CBP 2025

All things are possible!

Armando Cantu

Digital Access Champion | Innovator | Presenter | Entrepreneur

Armando Cantu is a visionary leader dedicated to bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved communities. As the Founder and CEO of CARDBoard Project (CBP), he has pioneered innovative solutions to promote self-sufficiency. Through a non-degree pathway model and a comprehensive 10-step roadmap to technology and connectivity, he aims to uplift individuals and help them achieve their goals.

19% have no at home internet access

45% are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness

22% use only their smartphone data to connect online

53% of guests are Male

70% are unemployed

37% have a criminal background

22% do not have an email

75% enrolled in at least one government assistance program (SNAP, Medicaid, SSDI, etc.)

63% have a high school diploma or less

65% rely on alternative transportation (public transportation, biking, walking, etc.)

63% of clients have self-reported as having little to no digital skills

15% do not own a cellphone

CBP has held 10 cohorts at MLK Library, averaging 16 participants per cohort.

25% do not have a bank account

5 cohorts were held in 2024!

542 guests since 2022

The Solution

January 2024 – February 2025

CBP GUESTS SERVED THROUGH

10-STEP ROADMAP TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY

At CBP, the 10-Step Roadmap Assessment is a vital tool used to identify the challenges our guests face and to guide Case Managers in connecting them with trusted partners who can provide the resources needed for long-term stability and self-sufficiency. This roadmap is the foundation of our guests’ successful journeys, but the support doesn’t stop there.

CBP is committed to walking alongside each guest throughout their progress. We maintain consistent follow-up via phone, text, and email at key intervals: one month after intake, then again at three months, six months, and one year. This ensures guests remain supported and connected to additional services as needed.

DIGITAL ID

Assist guests in creating a professional email address with a secure password.

Provide access to CBP Connect, our voicemail service.

DIGITAL LITERACY

Refer guests to low-cost internet options.

Connect with partners offering free or affordable device.

Provide digital skills training in English and Spanish.

Encourage attendance at CBP workshops focused on phone application usage.

Refer Guests to CBP Device Loan Program.

TRANSPORTATION

Refer to discounted Dart bus pass programs.

Connect Guests with Circuit Free Shuttle services in West Dallas. Refer to WFSGD Programs for eligibility with transportation assistance.

Inform Senior Guests about AARP Ride @ 50+ Share resources from city and county senior transportation programs.

Refer to our “Earn-a-Bike” partner program.

HOUSING

Connect guests to Partners who provide shelter assistance, transitional housing, domestic violence shelters, and affordable housing referrals.

Refer to programs focused on homelessness prevention.

Assist with rental aid, senior home repairs, and other housing resources.

WORK-READY

Guests directed to Partners to obtain a Texas ID and Social Security card.

Refer returning citizens to second chance programs for additional resources.

Connect Guests to WFSGD for access to the Federal Bonding Program.

Encourage Guest to participate in CBP job readiness workshops (resume writing, interview skills).

Refer SSDI recipients to the Ticket to Work program for financial independence.

www.cardboardproject.org

FINANCIAL LITERACY

Refer to partners offering banking services, credit repair, loan applications, and financial literacy education.

Educate on online banking safety.

ESSENTIALS

Connect guests to Partners offering resources for food, clothing, professional attire, utility bill assistance, childcare, light car repair, haircuts, laundry service, and hot meals.

Refer senior citizen to Partners that provide Senior service and programs.

HEALTH

Refer Guests to Partners for free or low-cost services for medical, dental, hearing, mental health, substance use, and vision care.

Connect guests to Partners that provider medical equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs.

EDUCATION

Refer to CBP Digital Skills Training for beginners.

Encourage Guests to enroll in CBP’s advanced Digital Skills workshops (The Academy)

Refer families to our Digital Skills for Families Program.

Connect to WFSGD and WIOA program, GED, vocational, and English Language Skills

Refer Guests to higher education and senior learning through Dallas College.

Connect Guests to Partners offering training programs in healthcare, phlebotomy, forklift operation, solar panel installation, and more

EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT

Refer Guests to CBP’s Job Readiness Workshops, Resume Building, and Interview Skills.

Match returning Citizens with Second Chance employers like Fresh Start Program with the City of Dallas.

Refer aspiring entrepreneurs to Partners who assist with obtaining an LLC.

Provide Guests information on Partners who offer paid training, apprenticeships, internships, and union careers.

10-STEP ROADMAP TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY TESTIMONIAL

10 - STEP ROADMAP SELF - SUFFICIENCY TESTIMONIAL

PRIMARY CHALLENGES

• No Digital Access

• No High School Diploma

• No Work History or Training

GOALS

• Attain HS Equivalent Certification

• Vocational Training:

• Machine Operation

Outcomes:

• Mechanics Certification

• Obtained HS Equivalency

OUTCOMES:

• Obtained HS Equivalency

• Received Forklift Certification

• April 2021, Started in Supplies Logistics as a Forklift Operator at $15/hr EARLY 2024, ISAIAH FULFILLED HIS DREAM OF BECOMING A SERVICEMAN IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY

• April 2021, Started in Supplies Logistics as a Forklift Operator at $15/hr

10 - STEP ROADMAP TO

• Early 2024, Isaiah fulfilled becoming a serviceman in Army

SELF - SUFFICIENCY TESTIMONIAL

Outcomes:

• Obtained HS Equivalency

• Received Forklift Certification

• In 2025, he is currently stationed in Korea in a field event

• Gained more responsibility in his platoon

• Promoted to Specialist, preparing for the board to become promoted to Corporal

• Earning $1300 biweekly, including hazard pay

• April 2021, Started in Supplies Logistics as a Forklift Operator at $15/hr

"

• In 2025, he is currently stationed field event Gained more responsibility Promoted to Specialist, preparing become promoted to Corporal Earning $1300 biweekly, including

• Early 2024, Isaiah fulfilled his dream of becoming a serviceman in the United States Army

www.cardboardproject.org

• In 2025, he is currently stationed in Korea in a field event

• Gained more responsibility in his platoon

chance to further and learn you guys gave L., Program Graduate about Google in 3 days than I have in the 12 years [I’ve had a] computer on my own.”

Ariel J., 2024 Phlebotomy Program Graduate for career . Graduate

learned all than I had a] Graduate the

What our Clients Says

“

“ I learn a lot in this program . I was able to work on my speed in tying. [I] learned short cuts when using the computer.”

“

Shanirya, L 2023 Phlebotomy Program Graduate

“I just want to say thank you, for giving me the chance to further my education and learn everything that you guys gave me.”

“

Priscilla L ., 2025 Phlebotomy Program Graduate

Ariel J

2024 Phlebotomy Program Graduate

basics of typing on

“Great experience! I learned all about Google in 3 days than I have in the 12 years [I’ve had a] computer on my own.

and I have the feeling a game changer for me .”

“

Terica R

2024 Phlebotomy Program Graduate

Romarick T., Phlebotomy Program Graduate

“The lessons are very helpful for someone trying to start a successful professional career.

www.cardboardproject.org

2025 Phlebotomy

“I learned the basics of typing a keyboard and I have the feeling it will be a game changer for me .”

Priscilla L

2025 Phlebotomy Program Graduate

Romarick T., 2025 Phlebotomy Program Graduate was able to tying. [I] learned using

EDUCATION

66%

66% of respondents (265 out of 402) expressed interest in continuing their education Interest in:

- GED / High School Diploma Completion - ESL Classes - Phlebotomy / Medical Assistance - Forklift / Welding / Construction Certiﬁcation

Case

WORKFORCE

WORKFORCE ECONOMY

Case Management Team refers guests to employers and includes those that are background friendly

Digital Skills Cohorts included a focus on resumé building and online job portals

476 Employed Guests out of 1,018 guests eligible for employment

476 Employed Guests

476 Employed Guests out of 1,018 guests eligible for employment

Average Salary of employed guests is $31,844

ECONOMY

Included a component of ﬁnancial literacy in Digital Skills Training and held several Workshops focused on Digital Couponing

$380,000$3,000,000 salary increase and impact annually

Estimated $380,000$3,000,000 salary increase and impact annually

About 63% of jobs in Texas will require education or training beyond a high school diploma by 2030.

63% of CBP guests’ highest level of education is a high school diploma or less.

In Dallas, only 28% of young adults earn a living wage and only 33% of young adults have any type of post-secondary degree or credentials that is required for most living wage jobs.

72% of CBP guests who are young adults (18 - 26 years old) do not have a post-secondary degree.

www.cardboardproject.org

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

DIGITAL INEQUITY

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

Over 42 million Americans lack reliable internet access, and one in three low-income households doesn’t have a working computer.

We’re closing the gap. By providing devices, partnering with internet providers, and delivering hands-on digital training, we’re creating pathways for connection and progress. Since 2020, CARDBoard Project has helped over 2,000 individuals gain access to the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.

Without digital connection, individuals are often unreachable except by outdated methods like flyers, phone banks, or door-to-door visits.

DIGITAL LITERACY

Digital literacy opens doors. With skills in place, people can access life-changing resources:

93% of job postings require basic digital skills.

75% of government services are now online.

Digitally literate individuals are 2x more likely to improve their employment and education outcomes.

Digital literacy isn’t just about learning—it’s about

Digital literacy isn’t just about learning—it’s about living. Let’s build a future where no one is left offline.

www.cardboardproject.org

CARDBoard Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded November 2, 2016 “to bridge the digital gap and educate our underresourced communities about the importance of having access to the Internet and assistance navigating.”