Group of teens holds technology training in unexpected venue: A comic book store
Sun City, Ariz. (January 14, 2026) - At Connected Nation (CN), we’re enthusiastic about technology training. We’ve trained adults in libraries, community centers, senior centers, and even prisons. But some teens in Arizona found an audience in a place where technology training doesn’t usually happen.
Inspire Academy of Schools LLC partnered with CN’s Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, program to teach adults essential digital skills in the unlikely setting of a comic book store.
On November 23, the “Innovative Teens” event focused on teaching participants how to use their smartphones. Even though the majority of Americans own a smartphone, many people still are unaware of certain features.
“Our enthusiastic teens hosted an engaging training session where they educated adults on the essentials of IOS mobile devices,” said the team’s mentor, Irishia Williams.
This original idea of a venue stemmed from a partnership with a local artist who teaches monthly art classes to Inspire Academy’s students. She even hosts graduation ceremonies for the students who attend her classes.
She asked the teens if they could provide comic book store patrons with mobile app training in between her regular art presentations.
“The unique venue added an extra layer of excitement, making technology learning both fun and accessible,” Williams said. “We're proud of our teens for their creativity and dedication in bridging the tech knowledge gap!”
Surrounded by colorful comic art, the teens covered key topics such as customizing device interfaces, navigating key features, and managing app updates.
The event was attended by a wide variety of participants. The artist/teacher advertises her classes to public safety agencies like local fire, police, and military services, as well as an email list of about 200 people and a few community groups.
“Our teens did a great job approaching the attendees and teaching them new skills,” Williams said. “They were a bit nervous at first but moved past their fears and delivered great content.”
The students’ initial anxiety was understandable given the audience, but they quickly built their confidence as instructors.
“I was very nervous at first because the fire department and military personnel were in attendance,” said a participating student. “The people made me feel so comfortable, and that helped me teach my skill to everyone.”
If you’re interested in bringing Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T to your community, click here to sign up today.
