Executive Summary

The U.S. technology workforce continues to grow faster than most sectors, yet employers face persistent difficulty filling roles at every level—from entry-level support to specialized developers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, adding more than 377,000 new jobs between 2022 and 2032.¹ This demand strain is compounded by systemic barriers that prevent broad segments of the population from accessing technology in the first place.

In Kansas, these challenges intersect with a well-documented digital divide: 12% of households lack broadband access, and nearly 1 in 20 (5.8%) households do not have a computer or device.² Low-income and older adults are disproportionately affected, and rural counties often exceed these averages by a wide margin.² Without addressing these foundational access issues, many potential candidates never make it far enough along the talent pipeline to benefit from training or entry-level job opportunities.

The ADOPT 2.0 Technology Readiness Program, implemented by SnapIT Solutions through its SPRNT® Lab platform and funded by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD), addresses these structural barriers by combining access, readiness assessment, and early hands-on learning to help Kansans—especially in underserved areas—begin their journey into tech careers.

The Technology Talent Shortage: A Structural Challenge

Technology workforce shortages are widely recognized:

• 67% of employers report difficulty filling technology roles due to skills gaps and shortages.²
• The U.S. could face a shortage of 1.2 million tech workers by 2026 if current trends continue.⁴

While demand has surged, access inequities create choke points early in the talent pipeline, especially in areas where devices and broadband are scarce. In Kansas:

• 12.0% of Kansas households lack broadband service, compared with national averages.²
• 5.8% of households do not have a computer, smartphone, or tablet, essential tools for participating in online learning and job systems.²
• Among low-income residents (household income <$20,000), about 30.9% lack broadband access, dramatically exceeding the rate among higher-income households.²
• Large portions of the state—up to 1,000,000 Kansans—live in regions lacking adequate broadband speeds (≥100/20 Mbps), indicating a significant rural-urban access divide.⁵

These digital access gaps limit the ability of residents to participate in online training, competitive job searches, remote work, and cloud-based learning environments—compounding workforce development challenges.

Early Exposure: A Strategic Differentiator

Numerous studies show that early, low-risk exposure increases interest and persistence in tech pathways:

• People who have a chance to assess their skills, receive guided career insights, and experiment with actual tools are significantly more likely to pursue further training and career growth.³

Traditional workforce programs often begin after an individual has already decided to pursue training or higher education—far too late in a pipeline already narrowed by access inequities. Programs like ADOPT 2.0 reverse this pattern by providing early exploration opportunities that reduce risk and increase confidence.

ADOPT 2.0: A Technology Readiness Model

The ADOPT 2.0 Technology Readiness Program is designed to address access and readiness gaps that traditional training alone does not solve.

Key components include:

• Guided technology and career assessment to help individuals identify strengths and interest areas.
• Loaner laptop access (4–6 weeks) to remove device barriers and enable online engagement.
• Personalized career readiness reports tied to industry-aligned tech pathways.
• An introductory Web Development training module to provide hands-on exposure.

All elements are offered at no cost to participants, which removes a critical barrier for underserved populations. The program aims to support approximately 750 Kansans, with a priority on rural and remote communities where digital disparities are most acute.

SnapIT Solutions’ Role: Execution at Scale

As the program implementer, SnapIT Solutions provides end-to-end operational and technical execution via SPRNT® Lab, including:

• Statewide outreach and partner engagement with schools, workforce agencies, chambers, and community organizations.
• Participant intake, segmentation, and journey automation.
• Secure device provisioning, tracking, and rotation.
• Assessment delivery and coordination of learning modules.
• Data capture and reporting aligned with grant outcomes.

This model allows local partners to leverage SnapIT’s operational capability while focusing on community outreach and participant referrals.

Catalyst for Workforce Development

ADOPT 2.0 is not just a program—it’s a framework for pipeline development. Rather than relying on long-term device ownership or onetime events, it emphasizes:

• Structured engagement windows that enable repeated cohort cycles.
• Reusable infrastructure for devices and assessments.
• Data-driven insight into participant readiness and outcomes.
• Clear transition pathways into more advanced training or employment opportunities.

This approach aligns with best practices in workforce development, which emphasize measurable outcomes, repeatability, and sustainability.

Conclusion: Building the Pipeline Before It Breaks

The technology talent shortage will not be resolved solely by employer training or academic degrees. It requires interventions at the earliest stages of the pipeline where awareness, access, and confidence are formed.

In Kansas, persistent digital divides—where significant portions of the population lack reliable broadband and access to devices—underscore the need for programs like ADOPT 2.0 that address foundational access barriers and readiness gaps.

When individuals are empowered with the right tools, guided exposure, and structured assessment, they are far more likely to pursue technology career pathways—and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

The next generation of tech talent already exists. The challenge is creating pathways that allow that talent to emerge.

About SnapIT Solutions

SnapIT Solutions is a technology services and talent development company committed to building inclusive, job-ready tech pipelines through innovative training, workforce partnerships, and digital access initiatives. The SPRNT® Lab platform enables technology readiness, career exploration, and skills development for individuals and communities across Kansas and beyond.

[email protected]
https://www.sprnt-lab.com/adopt

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Employment Projections: 2022–2032 – Computer and Information Technology Occupations“
2. Kansas Health Institute. “Digital Divide Dashboard (2022 Census data) — broadband and device access disparities in Kansas households“
3. McKinsey & Company. “Closing the Digital Skills Gap”
4. CompTIA. “State of the Tech Workforce 2025“
5. University of Kansas Institute for Policy & Social Research. “Broadband access and rural-urban digital divide in Kansas (up to 1 million Kansans lacking adequate broadband)“