4-H Extension Corner

4-H TECH CHANGEMAKERS

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

BY CAROLYN DRINKARD

In some areas of Alabama, residents have no access to high-speed internet. Many older adults have limited digital skills needed to take full advantage of online resources. These two factors have created a “digital divide,” which is impacting future opportunities for both young people and adults. An innovative new 4-H program is now bridging that digital divide in a creative way. The 4-H Tech Changemakers program uses 4-H STEM members as teachers to train adults how to use their phones, computers and tablets for job searches and applications, social media, online shopping, internet safety, video calling, grocery services, telehealth conferences and other basic skills, like email, contacts and voicemail.

Since teens are already quite savvy with technology, they can use their expertise to help Alabama’s adult population improve their digital skills. In return, 4-H’ers can not only improve their own leadership skills, but they can also develop relationships with different generations. This unique digital opportunity aligns with existing Alabama 4-H STEM youth programs, while offering additional leadership opportunities. Some youth volunteers are Ambassadors and others are in the STEM League, made up of older students interested in STEM. Preparation is intense, with a focus on developing a small group of teens to work with a larger group of adults in either a modified format or in a series of meetings. Groups are divided into North and South Alabama areas to make training more feasible. Volunteers must attend 7-9 hours of training, either in person or through Zoom. Once the students are trained, coordinators collaborate to find ways to get the youth in front of adults for real-life opportunities. Some have even found alternative ways to hold a “workshop.” For example, one session was held before an Auburn home game, where 4-H’ers invited adults to join them in an activity. Another session, at “Christmas on the River” in Demopolis, reached 74 adults. Ten Marengo County Youth Council workers conducted these interactions. Anae’a Johnson, president of the Marengo County Youth Council, summed it up well: “Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.” Youth who volunteer received a welcome package, which included a 4-H Tech Changemaker shirt, a 4-H

Hattin Berryman worked the Tech Changemakers booth for Senior Day at the Cullman County Fair. He talked to many seniors, giving them information on technology to make everyday life a little bit easier.

Bobby Fair and Sierra Ratcliff engaged adults to talk about technology at “Christmas on the River.” Both students are members of Marengo County 4-H Tech Changemakers.

Hattin Berryman and Alexis Steele recorded a voice-over for a Nearpod lesson for other incoming Tech Changemakers to listen and interact with.

Anae’a Johnson discussed the 4-H Tech Changemaker Challenge with a family at “Christmas on the River” in Demopolis. Anae’a is President of the Marengo County 4-H Youth Council.

cinch sack, a phone accessory and other 4-H swag. They will also have all fees paid to attend a leadership conference at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center (Georgia) in April. On the National level, the 4-H Tech Changemaker Coalition included four corporate partners: Land O’Lakes, Microsoft, Tractor Supply Company and Verizon, as well as 20 Land Grant Universities (LGUs), including 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Across the U.S., over 500 teens across 160 communities in 18 states have participated. In Alabama, Kerri Roberts and Janet Lovelady are co-principal investigators for the grant. Alicia Self is a 4-H Agent Assistant, working with the Tech program. Alabama 4-H has used existing partnerships and developed new ones to deliver this digital experience to rural and urban communities throughout the state. At the state level, Alabama 4-H partnered with Alabama A & M University to leverage awareness and access to diverse audiences that will benefit from this 4-H program. Verizon assisted in identifying communities suffering most from the digital divide and donated hot spots for better connectivity. At the local level, 4-H members have partnered with existing Extension stakeholders, such as 4-H and Extension Adult Advisory Groups, County Farmers Federations and Cattlemen’s Associations to bring audiences and networks together for best results. In addition, 4-H’ers are working with local Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Authorities, libraries and community service clubs to plan and implement this initiative. Another objective of the Tech Changemakers initiative will be to design and produce a digital Public Service Announcement (PSA) and social media campaign, highlighting the importance of digital skills and broadband access in the community. Teen leaders will represent Alabama 4-H and the Tech Changemakers Program in the local media, on Alabama 4-H’ers social media platforms, and at County Commission and School Board meetings. “There is a big need for this knowledge to get out,” stated Alicia Self, Tech Changemakers program assistant. “When adults feel more comfortable with technology, it creates many more opportunities for them in their own communities.”