Eden Housing - Digital Connectors

The OJJDP FY 10 Earmarks Program furthers the Department's mission by providing grants, cooperative agreements, and other assistance authorized by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended, to organizations identified in the Conference Report to accompany the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117), H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 111-366 at 702-714.

Eden Housing's Digital Connectors Program trains at-risk youth to bridge the digital divide in low-income communities. Digital Connectors, ages 11-19, are recruited from Eden's affordable housing developments. One hundred percent of the participants come from families earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Participants receive training including hands-on classes in PC repair (hardware/software), video techniques/editing, leadership skills, community service, and in-depth visits to technology-related venues throughout the bay area. With their new skills, Digital Connectors volunteer in their community to provide technical support in public venues, such as libraries, and provide free in-home tech support for their low-income neighbors. Youth will do the following: explore careers in technology, telecommunications and digital arts; become leaders in their schools, families, and communities; learn to navigate through college/career choices; be exposed to greater career/educational opportunities and expand connections/partnerships, as related to technology; develop essential life skills; and perform community service.

Progress towards achievement of goals will be measured by the following: written pre/post evaluations, demonstrated ability to complete specific tasks on the computer, completion of specific projects, and feedback and observation from instructors/partners. NCA/NCF