Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T: The magic of bridging the Digital Divide

Tallahassee, Fla. (October 24, 2024) - Dylan stood in front of a small group of adults, ready to lead a Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T workshop. Although it wasn’t the first time he had taught, this session was different. Among the participants were IT professionals and a college professor. As a 16-year-old, this could have been intimidating, but for Dylan, it was another opportunity to show that bridging the Digital Divide doesn’t have to be daunting.

“I think we’ve all been there — technology can be overwhelming, especially when it’s changing so fast,” Dylan said, as he and his fellow teens began a workshop on cybersecurity. The session was meant to cover the basics, but it ended up showing Dylan just how much of an impact they could have.

One participant, Dr. Forde, had avoided online banking because she didn’t feel it was safe. But after learning how to set up strong passwords and use two-factor authentication, she felt confident enough to give it a try. A few weeks later, she returned to share that she had successfully set up her account.

Learning by teaching

For Dylan, teaching adults isn’t just about sharing tech knowledge, it’s about creating a space where they feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas. “A lot of adults are afraid to admit they don’t know something,” he explained. “We try to keep things casual and encourage everyone to ask questions.”

But Dylan is learning, too. Through the program, he’s grown in ways that go beyond technology. “I used to think being a leader was just about standing in front of the class and talking,” he said. “Now, I know it’s about encouraging others, listening, and sometimes stepping back so someone else can take the lead.”

This new sense of leadership has given him more confidence, even in areas outside of tech. “I always felt confident in science class, but English wasn’t my best subject,” Dylan said. “Now, after leading these workshops, I feel confident in all my classes.” Each workshop has built up his confidence, not just in tech but in everyday life.

He’s also realized that this newfound confidence extends beyond the classroom. Dylan has had opportunities to use his tech skills to earn money, helping to set up computers at an after-school program and even getting paid by his uncle to set up an iPad. “It’s pretty cool to get paid for something you enjoy doing,” he said. “I hope I get to keep doing this program until I graduate.”

A mentor’s perspective

As a mentor for Capitol City Tech Changemakers, Sabrina Hayes has watched teens like Dylan grow through the Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T program. “At first, they can be hesitant, unsure of whether they’re qualified to teach adults,” she said. “But over time, they start to see the value they bring and become more comfortable in leadership roles.”

One memorable experience Hayes shared involved a workshop participant who thought they were already well-versed in using an iPad. They came to the session expecting a basic review but left amazed by the depth of knowledge and practical tips they hadn’t explored before. “The teens demonstrated how to organize apps efficiently using folders, multitask for better productivity, and even customize the iPad’s accessibility settings for a more personalized experience,” Hayes explained. “The participant was impressed with how much they’d been missing and felt like they could now use the device in a much more efficient and enjoyable way.”

Hayes has also seen the teens get creative with how they teach. One memorable workshop was Harry Potter-themed, where teens compared software programs to magical spells. “It was a fun and engaging way to make learning about technology less intimidating,” she said. She enjoys watching the teens come up with fresh ideas to help make the workshops more relatable and fun for the adults they teach.

Beyond the workshops, Hayes loves seeing how teens grow as individuals. "They gain real-world skills — communication, leadership, problem-solving — that they carry with them into school, work, and future opportunities."

A community-driven program

Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T isn’t just about teaching technology — it’s about building a community. Dylan shared that one of his favorite parts of the program is the teamwork. “I love getting together with the other teens,” he said. “We talk about our ideas, plan the workshops, and even chat about college and our plans for the future.”

For Hayes, seeing the connections formed between the teens and the adults they teach is one of the most rewarding parts of the program. “It’s more than just learning tech skills — it’s about connecting and creating an environment where everyone feels supported,” she said.

An invitation to make a difference

Connected Nation’s Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T program empowers teens to become digital skills trainers, but goes far beyond teaching tech skills. It’s about building confidence, creating meaningful connections, and bridging the Digital Divide in a way that impacts both the teens and the communities they serve.

If you’d like to get involved — whether as a mentor, hosting a workshop, or supporting the program — we’d love to have you join us. Fill out an interest form and help us continue making a difference — one workshop and one teen at a time.