Alliance
As the population continues to age, millions of older Americans will require assistance of some kind and many will rely on help from a spouse, daughter, son, grandchild or friend for care. Caregiver Tech Solutions provides access to free technology resources, as well as various technology equipment, which will support a caregiver in the complex responsibilities of caregiving for an older adult or loved one.
Digital Skills Ready@50+™ - Senior Planet from AARP
Join a vibrant community and sharpen your digital skills with our free expert-led classes, both online and in person.
Erie County Department for the Aging - University Express
University Express offers free educational classes for older adults in Erie County. The program runs during spring and fall semesters. You will find classes in a variety of categories, including digital skills topics.
GetSetUp
By offering a wide range of educational and well-being programs, GetSetUp empower older adults with the knowledge and skills they need to live fulfilling lives. This program is free for adults 50+ in New York State.
Local organizations and professional resources
Bootsector
BootSector is the back-office for WNY startup community events. Insurance, banking, fiscal sponsorship, and continuity — so you can focus on the founders, not the forms. They also link to an online calendar consolidating upcoming meetups and events.
BSides Buffalo
BSides Buffalo is a grassroots, community-driven information security and technology conference held annually in Buffalo, NY.
Buffalo Data Science Community
BDSC is here to share knowledge about data science, coding, statistics, and all things tech - one month at a time. Every first Wednesday of the month at a different sponsor location throughout the WNY area, hosting an array of seminars, workshops, and presentations brought to you by local professionals and subject matter experts.
Buffalo Game Space
Buffalo Game Space is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to helping people make games, by offering the educational, mentorship, and equipment resources to both professional and aspiring game developers.
Buffalo Rust Meetup
The Buffalo Rust Meetup is a meetup for anyone in the Western New York area interested in the Rust Programming Language (rustlang), whether you are an experienced developer, a hobbyist, or just looking to learn more about Rust. Rust is a programming language designed for building fast, safe, and concurrent programs and is a great fit for many things.
Buffalo Women in Agile
The Buffalo network of Women in Agile Meetup was established to support Women in Agile with the aim of creating a learning and networking community through member facilitated sessions, presentations, and engaging and fun activities. They call upon all levels of Agile professionals (Scrum Masters, Agile Business Analysts, Software Developers, Testers, Agile Coaches, Agile Trainers, Agile Enthusiasts, and more!) who are passionate about helping promote Women in Agile to join them to learn new things and meet new people!
Connect ALL | Digital Equity
New York’s digital equity practitioners have worked for decades to create sustainable digital equity ecosystems on local, regional, and statewide levels. ConnectALL is meeting the unprecedented opportunity for digital equity funding created by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to build on the existing infrastructure and expertise of New York’s digital equity practitioners.
The Digigogy Collaborative
The Digigogy Collaborative is dedicated to the development of 21st Century Fluencies within a strong pedagogical framework to enhance professional practice and to ultimately do what is in the best interest of contemporary students. This certainly includes a multitude of cutting edge technologies, with an emphasis on collaboration, conversation, critical thinking, and global connectivity.
DigitalLearn.org for trainers
The DigitalLearn website is your “one-stop shop” for computer and technology training. Whether you help learners find and use online training, provide individual instruction, or need to teach a class, their growing collection of topics and tools are here to help you.
Infosec 716
This is an informal meetup of Western New York information security practitioners for conversation and knowledge sharing. Whether you're a student with an interest in the field, a CISO with decades of experience, or somewhere in between, we all have new things to learn and new frontiers to conquer.
InfoTech WNY
InfoTech WNY connects representatives from the information technology landscape serving as the region's foremost professional organization by fostering networking and community service, providing educational opportunities, recognizing achievements, and enriching the careers of those in the technology field.
National Digital Inclusion Alliance
National Digital Inclusion Alliance advances digital equity by connecting organizations, supporting community programming, and equipping policymakers to act.
OER Commons
Offers tailored and context-specific services for individual institutions, consortia, and organizations looking to have a more intentional impact. As a nonprofit, they are first and foremost committed to their mission of participatory, equitable, and open education for all. These at-cost services help them further their mission in a sustainable way.
TechBuffalo
The future of tech in Buffalo is bright. So is the region’s talent. At TechBuffalo, they strive to support hard-working, dedicated job seekers, college students, and career changers who are ready to make an impact in the industry. We know that building the right team and finding the right opportunity starts with making the right connections.
Western New York Digital Equity Coalition
The Western New York Digital Equity Coalition works collaboratively with community members and organizations to achieve lasting digital equity for all Western New Yorkers. They advocate for the access, literacy, support, and resources necessary to thrive in today’s digital ecosystem.
Women in Tech Network
The WIT Network was created from a simple but powerful belief: when women are supported, connected, and prepared for leadership, transformation follows - for individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Today, the WIT in The WIT Network stands for We Ignite Transformation, because that is exactly what this network was built to do.
Wordpress Buffalo
WP Buffalo is the online home of the Buffalo WordPress Users Meetup Group. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, they're here to expand the WordPress footprint in WNY & help educate others on the WordPress Platform.
SkillBlox
SkillBlox is designed to make it easy for educators to find, organize, adapt, and share high-quality free educational content. It provides access to a library of nearly 10,000 open educational resources (OER), which can be searched by skill or keyword. Instructors can create customized learning sets called "Blox," adding guidance for students, specifying target skills, and defining the intended learner audience .
Teaching About AI
As artificial intelligence continues to transform the world, this curriculum aims to empower students with essential skills in AI literacy, critical thinking, and information seeking practices. It outlines a comprehensive approach across four core strands: Why AI, How AI Works, AI in Society, and AI in Practice. These themes integrate computer science, media literacy, and information fluency, providing a broader approach to the topic. The learning concepts are aligned with New York State educational standards in computer science and library skills. Priority concepts for each grade band offer a way for schools to start exploring AI in the classroom or school library. The Scope and Sequence uses the Creative Commons BY license.