Preparing tomorrow’s leaders through technology training and community service.

A Program of the One Economy Corporation

The Digital Connectors Program was launched in 2003 in Washington, DC with fifteen young women from Columbia Heights.

Today the program has partners in rural and urban areas across the country. Thousands of Digital Connectors have provided tens of thousands of service hours in communities from New York to San Francisco.

Youth projects have included: developing faith-based computer labs; creating documentaries; training community members on computers and the Internet; using digital media to create interactive tutorials; mapping community assets; and developing wireless hot.

Digital Connectors prepare students for success in the 21st Century workplace.

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History

• Over 2,800 Youth Engaged to date

• More than 56,000 hours of community service completed to date

• 15,000 families have been trained by Digital Connectors on the Beehive and Computer Applications.

• Partnerships with national youth organizations (YWCA, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Urban League, NCLR)

• Programs operate in housing developments, community centers, libraries, park districts, rural and urban communities and schools

• Target = 5,000 Connectors and 100,000 hours service by end of FY10

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Accomplishments

•The Digital Connectors movement is promoted by One Economy through a network of local Affiliate Partners.

•12 Core Competency areas are addressed within a 156-hour Digital Connector’s curriculum

•Curriculum includes Cisco I.T. Essentials certificate

•Program allows for 50 hours of community service

•Digital Connectors is designed to be delivered as a 6-week summer intensive, or as 2 semesters, after school

•Affiliate instructors are steeped in the robust program content via the ONE INSTITUTE, a train the trainer program.

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Program Design

Program Curriculum: Twelve Core Competencies

1. Leadership & Diversity2. Personal Development3. Workforce Development4. Financial Literacy 5. Community Mapping6. Digital Literacy7. Hardware & Networks8. Software & Programming9. Media Production & Civic Journalism10. Environment & Sustainability11. Service & Global Engagement12. Teaching & Facilitation

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Program incentives keep Connectors engaged:

Connectors Club http://www.connectorsclub.org

Digi-Gear® tech embedded fashion

Digi-Cash® rewards point system

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Incentives

Digital Connectors who have completed the Program will be enrolled under the following models for program sustainability:

 DIGI Prenuers® a micro enterprise social entrepreneurship program DIGI Staffing® internships, part-time jobs, and full time opportunities through our IT partners, sponsors and interested companies DIGI Squad® business where graduates serve their community and neighbors with computer repair, community broadband adoption and technical training and assistance

Continuing education opportunities will allow Digital Connector graduates to certify in the technology or design industries with organizations like Cisco, Adobe, Microsoft and others

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Alumni Enterprises

Program Requirements: Affiliate Partner

Partner•Affiliate host should already host youth services

•Youth Safety policy must be in place

•Site must have its own insurance policy for damages and liability

Site•Program space should have a monitored entrance for safety

•Connectors meeting room should be brightly lit and conducive to learning

•An open area is recommended for group activities

•A technology lab should comfortably seat a minimum of ten students

•We recommend that you maintain a maximum ratio of two students per station.

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Program Requirements: Technology Center

1. 10-25 Computers

2. Digital Camera

3. Projector

4. Laser Printer

5. Antivirus Software

6. Be PC or Mac Based

7. Windows XP or Vista and Mac OS X

8. MS Office

9. Movie Maker or iMovie

10. (If possible) Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro

11. Adobe Creative Suite or Free Alternative

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Youth Videos

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1463370923?bctid=18011160001

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1463370923?bctid=17579379001

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid21635647001?bctid=23664496001

Contact

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Karla Ballard

National Director

Digital Connectors/Community Connect

One Economy Corporation

1220 19th Street, Suite 610

Washington, DC 20036

(202) 393-0051

digitalconnectors@one-economy.com