Computers, tablets, internet access all play a huge role in pushing the world forward. There's a lot of opportunity behind knowing how to use these resources, but not everyone can.

"We find the biggest disconnect between people and using their computers, they just don't know how to use it," said Oak Hill Collaborative Director, Pat Kerrigan. "They don't have the skills so maybe they don't invest in it, maybe they just use their cell phone," he said.

Not only that, but they might not have the equipment at all, or the means to afford service. With a 20 thousand dollar check from AT&T toward hiring experts and expanding Oak Hill Collaborative's building, plus a few informative workshops, all of that could change.

"We give these free workshops to people, like today it's on internet security, could be on downloading information or safe shopping at Christmas time," Kerrigan said.

Kerrigan tells 21 News the digital divide affects everything from healthcare to crime.

"You can't get a job unless you go online, you can't write a resume, your healthcare is more expensive and slower, all of those kinds of things," said Kerrigan. "Then eventually, that's going to show itself in the other socio economic indicators such as crime, welfare dependency, drug abuse," he said.

Income qualified families, like a household of four making less than $54,000 a year, can have free access to Oak Hill Collaborative's Affordable Connectivity Program. To see if you qualify, you can call 330-406-0271. AT&T also has plans to fiber internet service into the Youngstown area, for faster access.