Today I attended a presentation of CTEP (techie AmeriCorps) members working with SPNN (St Paul Neighborhood Network). They all work on digital inclusion or equity projects. I love hearing about all of the projects. I’ve included their notes below on all of the presentations. Lots of good ideas.

And here’s a video on the presentation on broadband in Minneapolis. I met with these folks a couple of times. It was interesting to see them put their arms around such a big topic. A big issue for them is affordability and speeds available in certain neighborhoods. They created a great video on the need for broadband equity and they were able to have input in the Minneapolis Plan for 2040.

Naturally Bridging the Digital Divide
Conducted a week-long day camp focusing on urban agriculture and media skills. Introduced youth to the technology in urban farming as well as expand their knowledge of food sources in the Twin Cities, and then provided a platform for youth to share their experiences through digital storytelling.
Community Partners: SparkY, University of Minnesota Cornercopia Organic Farm

Broadband in Minneapolis: Closing the Digital Divide
Created a short documentary and recommendations for equitable fiber internet access in Minneapolis through meetings with city officials, private internet providers, and other key stakeholders.
Community Partners: Various

CTEP Resource Consolidation
Overhauled CTEP’s internal online information structure, with the goal of streamlining and updating online resources onto SPNN’s website for the benefit of CTEP members and participants alike.
Community Partner:  SPNN

Saving Cents with Sense
Provided a series of short classes on various digital financial concepts, such as using Microsoft Excel and checking credit scores online. The workshops sought to educate those who may not have benefitted from personal finance classes or a financial mentor.
Community Partners: Volunteers of America, Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning

Field Testing Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments
Assisted in the redesign of the Northstar Digital Literacy assessments and engaged in field testing with local community members. Students at CTEP sites gave valuable user feedback for the  development team.
Community Partner: Northstar Digital Literacy Project

Re-Entering the Digital World: Computers for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Taught a series of computer classes to formerly incarcerated adults at Amicus, an organization that provides resources for people recently exiting the correctional system.
Community Partner: Amicus

Diversity and Inclusion in CTEP AmeriCorps
Began developing a diversity and inclusion framework for CTEP AmeriCorps to increase diversity and inclusion. Conducted focus groups with CTEP alumni to identify D&I strengths and weaknesses, and to get input towards a nascent advisory board.
Community Partner: SPNN, CTEP Alumni

The Rondo History Preservation Project
Worked with the Hallie Q. Brown Center in St. Paul to record and preserve oral histories regarding the historic Rondo neighborhood, and conducted media training for staff to be able to carry on the work.
Community Partner: Hallie Q. Brown Center