According to The Federal Communications Commission, more than 24 million people in the U.S. lack high-speed internet access. Even more, don’t have the skills needed to take full advantage of online resources. Combining those two things creates a digital divide that impacts future opportunities for young people and adults.
Prairie View A&M University’s Cooperative Extension Program’s Dallas County 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, Kristen Wells-Lewis, said, that’s where we come in. By we, she means Panther Tech, a group of 4-H Tech Changemaker ambassadors at Duncanville High School in Dallas County that aims to close the digital divide and provide #Opportunity4All people in their community.
“Throughout the program, I was happy to see our ambassadors evolve in their leadership and communication skills,” said Wells-Lewis. “Many of the students didn’t see their digital skills as such a huge asset and were surprised to know how many people didn’t have access to the knowledge and resources,” she added.
And the program’s timing was perfect. Leading up to National Technology Day, the Changemaker ambassadors gained the education and tools needed to teach technology skills to adults. They hosted a series of virtual workshops they developed on May 11, 2022.
Student Ambassador Michael Newman said, “The Tech changers program has allowed me to help others who are not as knowledgeable about technology. And it also has helped me be able to enhance my knowledge as well giving me about technology and the ways people use it to communicate.”
Wells-Lewis says the program is already yielding life-changing results, and her students agree. Ambassador Jacob Nichols points to the program’s benefits he’s gained. “So far, it has given me a little more confidence in trying to help people and in working together with group members.”
Ambassador Gregory Smith added, “The Tech Changemaker Program has helped open my eyes to the digital divide in our world when it comes to the elderly, uneducated, and those that can’t afford technology in our modern world.” He concluded, “This experience has been enlightening because it feels like we’re doing more than just a simple school project. Instead, we’re helping other people in our community when it comes to the tech world.”
Kristen Wells-Lewis
4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent, Dallas County
kristen.wells-lewis@ag.tamu.edu
(214) 904-3069