In the News

Ashton Library to hold 'Protecting Your Personal Info Online' class

March 12, 2025 | Rexburg Standard Journal

“Con artists hit the Upper Valley on Saturday masquerading as PayPal officials who swindled an elderly Rexburg couple out of $35,000.

Ashton Library workers read about the incident in the Standard Journal and knew right then there was an opportune moment to hold their already scheduled “Protecting Your Personal Info Online: Learn the basics of keeping your personal info safe online” class.”

A Community Comes Together to Provide a Rural Telehealth Access Point—Increasing Digital Access to Healthcare

February 14, 2025 | Connect Extension Blog: Broadband Access & Digital Skills

“Rural Americans can face driving one or more hours for medical care. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that telehealth—embedded in culturally appropriate practice—is effective at treating and managing health conditions ranging from depression to hypertension. For rural communities lacking reliable access to broadband internet, Telehealth Access Points (TAP) fill a need not otherwise met. Extension professionals can play an important role in...”

Digital skills training for newly resettled refugees

Dec. 6, 2024 | Connect Extension Blog: Broadband Access & Digital Skills

“Starting a life here involves not only adapting to cultural and linguistic differences, but also, navigating our virtual world — using online portals to pay bills, find a job, access healthcare and much more.”

Free online course — grow your e-business

July 10, 2024 | Idaho County Free Press

“The course is available for free until Aug. 28 and is tailored to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed for the world of online business.”

University of Idaho launches free online course: Build and grow your e-business

July 3, 2024 | Clearwater Tribune

“We’re excited to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently conduct business via the Internet to expand into new markets,” said Vanessa Botts, instructional designer and online course instructor.”

Digital equity champions for all learners: Lead for America’s American Connection Corps program partners with University of Idaho Extension to promote digital equity in refugee populations

May 31, 2024 | U.S. Department of Education Office of Education Technology

“Looking towards the future, Sasha believes that 'you cannot have an equitable solution without including everyone’s voice.' To address digital equity concerns moving forward, it is crucial that those affected be a voice at the table and a part of defining solutions.”

End of internet subsidies for low-income households threatens telehealth access

May 20, 2024 | Cancer Health

“Goli and Amber Hastings, an AmeriCorps member with the University of Idaho Extension Digital Economy program, spent hours helping residents through the arduous process of finding the proper tribal documentation required to receive the larger $75 discount for those living on tribal lands. Of the more than 200 households Goli and Hastings aided, about 40% had not had internet before.”

End of internet subsidies for low-income households threatens access to telehealth

April 2, 2023 | Marketplace Morning Report

“When Frances Goli, the broadband project manager for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in Idaho, began enrolling tribal and community members at the Fort Hall Reservation last year, she found that many residents did not know about the program — even though it had been approved more than a year earlier. Goli and Amber Hastings, an AmeriCorps member with the University of Idaho Extension Digital Economy Program, spent hours helping residents through the arduous process of finding the proper tribal documentation required to receive the larger $75 discount for those living on tribal lands.”

Digital Miracle Workers: UI program that puts Chromebooks in hands of rural Idahoans proving to be life changing

April 1, 2024 | Idaho State Journal

“It is so rewarding just seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they finish those training and they get to keep those Chromebooks. I had a lady give me a hug out of nowhere.” - Britton Bolgen

Latah County welcomes digital literacy coordinator to bridge the digital divide

Oct. 2, 2023 | Big Country News

“University of Idaho Extension’s Digital Economy Program is placing AmeriCorps members across the state to meet community members where they live and to deliver resources and training to empower Idahoans to participate in an increasingly digital society. Local resident Kylie Holveck will serve Latah County as a digital literacy coordinator, working alongside the Latah coalition, to improve digital access and opportunity in the county...”

Through Digital Economy Program, UI Extension empowers rural residents to stay in communities

Sept. 4, 2023 | Idaho Capital Sun

“With support from the Idaho Legislature, the Digital Economy Program helps Idaho residents gain the skills and knowledge to be successful in a virtual career.”

University of Idaho Extension begins work-from-home training program

Jan 10, 2023 | Idaho Business Review

“More and more employees are looking for work-from-home options and employers are rising to meet that demand. To help ensure people get the training they need to make the work-from-home setup a success, the University of Idaho Extension recently launched a Digital Economy Program that focuses on computer and remote work skill development and e-commerce training for small businesses.”

New UI Extension program helps rural residents work from home, businesses tap digital markets

Nov. 5, 2022 | Local News 8

“A new University of Idaho Extension program aims to strengthen rural communities by teaching Idaho residents computer skills needed to work remotely and helping small businesses engage in a growing digital economy.”

University of Idaho rolls out program to help rural residents work from home

Nov. 4, 2022 | By Glenn Vaagen, Pacific Northwest Ag Network

“University of Idaho Extension is out with a new program that the school said will prepare Idahoans and communities to take advantage of the digital economy and the opportunities that will be available.”

UI Extension program helps rural residents work from home

Oct. 24, 2022 | Post Register

“Many people, especially rural and minority individuals, are inadequately prepared to capture opportunities emerging from digitalization. Digital divides, differences in digital readiness and the high concentration of digital market power all point to the need for effective technical assistance efforts and better learning opportunities for disadvantaged groups to ensure that minorities and rural residents are prepared to lead and thrive in today’s economy.”

University of Idaho digital courses offered for businesses

Oct. 22, 2022 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

“A new University of Idaho Extension program aims to strengthen rural communities by teaching Idaho residents computer skills needed to work remotely and helping small businesses engage in a growing digital economy.”