Spotlight: Kristen Moor – Inspiring the next generation through digital literacy

Eastern Tennessee (April 1, 2025) - In an era where technology is advancing at a rapid pace, ensuring that no one is left behind is more important than ever. High school student Kristen Moor, an enthusiastic participant of Connected Nation’s Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, program, is leading by example. Recently recognized with the Tennessee Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award, Kristen’s work in digital literacy is making a meaningful impact on older adults in her community.

A passion for digital literacy

Kristen’s journey with Teens Teach Tech has been a unique extension of her work with ORCSGirls (Oak Ridge Computer Science Girls), a nonprofit focused on encouraging young girls to explore technology. While she has lots of practice with mentoring younger students, Teens Teach Tech presented a new challenge: teaching older adults and senior citizens.

“Doing this program has definitely been a great opportunity to teach more people about digital literacy,” Kristen shared. “I think it’s great to get experience with senior citizens and adults, a different age group than I usually work with.”

Receiving the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award was a humbling moment for Kristen, who never expected such recognition. “I’m super grateful that my work has been recognized, and I hope that through my award, more people will learn about Oak Ridge Computer Science Girls and Teens Teach Tech,” she said. “Hopefully, my work will inspire other volunteers in the future.”

Bridging the generational Digital Divide

One of Kristen’s biggest takeaways from teaching older adults is recognizing the significant gap in technological understanding between generations. 

“My generation has grown up surrounded by technology. It’s been ingrained in us since a young age, but for older adults, especially senior citizens, that’s not the case,” she said. “Teens Teach Tech does a great job of bridging that gap, and it’s eye-opening to see just how big that gap really is.”

Her work has not gone unnoticed. The seniors she has taught have eagerly requested additional sessions, demonstrating how impactful her lessons have been. 

“It’s very rewarding to see that the work we put in has an impact,” Kristen said. “When they learn something and we can see that they’re taking away new skills, it makes me feel really good to know I’m making a difference.”

Encouraging other teens to get involved

Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and volunteering can be a challenge, but Kristen emphasizes that participating in Teens Teach Tech is both manageable and worthwhile. 

“The materials are already there, so you don’t have to create anything from scratch. The slides and activity sheets are ready to go, and it’s easy to adjust based on time,” she said.

For Kristen, making time for digital literacy education is a priority. “I’m on the track team, and we practice every day after school, but I’m willing to miss practice to go teach these classes because it’s something that really matters to me.”

She also highlights the long-term benefits of volunteering. “Teens Teach Tech isn’t just about helping others — it’s also a great way to build skills for college and future careers. It’s something that can set you apart in applications and resumes, and it’s a rewarding experience overall.”

The impact of intergenerational learning

Kristen believes that intergenerational learning plays a crucial role in making technology more accessible. “For many of the seniors we work with, it’s exciting to have younger people come in and teach them. They’re eager to learn from us, and it creates a really positive environment,” she said.

She encourages other teens not to underestimate their ability to make a difference. “Some people might think, ‘Oh, I’m just a teenager, why would anyone listen to me?’ But people do want to hear your perspective. Young people have a lot of valuable insight to share.”

Looking ahead

Kristen’s dedication to digital literacy continues to inspire both her peers and the older adults she teaches. As she moves forward, she hopes to encourage even more teens to take part in bridging the Digital Divide.

“Teens Teach Tech is such a rewarding experience. If you have a flexible schedule and a passion for helping others, I highly recommend getting involved,” she said. “You never know the impact you can have until you try.”

Kristen’s work exemplifies the power of youth-led initiatives in shaping a more digitally inclusive future. Through her efforts, she is not only empowering older adults with essential tech skills but also paving the way for more young leaders to follow in her footsteps.

Be sure to read the first blog of the Internet Innovators series featuring Kristen's mentor, Dr. Thomas Proffen. CLICK HERE