North Carolina Teens Bridge Digital Divide, Empowering Adults with Tech Skills

In Burlington, North Carolina, local teens are serving as Digital Ambassadors, teaching adults essential technology skills. Sponsored by the nonprofit Valores, the program is part of a network coordinated by the N.C. Business Committee for Education and funded by the N.C. Office of Digital Equity. These young ambassadors are helping to bridge the digital divide within their community. The Digital Ambassadors program equips teens with learning materials to develop their skills in instructing adults. Valores' Digital Ambassadors are certified and conduct their work in both English and Spanish. This initiative has proven crucial in reaching the Hispanic community in Alamance County, fostering collaboration across generations. Adult participants have lauded the program, highlighting the positive learning environment created by the teens. The teens themselves report significant improvements in their own technological and communication skills. This initiative demonstrates the power of intergenerational learning and community empowerment through digital literacy.