Advancing Digital Skilling in Rural America – Webinar
January 7, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Join CORI for a deep dive into the future of rural tech talent. This webinar will spotlight how six rural communities have strengthened their tech workforce pipelines through cross-sector collaboration, informed strategy, and learner-centered supports.
CORI staff will share key findings from our Advancing Digital Skilling in Rural America project—a three-year national initiative funded by Ascendium that aimed to expand equitable access to technology careers for rural learners, particularly women, people of color, and low-income individuals.
What You’ll Learn
Drawing from CORI’s work with communities in Ada, Oklahoma; Chambers County, Alabama; Cochise County, Arizona; Selma, Alabama; Taos, New Mexico; and Wilson, North Carolina; we’ll explore:
- Trends in rural tech job demand and what employers say they need most
- How rural partners engaged over 90 employers and educators to align training with real-world demand
- What’s working, what’s challenging, and what’s next for sustainable tech talent ecosystems
Participants will also hear directly from local leaders in Wilson and Cochise County as they reflect on their on-the-ground experience building pathways that connect rural learners to economic opportunity.