Digital equity makes STEM more accessible! We speak with Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation at Connected Nation, to learn how digital equity programs such as Teens Teach Tech and more bring together communities and raise digital literacy.Plus, get involved in a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt for the longest internet literacy live stream! Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Heather GateHeather Gate is Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation at Connected Nation, a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to broadband, technology, and digital skills. For nearly two decades, she has led national initiatives that help communities bridge the digital divide through education, partnerships, workforce development, and AI readiness.Heather previously served as Chair of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC), where she led national recommendations to expand digital opportunity. Today, she works with governments, nonprofits, educators, libraries, and technology companies to ensure people of all ages have the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.About Connected NationConnected Nation is a national nonprofit organisation celebrating 25 years of expanding access to broadband, technology, and digital skills. Since its founding in 2001, the organisation has positively impacted more than 21 million people through community planning, research, broadband initiatives, digital skills training, and strategic partnerships that help connect people to education, healthcare, employment, and economic opportunity. Working in all 50 U.S. states and three territories, Connected Nation collaborates with governments, schools, libraries, businesses, and nonprofits to ensure every community has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly digital world.Connected Nation Overview Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJwQKxjKJNkSpotlight: Teens Teach TechTeens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, is Connected Nation's nationally recognised intergenerational digital skills program. The initiative empowers high school students to become digital skills instructors, teaching older adults and community members essential technology skills such as internet safety, AI basics, email, videoconferencing, smartphones, and computer fundamentals. Since launching in 2022, Teens Teach Tech has helped nearly 50,000 people build essential digital skills through hundreds of teen-led teams across the United States. The program develops leadership, communication, and workforce skills in young people while helping adults gain the confidence to participate fully in today's digital world through schools, libraries, nonprofits, and community organisations.Teens Teach Tech Success Storyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYJyRsQWL4ISpotlight: 25 Hours. One Connected WorldTo celebrate Connected Nation's 25th anniversary, the organisation is leading 25 Hours. One Connected World — a global attempt to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the longest internet literacy live stream. Broadcast live from Louisville, Kentucky, USA, on September 24-25, 2026, the event will feature 25 consecutive hours of free digital skills training delivered by educators and experts from around the world. The livestream will cover topics including artificial intelligence, online safety, digital wellness, workforce skills, accessibility, financial literacy, and more, demonstrating how digital knowledge can connect people across borders, cultures, and generations.Get Involved: 25 Hours. One Connected WorldListeners don't just have to watch from the sidelines. Connected Nation is inviting educators, community organisations, businesses, and individuals across six continents to be part of the record attempt: Tune in and watch — the livestream is free and open to everyone, September 24-25, 2026, from Louisville, Kentucky. With 25 hours of programming, you can pick and choose the sessions most relevant to you, whether that's AI, online safety, digital wellness, workforce skills, accessibility, or financial literacy. Host a watch site — schools, libraries, and community organisations can register as a local host site to bring the event to their community. Spread the word — awareness partners can help share the event with their networks to grow the reach of this global record attempt. Partner or sponsor — businesses interested in supporting the record attempt can connect with the Connected Nation team. Learn more and sign up to participate: https://connectednation.org/25-hours-one-connected-worldRelevant LinksConnected Nationhttps://connectednation.orgAbout Connected Nationhttps://connectednation.org/aboutTeens Teach Techhttps://teensteachtech.org25 Hours. One Connected Worldhttps://connectednation.org/25-hours-one-connected-worldHeather Gate on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heathergate Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode? Share it! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
