Creating Economic Opportunities with Digital Skills

Digital access—or the ability to use digital technologies and resources—can help people improve their financial well-being and pursue new economic opportunities, like better preparing themselves for the workforce. In fact, research from the Capital One Insights Center illustrates the myriad of ways that the majority of Americans use digital platforms to build their financial education. 

But even though people are increasingly spending more time online, learning to use digital devices effectively–and safely–can be daunting for some. That was the case for Carmen Richardson, who lives in the Dallas region and was interested in learning more about using digital tools.

Richardson wanted to start her own business, but her uncertainty about how to use technology was a roadblock she knew she needed to overcome.

“I’ve never had a computer,” says Richardson, “So I had a lot of high anxiety.”

Opening Doors with Digital Skills in Texas

The chance to help people like Richardson improve their digital skills and pursue new opportunities, is what drove Capital One and digital inclusion nonprofit Everyone On to begin holding digital literacy classes for Dallas and Houston residents.

Capital One and Everyone On partnered with twelve local nonprofits across Dallas and Houston to offer hands-on classes to help Texas residents gain more confidence using digital tools. The classes, which took place over several weeks, taught hundreds of participants how to use laptops and navigate the digital landscape.

"This pilot with Capital One allowed us to expand our reach and provide crucial digital skills trainings to under-resourced communities in Texas,” said Diana Rodriguez, Vice President of Programs and Strategy at Everyone On. “By offering hands-on trainings, we are not just teaching skills, we are opening doors to financial empowerment and greater opportunities in the digital age.”

During the classes, participants learned how to use digital tools in a variety of ways, including applying for jobs, managing their finances, and protecting their information while using digital channels. And after successfully completing the courses, participants took home laptops to continue using their digital skills at home.

Perla Flores, who took the digital literacy classes in Houston, said she was hoping the classes would help her achieve her educational and professional goals.

“What motivated me to take this course is trying to get more digital skills for college and for the future,” said Flores. “One of the biggest things I got from this course was getting more skills from technology. Now I could move into a career that I know I could be confident in, and I already have the skills for that.”

While digital access starts with seizing the many opportunities that digital devices provide, learning how to use these technologies safely is equally important. Dallas resident Nina Quiroz said she felt better equipped to avoid digital scams after the classes.

“My comfort level in this course that I’ve received has completely changed,” said Quiroz. “I’m more aware of all the different links out there, not to be so quick to tap on them or odd emails, out of country codes… something that doesn’t seem real is probably not real.”

Following these classes, participants felt more confident in accessing financial tools–opening up greater opportunities to manage their finances overall. The number of participants who owned checking or savings accounts increased by 10% by the end of the program. The classes also instilled greater confidence among participants to use digital tools, with the number of participants enrolled in digital banking increasing 9% after the classes.

“During these digital literacy trainings, we have seen participants go from feeling excited but perhaps a little uncertain about navigating the digital landscape, to feeling empowered,” said Kerone Vatel, Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Investment at Capital One.

“People are graduating from these trainings with more than just new laptops. They’re taking action on their financial journey and graduating with new confidence to achieve their goals and improve their financial lives.”

As for Richardson? She said she has gained the digital skills and confidence she needed to make her goals a reality.

“What motivated me about this digital course was that I’ve been trying to learn the computer, and do Powerpoints, and type up my own resume to start my own business,” said Richardson. “I can do that now. And I overcame my anxiety with this class.”

Capital One’s Investments in Texas
As a leader in creating data-driven solutions, Capital One has committed to better understanding how to provide effective, accessible financial education. This commitment extends to Texas, where Capital One continues to work to create opportunities through community programs as well as investments in community development financing, support for Texas-based small businesses, and products and services that open up economic pathways.

In 2023, Capital One granted more than $67 million in philanthropic funding to support economic growth from coast to coast, including communities in Texas. And from 2018 to 2023, Capital One invested nearly $4.3 billion in community development loans in Texas.

Capital One is also committed to helping people build greater financial wellbeing on digital channels by offering free resources, including a financial well-being course developed in partnership with Khan Academy. Successful partnerships with organizations like Everyone On and Khan Academy affirm Capital One Insights Center findings that there is continued opportunity for entities across the public and private sector to come together to ensure credible financial education resources are readily available for all consumers.