The Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) AmeriCorps program, a program of the St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN), is co-sponsoring a free public fair with the Saint Paul Public Library to showcase technology-related learning opportunities for youth, adults and seniors.
The fair features laptop computer giveaways throughout the day; free food; media production games; free tech advice; face painting; information about free classes about computer and employment skills throughout the Twin Cities; and online library resources for youth and adults.
“It’s really great to see the wide range of activities the technology community brings out to DigiDaze,” said CTEP AmeriCorps Director Joel Krogstad. “We are all working on the digital divide from different perspectives, and this is a way to engage the public and connect people to technology resources in a way that’s as interesting for parents as it is for kids.”
Krogstad went on to note that the need basic computer and tech training has become more pressing as more and more of our daily tasks move online. Yet, as the City of Minneapolis’s recently released Community Technology Survey shows, thousands of Twin Cities residents are still not connected to the internet or don’t have the basic skills needed to access important information online.
DigiDaze, which was started four years ago by AmerCorps members, showcases Twin Cities digital literacy resources through visually rich, interactive activities. The fair will be staffed by AmeriCorps members of the Community Technology Empowerment Project, with participation from the Science Museum of MN, PCs for People, Free Geek, SPNN, and E-Democracy, and MN Computer for Schools, In total more than 20 community or nonprofit organizations will be represented at the fair.
COMCAST will also connect eligible community members to their Internet Essentials program, which offers low-cost internet to low-income Twin Cities residents with children in public schools.
Click here for a slideshow from past DigiDaze Fairs.
About SPNN
SPNN is proud to be an asset to the community, offering valuable locally produced content alongside other services, including training, youth programming, and CTEP AmeriCorps. SPNN is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) community media center serving Saint Paul, MN and the Twin Cities metro area. The mission is to empower people to use media and communications to better lives, use authentic voice and build common understanding.