The University of Missouri Broadband Initiative is recruiting more volunteer Digital Ambassadors to help people in their communities take advantage of high-speed internet access.

The program is looking for people of all ages who are interested in learning more about broadband and sharing their knowledge of how to use the internet with friends, neighbors and others in their communities, says Noah Washburn, a state extension and engagement specialist with the UM System Office of Engagement.

The Digital Ambassador program launched in spring 2023 as a pilot project with trainings in Kansas City and Nodaway County. Thanks to support from AT&T, the UM Broadband Initiative will hold new rounds of training, this time in Jefferson and Newton counties.

Research shows that broadband access can boost a community’s economy and quality of life. Access to broadband is growing in Missouri, but people in communities where high-speed internet access has long been limited or nonexistent may be hesitant to dive into the online world, says Joe Lear, a consultant for the UM Broadband Initiative. They may be uncertain about how broadband will help them, have concerns about privacy and safety or simply not know how to get started.

That’s where the Digital Ambassadors come in. Digital Ambassadors work with local partners such as libraries, schools and civic groups to share their knowledge on topics such as telehealth, cybersecurity, social media and applications like Google Docs and Office 365. Ambassadors also help users navigate financial obstacles to broadband use through programs that subsidize internet service or provide affordable hardware.

You don’t have to be an information technology expert to be a Digital Ambassador, Lear says. “We are interested in people who want to learn more and assist people in their communities. IT pros are welcome, but it is not a requirement.”

Starting in November, volunteers will receive 14 hours of instruction through a combination of in-person sessions and Zoom webinars.

Jefferson County

In-person sessions will be held at the MU Extension Center in Jefferson County, 303 Third St., Hillsboro.

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11. In person.
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16. Zoom.
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Zoom.
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. Zoom.
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. In person.

Newton County

In-person sessions will be held at the Neosho Chamber of Commerce, 216 W. Spring St., Neosho.

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. In person.
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16. Zoom.
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Zoom.
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. Zoom.
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. In person.

Apply to become a Digital Ambassador at http://muext.us/DigitalAmbassador.

For more information, contact Noah Washburn at nwashburn@missouri.edu or 423-404-8011, or Joe Lear at learj@missouri.edu or 816-408-0370.