Amarillo Launches Free Digital Classes, Expands Broadband to 90% Coverage

Amarillo is making a concerted push to bridge its digital divide, offering free one-on-one computer classes at community hubs, expanding high-speed internet to thousands of unserved homes, and deploying a multilingual AI assistant to help residents access city services. The efforts, led by the Amarillo Public Library in partnership with AT&T and tech firms Dell and Pryon, aim to ensure that seniors, students, and families can navigate an increasingly online world.

Hands-On Help at Community Hubs

The library's Digital Navigators program provides free, individualized digital assistance at two regular locations. Every Tuesday from 10 AM to 2 PM, residents can drop into the Warford Activity Center; on Fridays, the same service is available at the Acts Community Center, also from 10 AM to 2 PM. Librarians and volunteers help people set up email accounts, access online resources, and learn basic internet safety. Seniors have been a primary beneficiary of the program, according to library materials.

Youth Coding and Certifications

For younger residents, the library offers sign-up-based programs including Girls Who Game and Girls Who Code. These sessions provide certifications and prepare teens to serve as digital navigators themselves, creating a pipeline of peer-to-peer tech support. The programs are part of the library's broader digital education offerings, which include computer classes covering topics from introductory typing to intermediate software skills.

Behind the scenes, the city has partnered with AT&T to deliver high-speed broadband to roughly 23,000 unserved or underserved homes. That initiative has pushed Amarillo's overall broadband coverage to 90% of the city, according to city announcements. The remaining gaps are being addressed through a combination of federal grants and private investment.

AI Assistant 'Emma' Expands Access

Residents also have round-the-clock access to a multilingual AI assistant named Emma, developed with Dell and Pryon. Integrated into the library's website and city services portal, Emma can answer questions about city services, help with homework, and guide users through digital literacy resources. The tool is designed to serve both English and Spanish speakers, reducing the need for in-person visits for routine inquiries.

The library's website also lists a full schedule of digital education classes, including sessions on using mobile devices, searching for jobs online, and managing personal finances digitally. All classes are free and open to the public, with no library card required.

For those who prefer to learn at their own pace, the library maintains a collection of online tutorials and guides accessible from home. The Digital Navigators program will continue at both community hubs through the summer, with library staff encouraging residents to call ahead or check the library's online calendar for any schedule changes.