Newcomers who develop digital skills find employment faster and achieve economic self-sufficiency sooner. By investing in digital literacy training, resettlement agencies can help newcomers build confidence and create meaningful connections as they transition from initial support to full workforce participation.
Many local resettlement agencies have requested guidance on offering a robust digital literacy (DL) curriculum to newcomers. This guide provides an overview of available resources to help organizations equip clients with the digital skills necessary for self-reliance, workforce readiness, and economic independence. The resources highlighted offer flexible starting points that can be adapted to your organization’s capacity and your clients’ needs
Understanding Newcomers’ Digital Literacy Needs
Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, organize, create, and communicate information using technology, while practicing responsible digital citizenship.
For newcomers, digital literacy is not about mastering specific tools but developing adaptable skills that meet real-world needs—from navigating essential services to participating in the workforce. Effective digital literacy training contextualizes these skills to support clients’ specific goals and practical applications of technology in their daily lives.
A holistic approach to digital literacy requires hardware, Internet access, skill development, technical support, and relevant digital content. Everything from banking and employment to education and communication now depends on digital proficiency. While no single program meets all client needs, providers can combine modules from multiple resources to create comprehensive plans that assess skills and provide curriculum tailored to newcomers’ individual starting points.
Digital Literacy Curriculum Comparison
Switchboard has compiled a list of digital literacy (DL) resources to support refugee service providers in navigating the available programs and determining which best aligns with their goals. This list highlights commonly used curriculums based on key criteria. Many of these resources represent successful public-private partnerships that reduce reliance on government funding while delivering high-quality training. Some resources may have fees at certain stages, but all reviewed options include free foundational elements.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. Switchboard does not endorse any individual for-profit company.
Click through the options below to explore different curriculums. A printable comparison chart is also available through Switchboard.
Start with Assessments:
When and How to Use
Begin with assessments to evaluate skill levels. Organizations can determine if investing in additional instruction is beneficial.
Cost
Free multilingual assessments; full access requires an annual fee (~$500 per training location).
Target Population
Suitable for diverse skill levels; particularly valuable for employment-focused clients needing certification.
Multilingual Support
Yes, assessments available in multiple languages.
Engagement
Effective for all levels, from beginners to advanced users.
Pros
Structured learning path; self-paced modules; certification for job applications; standardized assessment metrics recognized by employers.
Cons
Assessment-focused; limited advanced content; additional cost for access to full instructional content.
Printable Materials
Limited; primarily digital-based content.
Continue to Basic Digital Literacy:
When and How to Use
Best for lower-level English learners needing basic computer skills.
Cost
Free.
Target Population
English language learners with limited digital experience.
Multilingual Support
Limited; primarily English-focused with some Spanish materials.
Engagement
Interactive, community-based training, resilience against digital threats.
Pros
Designed for remote learning; practical applications for rapid employment outcomes; integrates language learning with digital skills.
Cons
Requires Internet access; may be overwhelming for complete beginners.
Printable Materials
Yes; includes downloadable worksheets and exercises.
When and How to Use
Offers skill building for different proficiency levels and is ideal for structured English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and workforce readiness programs.
Cost
Varies based on institutional licenses, course selection, and the number of users. Can be significant, making it more suitable for organizations rather than individual learners (starting at approximately $100 per seat annually).
Target Population
Designed for adult English learners, including refugees, immigrants, and job seekers.
Multilingual Support
Offers limited multilingual support that is often needed in the form of translations, especially for navigation.
Engagement
Uses speech recognition technology for pronunciation practice, interactive activities, role-play conversations, and real-world scenarios. Also includes progress reports.
Pros
Comprehensive English learning that covers reading, writing, listening, speaking, and pronunciation with structured lessons, including workforce readiness.
Cons
Expensive for small organizations or individual learners; not all learners may find enough native language guidance; is best used in combination with an instructor rather than as a standalone self-learning tool.
Printable Materials
Offers some printable worksheets and lesson supplements, but the program is primarily digital.
When and How to Use
Self-guided learning for individuals seeking structured resources.
Cost
Free.
Target Population
Refugees and asylees with intermediate English skills.
Multilingual Support
Some materials available in multiple languages.
Engagement
Moderate, self-directed.
Pros
Comprehensive toolkit covering multiple areas (general DL, language, employment, education); empowers individuals with job-relevant digital skills that lead to economic independence.
Cons
Requires consistent Internet access because most trainings are online; requires some baseline digital literacy skills.
Printable Materials
Yes; substantial offline resources available.
Advance to Intermediate Digital Literacy:
When and How to Use
Ideal for organizations incorporating digital literacy into cultural orientation programs.
Cost
Free.
Target Population
Newly arrived refugees during initial resettlement phase.
Multilingual Support
Extensive; materials available in 20+ languages.
Engagement
Moderate, self-directed.
Pros
Focuses on practical digital skills, online safety, and integration into American workplaces; designed specifically for refugee populations.
Cons
Limited resources; does not fully account for different cultural contexts; basic assessment tools only.
Printable Materials
Yes; extensive printable resources designed for classroom settings.
When and How to Use
Best for individuals with specific skill gaps needing structured self-paced learning.
Cost
Free.
Target Population
Job seekers needing specific skills for workforce readiness.
Multilingual Support
Extensive; materials available in 20+ languages.
Engagement
Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Pros
Comprehensive content covering a range of digital and career skills; available in multiple languages.
Cons
Self-guided format requires strong motivation; lacks formal assessment tools.
Printable Materials
Limited; primarily designed for online use.
Additional Public-Private Partnership Resources:
- NetHope: Digital Development Guidebook
- International Rescue Committee (IRC): Articles on digital access
- World Relief: The Refugee’s Journey self-paced course
- NPower: Community Help Desk
- DigitalLearn: Self-paced courses on digital literacy
Additional Resources for Accessing Hardware and Internet:
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a U.S. federal law designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services. Below are resources for finding WIOA-funded programs in your area that support refugee services:
- Search for your Local American Job Center (AJC)
- Find your local Workforce Development Board, which manages WIOA funding and supports job training programs, including digital skills training.
- Use the National Literacy Directory to search by zip code for WIOA Title II directed funds that support ESL and digital literacy programs.
- Look for workforce development and digital literacy funding at Grants.gov.
