From veterans to senior citizens: This is how Colorado State University Pueblo is tackling the need for digital literacy

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Mountain Connect 2025 with two women from Colorado State University Pueblo—Dana Lambert, Director of Digital Equity, and Juliann Sandoval, Digital Navigator.

Their program is closing the digital divide across southern Colorado by providing free laptops, broadband access, and personalized digital skills training to students, seniors, veterans, and others in need.

Learn how their work is making a difference, why digital literacy is still a major barrier in 2025, and what all of us can do to help more people succeed in a digital-first world.

Recommended Links:

Dana's LinkedIn

Juliann's LinkedIn

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome back to Mountain Connect
• 1:35 Understanding CSU Pueblo and its digital equity mission
• 3:12 Closing digital gaps for underserved populations
• 4:33 The impact of being a digital navigator
• 6:04 Surprising gaps in digital literacy today
• 7:02 Why access and devices still matter for students
• 9:14 Looking forward: Certifications and what’s next
• 12:31 Supporting veterans through digital inclusion

Transcript

Jessica Denson (00:08):

On this episode of Connected Nation, I continue our coverage from Mountain Connect 2025. I talk with two women from Colorado State University, Pueblo Division, about a program that helps everyone from veterans to senior citizens across the state of Colorado find out how it works and what questions they say all of us need to help answer. I'm Jessica Denson, and this is Connected Nation. Uh, we continuing our coverage from Mountain Connect 2025 taking place in Denver, Colorado. And I went wandering around the exhibit hall and I found two wonderful women who, who agreed to join me on the podcast. And they are Julie Ann Sandoval and Dana Lambert. Welcome ladies. Welcome. Thanks for, for having us. For having us, Jessica. And, uh, the reason I stopped you is I kind of spotted that it said CSU on your <laugh>, your name tags. So that stands for Colorado State University Pueblo, right? Correct. P Pueblo. Am I saying that? Pueblo. Pueblo, yes. Every, I don't know why I have a hard time saying certain things, but I do. Um, and, uh, Dana is the Director of Digital equity and Julianne is the digital navigator. So I feel like the broadband gods led me to you <laugh> and said, please ask these two women to join you. So, uh, let's start first, uh, about Colorado State University. There, uh, Dana there, set the stage for us, um, that there are several different versions of it. Is that right? Dana Lambert (01:35):

Correct. Correct. Um, CSU Pueblo has been in existence, gosh, I would think for over what, 30, 40 years. Um, it's been through different name changes, but most recently with CSU Pueblo, so it's a branch of CSU Fort Collins. There's also CSU Global, so there's different entities, um, of the organization. Jessica Denson (01:54):

So where is your, the, your part of the school? Uh, got Dana Lambert (01:57):

Located. So we're in Pueblo, um, Jessica Denson (02:00):

Which is for the people that don't and didn't grow up in Colorado. Dana Lambert (02:02):

Where is that? Southern, Southern Colorado. Uhhuh <affirmative>. So we're about an hour and a half, uh, south of Denver. Okay. Jessica Denson (02:08):

And, uh, Julianne, how, how would you describe the campus there? Juliann Sandoval (02:12):

Oh, the campus is beautiful. I mean, and we have students from all over. It's just an amazing place to be. It's an amazing place to be. Jessica Denson (02:20):

And is it, uh, the, does it have all the same offerings as the, the main campus or is it just Yes, ma'am. A certain ma'am version of it, ma'am. Okay. Alright. So let's begin with you, uh, Dana, and talk about your role as digital or, or director of digital equity and what that is and why is it important? Dana Lambert (02:37):

So, we're A-A-N-T-I-A grant recipient. Um, Alante Connect is in, uh, located in the School of Business Healy Center. And we work specifically with students at CSU Pueblo providing them, uh, free laptops as well as broadband services to their home. Um, in, in addition to those services, we also have, um, community anchor across the community in which Julianne helps serve individuals who need help from resume building to, um, setting up their own laptop, um, to accessing telehealth wide Jessica Denson (03:12):

Variety. So a lot of people, I think, um, many of us take for granted that we just have that. Right. Uh, talk about sort of the, the populations that you serve. Is that from, are there all kinds of shapes, sizes, and people that are involved in that, that are in that need? Dana Lambert (03:29):

Absolutely. So per the grant criteria, they do have to meet, um, certain eligibility such as whether they're or not, they're Pell Grant eligible, whether they live within a, a certain mile radius of the campus. So there are some eligibility requirements to get a laptop. Jessica Denson (03:43):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Dana Lambert (03:44):

So, uh, was there just a, Jessica Denson (03:47):

Was that GAP noticed you think from the pandemic? Or was that already something that was being worked on? Dana Lambert (03:52):

I, you know, that's really a gap. Um, Pueblo overall has some pockets of low socioeconomic needs, so it's what an honor for us to be able to really offset some of that and provide those services to those who really, um, need that. And those that you don't realize, right? You don't realize, oh, some families still don't have internet at their households, or some families, you know, don't have access to, um, transportation in order to get to a doctor's office. So it's just, it's been a real honor to be able to serve those individuals and fill that gap. Jessica Denson (04:24):

And, uh, Julianne, for you as a digital navigator, explain to our audience what that role is and why you do it. What do you get, what, what it means to you, what it means to Juliann Sandoval (04:33):

Me? Um, so I'm very, uh, local hometown girl. Um, I grew up, was born and grew up in Pueblo. Um, and I think, uh, for me, people forget that without digital equity, our, we don't, we don't evolve mm-hmm <affirmative>. We, we stand still and we need that equity. And that, for me is the best part. I love helping kids learn how to use their computers, how to get on their phone. And I deal with a lot of, um, elderly people in the community and we're teaching 'em how to answer their emails and how do I get to Facebook on my phone? And to me it's amazing. Um, when you see something, someone do something for the very first time, that's, that's a great feeling to know that you helped do that. So Jessica Denson (05:18):

How did you get into that as a digital navigator? Were you in the library system or did you just come across this, or what was it? Juliann Sandoval (05:24):

What, Dana, thanks to Dana <laugh>, um, now I've been in education giggling. I've been in education for years and years. Um, I'm currently going to school for my, uh, master's in school counseling. And so, yeah, um, Dana moved this direction, so I moved with her and it's probably been the best thing I think that we've done in a long time. So I think it's awesome that I found you two together, that <laugh>. Jessica Denson (05:46):

Yeah. So, uh, you taught you, you kind of touched on the how meaningful it is to teach somebody to use an email. I think some people in 2025 are surprised that that is an issue, but it is, right? It's a huge issue. What are some surprising things that you've run across or that you're like, oh no, this is something we see again and again and again, Juliann Sandoval (06:04):

Again and again. I mean, we just see how do, how do I even turn on my computer? I had somebody come in yesterday, um, with an older computer, um, some of our older generation or from that time where things last forever. Um, your refrigerator was 30 years old before you need a new refrigerator. And I don't think they realize that technology moves so fast. Something you buy today is almost obsolete tomorrow. And so we see a lot of that and, and it's heartbreaking to tell 'em, Hey, now you need a new computer, because we do have that economic diversity there and some people just can't even do it. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Jessica Denson (06:40):

So, uh, back to you Dana. Uh, how important is it for college kids or high school kids, you know, 'cause it is CSU, it's a university to be able to have that access, to be able to, um, have a computer, have an internet. Like, help us understand why that's so critical, especially now. Dana Lambert (07:02):

You know, I think especially in this day and age, everything as Juliana has just mentioned, is just evolving. So, um, we have to stay and help our students keep abreast on, on what's coming new down the pipeline in order for them to be, um, competitive out in the job market field. We were just at a new student orientation we had there on campus this weekend and met with probably over a hundred families, um, who were just so excited about this opportunity. Um, you know, and they filled out the application and really just that need, you know, many of our students might have had a computer they had in high school, but again, that might be five years old or whatever that may be. So equip them with the skill sets and the tools and the software to really be competitive and learn what's new. And education is, is critical to their futures. Jessica Denson (07:51):

So are you looking to head to what's next? Or, or, or is there some concern that things are going so quickly like with AI and other and who knows what's beyond that? Um, how do you even begin to Dana Lambert (08:02):

Tackle that? So we, we network with all of our community partners and just ensure what are some, um, what are some workshops that we know, some things that we see that are reoccurring out there in the community and what are some, you know, ways that we can really outreach to them and, and provide training, things like that, just so that they can be successful. So we, we do that on campus and we also do it within our community anchor sites. Jessica Denson (08:24):

And Julie Ann, you're sitting there nodding your head enthusiastically. What would you add to that? Juliann Sandoval (08:29):

Uh, the programs that we are offering out in the community are amazing because a lot of our, um, community members don't know about ai. They're like, what is ai? Why? And then, uh, Gemini, why am I in my docs? And I've got Gemini and why we move so fast. And I think we're like the best part of the pie, right? We get to give those little secrets away, those little taste buds of everything that people need. And I, it's, it's, it's kind of cool. Jessica Denson (08:56):

<laugh>. Yeah. What, what do you think, um, should happen next? Is this something that should be replicated across the country? I know there are a lot of digital equity groups, a lot, we deal in digital literacy and digital empowerment as well. But what, what would you really like to see? Uh, I would really love to hear that from both of you and start with you Dana. Dana Lambert (09:14):

So I think for us, our next, um, step is really to ensure that all of our trainings, we have modules, so free modules, 50 of them on our website in English and Spanish. And so the next step is to really correlate those modules. So to industrial recognized certifications so that those who maybe didn't even didn't have technology and now they do, and now they've learned a little bit and they're like, Hey, I like this. Um, what are some certifications that they can also take just to continue to build their skill sets? So that's that next step for us is really connecting that with certifications. Juliann Sandoval (09:46):

It is, yeah. I mean, it, it truly, we're giving them the tools to get out there. We're giving them the sauce, and now they need to take that and learn what to do with it even more than what we can educate them. Jessica Denson (09:57):

Is it sometimes daunting the, the need that's out there? Juliann Sandoval (10:03):

No, I think it's sad. I think it's sad. I, you know, I think people don't realize how many people truly need this help and this service that we're providing that Jessica Denson (10:13):

People Juliann Sandoval (10:13):

Just assume Thateveryone has, just assume everybody has it, everyone to do. Dana Lambert (10:16):

Just everybody's got it. And those that might have internet, right Jules? Um, it's so slow. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. But that's all, you know. So until you know, oh my gosh, this could be faster and oh my technology could work faster and operate faster, you just don't know. 'cause that's what you've lived with. So it's, I think that's another just a great opportunity for us is to see them understand that there's so much more. Uh, yeah. Jessica Denson (10:40):

And you brought up, um, several things such as everything from jobs to telehealth to that type of thing. Uh, is there, do you take a different approach with different ages or is it just you need help with this or I'm gonna help you? Juliann Sandoval (10:54):

Here's my approach. Um, they walk up to me and I'm like, what can I do for you today to make you successful? And that's when they walk up to me. That's what I ask them. Um, and I think that kind of breaks that ice and it lets 'em know that I am truly here to help them. And, and then we go from there and I'll get a wide range of things that they need. And it might be 20 things in one, one session. So it's whatever they need. Jessica Denson (11:15):

So where do you do that at? Is it, is it on the campus there? Juliann Sandoval (11:18):

I do work at the, I do work on the campus with the veterans, the trio veterans. Um, but I am at the Rawlings Library and I'm at the Besser Wellness Center and they're just great places to be out in the community. Jessica Denson (11:31):

So who are the veterans that you work with? Juliann Sandoval (11:32):

Uh, they're the trio veterans that, uh, receive help at the college. It's actually a program that helps 'em Dana Lambert (11:39):

Expand upon that. So we have 12 different community anchor sites. And so Julian had mentioned a few, but we work with the veterans. We also work with Mount Carmel veterans in Pueblo. So there's different organizations in Pueblo that we've worked with that we know can benefit from these services. Jessica Denson (11:55):

Yeah. Um, there's some, there's some evidence that a lot of veterans, or even people who are, are military families would benefit from working online rather than in a traditional office setting. You're both nodding. Yeah, but I think we, we've all seen Dana Lambert (12:12):

That. Yeah. Yeah. I think just due to whatever they may be dealing with at that time, online seems to be appealing. But we also work with organizations that do outwork outdoor experiential learning work with the veterans as well. So there's a lot of different wraparound services. So not only are we providing digital equity services, but also wraparound services for those. Jessica Denson (12:31):

So how did you, uh, get involved in this? I know Julianne says you Dr. Drug her into it, but how did you get involved there? You Dana Lambert (12:38):

Know what, just education. I've been in education for over 35 years, so Uhhuh, oh, I hate to say that. <laugh> out loud. <laugh>. It's been a while. You've, you both looked very young. Very, thank you. Just, you know, being in education and, and going with what the needs are of the community. Uhhuh <affirmative> and then she just, how did you, how do you two knew each other. You called her Jules? I feel like I Jessica Denson (12:57):

Should called her Jules. We, Juliann Sandoval (12:58):

We Jessica Denson (12:58):

Worked in the same school together. Oh, and you both were teachers then? Dana Lambert (13:03):

Uh, so we, we've worked in education and in counseling and as also administration. So different hats. Different hats, Jessica Denson (13:09):

But Juliann Sandoval (13:09):

Together. Jessica Denson (13:10):

Yes. Dana Lambert (13:10):

Yes. Yeah. Jessica Denson (13:11):

And you seem like old friends Dana Lambert (13:13):

For sure. Oh yeah. We've been, we've been friends for a while, <laugh>. It's been a while. Jessica Denson (13:15):

Yes. So what brought you to Mountain Connect? Dana Lambert (13:19):

Our, our job, you know, just to learn more about how we could better serve our students. Always looking for areas to improve our program and our services for community. Uhhuh <affirmative>. And right now it's Jessica Denson (13:29):

An NTIA grant. Is that what you said? It is, Dana Lambert (13:31):

Yes. Yeah. Jessica Denson (13:31):

Is the hope, does it have an end date or is the hope to expand? It does, Dana Lambert (13:35):

Yeah. Yes. So it ends in January uhhuh. Um, and then we're looking for another grant that's going to continue to fulfill those, those services. Jessica Denson (13:43):

Yeah, definitely connect with us because we can help with some of that, I'm sure. With the digital literacy training stuff that Wonderful. Providing some, some support. Oh, if nothing else. Awesome. Yeah. And, and if anybody, so if, if somebody wanted to get a hold of y'all and, and learn more about this or fund it uhhuh, Dana Lambert (13:58):

How would they do so? Oh my gosh. So reach out, um, to either one of us and our, it's at CS u Pcore Uhhuh ante Connect at CSU Pueblo Yes. Dot edu. But I'll put a link Look Yeah, look for us on our website. If you go CSU Pueblo Ante Connect, um, contact us. You'll find all our information there as well. Jessica Denson (14:20):

All right. And I'll include a link in the description of this podcast as well as your LinkedIn. Oh, perfect. Be wonderful. Thank you. You, um, I really appreciate you both. What is one thing I should do while I'm in Denver? Any ideas? Oh gosh. So go to Casa Bonita <laugh>. Oh, right. <laugh>. Is that a good place to eat? Dana Lambert (14:36):

It's not a very good place to eat, but it's so fun. I know, I heard it has new ownership. It has new ownership, and I heard it's just incredible. There you, that's kind of a long, so if you're in Pueblo, long story, those were your field trips. Like you would take from Pueblo, you go to Denver and you go to Casa Bonita and s there's a lot of amazing things here. What food is it or what is it? Juliann Sandoval (14:53):

Mexican food. Dana Lambert (14:54):

Yeah, Jessica Denson (14:54):

Mexican food. Oh, I like Mexican food. <laugh>. Yeah. Yeah. It's fun. It's, it's a fun place to go for sure. Okay, I'll take it. Well, thank you so much Dana and Julianne. Thank you. Or Jules. Yes. I really appreciate you both letting me drag you over here and talking with me about what you guys are doing. It's CSU Puebla. Absolutely. A pleasure. Thank you. Dana Lambert (15:10):

Thank you. Jessica Denson (15:18):

I'll continue our coverage from Mountain Connect 2025 on the next episode of Connected Nation. Until then, I'm Jessica Denson and this is Connected Nation. If you like our show and wanna know more about us, head to connect nation.org or find our latest episodes on all major podcasts.