Tech
Free digital skills training, and where it is delivered
Public libraries, workforce centres and non-profits all run it, generally at no cost and often without any enrolment process.
Public libraries are the most widely available provider: classes, one-to-one appointments, computer access and often free access to paid online learning platforms with a library card. None of it requires enrolment in anything.
Workforce centres run training aimed at employment, sometimes leading to a recognised credential, and can fund longer courses through the mechanisms described in the career articles here. That is the route when the goal is a job rather than general confidence.
Non-profit digital inclusion organisations operate in many cities, often pairing training with a low-cost device and a connection, which is more useful than any of the three alone.
Be careful with anything marketed as certification training at consumer prices. Check that the certificate is issued by a body employers in the field actually recognise, using the test described in the career section — read current job adverts and see whether the name appears.
What to do next. Start with your public library's technology programme and ask what it offers with a library card.
studentaid.gov outranks this page. Rules, figures and dates change
between academic years. This is written to help you read the official sources, not to
stand in front of them. Start there.
Nothing here is a determination. We cannot tell you what you qualify
for, and no website can. The programme and the office that runs it decide that, after
you apply.
Still have a question?
Describe what you are trying to work out and a member of the team will answer, or direct you to the office that makes the decision.