Partnering with CTEP to Bridge the Digital Divide

We recently began partnering with CTEP (Community Technology Empowerment Project), a program of the St. Paul Neighborhood Network, that bridges the digital divide for recent immigrants and low-income communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. CTEP hires AmeriCorps members to help youth and adults use technology to better access social, civic, educational and economic opportunities.

One of the three projects we’re working on is a digital scavenger hunt for low income high school junior and seniors who are enrolled in college readiness programs. The event, Quest For College: The Great Tech Challenge, will lead five different teams, all equipped with smart phones, to a variety of nonprofits in St. Paul where they will complete a technology challenge before receiving the next clue.

To prepare participants for the scavenger hunt, three crash workshops will take place at St. Paul Public libraries that will teach the digital literacy skills necessary for college as well as incorporate fun tech challenges like 3D printing and circuitry.

Teaching skills and getting students excited about technology is something we’re very passionate about and we’re thrilled to be a part of this exciting event. We were able to donate five laptops to the scavenger hunt so the members of winning team will each win a laptop.

Good luck to all of the teams! We’ll share pictures after the event takes place on June 10.