Catawba County News
Teens Teach Tech!
Published: July 13, 2023
Catawba County Library is one of 10 libraries selected to pilot a new internship initiative that brings teens and tweens together to build healthy digital habits. The Main Library in Newton will host two local interns to plan and lead workshops on digital citizenship for middle school students, rising 6-8th graders. Programs will use the “Digital Connections” materials created by Common Sense Education in collaboration with the Public Library Association and AT&T.
In the six-part video series, students follow two best friends as they navigate the complexities of digital life, learning tips and strategies for how to use media and technology safely and responsibly to learn, create, and participate.
The workshops will explore how tweens can:
• Balance their technology use
• Make sure to be kind when connecting with others online
• Stand up for others online and confronting cyberbullying
• Stay safe online by protecting ourselves and our personal information
• Make sure the information we consume and share online is credible
• Use technology with purpose
Each attendee will sign up for a free Achievery account in order to have continued access to these valuable and educational videos. The workshops, starting July 13 and running through August 3, will also include team building activities and social time. There will be weekly giveaways and students that attend all sessions will have the chance to win one of two chromebooks.
*Teens Teach Tech Project is sponsored by the Public Library Association and AT&T. Check out www.theachievery.com for a safe place for K-12 students to engage in learning.
About the Public Library Association (PLA)
PLA is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.
About Philanthropy and Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities. and improving lives. As part of our companywide $2 billion commitment from 2021–2023 to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions. We aim to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed more than $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
For more information about the Catawba County Library’s resources and services, visit www.catawbacountync.gov/library, call 828.465.8665, email mylibrary@catawbacountync.gov, or visit www.facebook.com/catcolibrary.
