Digital skills for parents, leadership skills for teens: Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T is a win-win
Renton, Wash. (September 9, 2025) - During the late 2024 school year, students in Renton High School’s Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) taught 26 parents how to use a new digital tool during one of their Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, training sessions.
Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T is an initiative of the national nonprofit Connected Nation (CN). The program empowers teams of teenagers (with the guidance of a mentor) to train adults on digital skills like computer, email and mobile device basics, and how to stay safe online.
On May 10, a few members of the Renton High “DECA Teach” team attended a local career fair. During their session, the students taught a group of parents how to navigate ParentSquare, an increasingly popular communication platform that school districts use to engage with parents.
“We found it very important to teach parents how to use the platform as it’s a convenient way to ask questions and receive notifications regarding their student,” said Chloe Janine Alejo, a student leader for the Renton High DECA Teach team.
But these teens did more than just teach the adults digital skills, they also took the opportunity offered by the Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, program to better themselves. This program helped the student volunteers learn to better communicate and present in front of adults, as well as build crucial leadership skills needed in the real world.
“Although this program was just started in our community, I believe that we are already experiencing its value,” said Alejo. “We have taught our school staff how to recognize unsafe websites and scams, plus how they can increase their security. We are positive that this program will continue to help our community learn to use technology effectively.”
It’s easy to fall behind, and Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T not only helps people understand and use technology effectively, but it also helps build confidence and a sense of belonging in this new digital world.
“Teens should sign up for this program to make an impact in the lives of the people in their community,” said Alejo. “Teens Teach Tech gives teens the ability to actually help people and make a positive difference in the world. This program also provides a space to practice crucial skills needed in the real world such as problem solving, presenting, critical thinking, teamwork, and more.
Want to help your community the way these teens did? Starting your own Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, team is easy! Just complete THIS FORM and CN will be in touch about next steps!