Inequitable access to reliable Internet connectivity and a lack of digital skills are contributing to a growing opportunity gap in areas like education, employment, healthcare, social fulfillment, and entrepreneurship, with rural communities and communities of color being the most affected.
Over 24 million people in the U.S. lack high-speed internet access, and many more don’t have the skills needed to take full advantage of online resources. The combination of inadequate internet access and limited digital skills has created a digital divide, impacting future opportunities for young people and adults.
4-H Tech Changemakers puts teens at the forefront of increasing digital inclusion in their communities through collaboration with corporate partners, local elected officials, nonprofits, educators, and businesses.
Last month the National 4-H Council and Verizon executives observed Brazos County 4-H Tech Changemakers as they presented to adult audiences at Stephen F. Austin Middle School in Bryan and The Lincoln Community Center in College Station, Texas. They provided educational sessions on creating secure passwords and resources for developing career journeys. The learning opportunities were presented in both Spanish and English. The participants demonstrated their understanding throughout the tutorial and left the presentation knowing they should always pick multiple strong, secure passwords and refrain from sharing them with anyone.
Representatives from the National 4-H Council and Verizon gave high praises to the Brazos County 4-H Tech Changemakers team and are looking forward to the continued success of the program in Texas.
The team’s next presentation is during Prairie View A&M University’s Ag Field Day. For those in Brazos, Cameron, Dallas, or Waller counties interested in a presentation that will improve your adult audience’s technology skills, please contact Marissa Starr, Program Coordinator, at (936) 261-5113 or mmmulligan@pvmau.edu.
Hendrix Broussard
Extension Program Specialist
4-H Youth Development
