Advancing digital inclusion through community collaboration: CTEP's 2016 Civic Engagement Presentations

Every year our CTEP AmeriCorps members choose community action projects that contribute to bridging the digital divide, and then present their projects to the public. This is a chance for our members to share their accomplishments and struggles in creating community change through their projects, and this year's presentations to more than 100 members of the public at SPNN did not disappoint. Please see the videos below, or click on the AmeriCorps members' power point presentations to get a glimpse of what members did this year to advance digital inclusion in parternship with several community organizations.

[SPNN’s AmeriCorps program, the Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) bridges the “digital divide” for immigrant communities, low-income residents and persons with disabilities in the Twin Cities. AmeriCorps members help youth and adults use technology to access social, civic, educational and economic opportunities.]

Technological Inclusion for Hard of Hearing and Deaf Communities
Provided technology skills education to older adults in the Hard of Hearing and Deaf community through one-on-one computer coaching sessions and iPad classes. Community Partner: Ebenezer Park and Tower Apartments. Presentation.

Stop! Animate! 
Implemented a three week stop-animation camp for the youth at CLUES. The participants worked together in small groups to create short animated films. Community Partners: Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio, SPNN, Independent Filmmaker Project-MN. Presentation.

Digital Storytelling Initiative
Created a series of summer camps at the St. Paul Public Libraries that connects youth with technical and creative skills necessary for telling their stories through media, with teaching artists and mentors supporting their projects. Community Partners: St. Paul Public Libraries, Createch, Science Museum of Minnesota, SPNN, and numerous local artists providing their expertise and local businesses providing in-kind donations.

Twin Cities Techettes 
Led a two week summer camp where participants solved real-life STEM problems, developed tech skills that are necessary beyond high school, and explored STEM opportunities. Community Partners: St. Paul Public Libraries-Arlington Hills and Roseville Public Libraries- Maplewood. Presentation.

Engaging with Technology at the RMDH School
Integrated technology into the Ronald McDonald House School. Through lesson planning using iPads and interactive SmartBoard activities, the project gave kids a chance to express their creativity through the use of technology. Community Partner: Ronald McDonald House of Twin Cities. Presentation.

Adult ELL iPad Camera Class
Conducted a class for adult English Language Learners (ELL) focused on introducing basic photography concepts with an iPad. Community Partner: Hmong American Partnership.

Building an Online Instructional Resource for Low-Educated Learners
Conducted research and created a learning intervention to support CTEP members so they can better serve low-educated English Language Learners and boost digital literacy outcomes for partnering community-based organizations.  Community Partner: Jen Vanek, Northstar Digital Literacy Project. Presentation.

Connecting Parents to Schools
Developed a workshop and materials aimed at teaching parents with low technology literacy how to use these school websites and applications so they can be more involved in their children’s education. Community Partners: Wayzata School District and Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners. Presentation.

Aiding and Advancing Participatory Action Research in St. Paul Public Schools
Provided teachers and students with hands-on media support during planning and facilitation of Participatory Action Research projects, while documenting existing financial resources and teaching networks to support future PAR projects. Community Partners: Gordon Parks High School, Battle Creek Middle School, Como Middle School, and Open World Learning High Middle School. Presentation.