Teen spotlight: Michael Schmalz – Bridging the Digital Divide through Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T

Evans City, Pa (October 11, 2024) - Meet Michael Schmalz, a remarkable 12th grader from Birmingham, Ala., whose passion for bridging the Digital Divide is making a lasting impact in his community.

As a student interested in both archaeology and computer science, Michael found himself drawn to Connected Nation’s Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T program, after witnessing firsthand how a lack of digital access affected his own family members. Through his involvement in this program, Michael is not only addressing local digital literacy challenges but also inspiring others to get involved in the fight for digital inclusion.

From inspiration to action

Michael’s journey into digital literacy advocacy began when he realized how the Digital Divide was affecting people close to him.

“Multiple family members struggled with access to the internet and digital literacy,” he says. His school, which hosts a leadership program through the Miree Center, helped him focus on this issue by encouraging students to identify and work on problems within their community. This focus on leadership and action led him to Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, where he found a platform to make a difference.

His project through Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, has centered on providing digital literacy workshops across the Birmingham area, targeting low-income, rural, and elderly populations. What started as a local effort to help elderly individuals learn to navigate essential digital tools has grown into a community wide initiative.

Michael's project, Digital Harmony, goes beyond education by raising funds to provide refurbished devices to those in need, ensuring that more people can access the digital world.

Empowering the community

Michael's work has had a profound impact, as evidenced by the responses of his workshop participants.

“Through digital literacy workshops, I’ve empowered participants to use the internet confidently, whether it be keeping in touch with family via social media or navigating essential services like email and news,” he says. One memorable interaction was with Mrs. Newman, a participant who shared her experience using coding language, Fortran, decades ago, creating a unique generational bond over technology.

For Michael, these personal connections are the most rewarding part of his work. His workshops go beyond teaching technical skills — they create a sense of inclusion and connection, bridging both generational and socioeconomic gaps.

Leading with compassion

One of the challenges Michael has faced is teaching adults, particularly elderly individuals, who may have never used digital tools before. He has learned to be highly adaptive in his teaching methods, simplifying complex concepts without overwhelming participants.

"Effective teaching is as much about listening as it is about instruction," Michael says. This patience and empathy have allowed him to foster an environment where participants feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes.

These teaching experiences have also helped Michael develop valuable life skills. From communication and public speaking to problem-solving and leadership, Michael’s involvement in Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, has prepared him to expand his Digital Harmonies project to the broader community.

A leader in digital inclusion

Through Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, Michael has also earned stipends for organizing and leading workshops. However, instead of using these funds for personal goals, he has chosen to reinvest them into Digital Harmony. By raising money and collecting donations, Michael hopes to provide even more individuals with access to refurbished devices, allowing them to fully engage in today’s digital world.

This spirit of service has only motivated Michael to work harder and dream bigger.

“The experience has shown me the power of leveraging financial resources for community impact,” he says. His journey serves as a powerful example of how young people can create real, lasting change by recognizing and addressing critical needs within their communities.

A bright future ahead

Michael’s dedication to digital inclusion is inspiring, and his efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of those around him. Whether it’s through organizing workshops, leading initiatives like Digital Harmony, or simply making meaningful connections with participants, Michael exemplifies the leadership qualities that Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, seeks to cultivate.

As Michael prepares to graduate from high school, there’s no doubt that the skills he’s gained through his work in Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, will serve him well in the future. His story is a reminder of how impactful youth leadership can be, and we look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of his efforts to close the Digital Divide.

Interested in learning more about Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T? Visit our site or fill out an interest form here to learn how this program is empowering teens to make a difference in their communities.