The Foundling’s Digital Inclusion Summit for Youth in NYC’s Welfare System
The New York Foundling hosted a Digital Inclusion Summit in April to teach youth in New York City’s child welfare system about careers in technology and how to use computers safely and responsibly. For most of these youth, having a computer is a luxury—and in most cases, access to computers is limited to school libraries and classrooms.
During the Summit, instructors from the Knowledge House taught youth best practices for using Microsoft programs (e.g., Word and Excel); how to set up safe and secure passwords; tips for researching homework assignments on the web; and much more. During lunch, a panel discussion took place that focused on careers in technology and the different paths people can take to find a rewarding job that utilizes digital and tech skills. Over 100 youth and caregivers attended the Summit. This program welcomed youth from The Foundling and from peer foster care agencies in the city.
While the youth in their care received hands-on-training in one room, their guardians were given the opportunity to learn about computer safety as well.
At the end of the day, youth and their caregivers received laptop computers from iFoster, Def Method and DoSomething.org, and a MiFi device with four years of internet access provided by Sprint ConnectED. Youth also received special certificates noting the completion of The Knowledge House’s curriculum.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our panelists and supporters:
- Jeremy Simon- Attention Global
- Shar’nee Francis– Dev Bootcamp
- Michelle Pegg — L’Oreal/ Carol’s Daughter
- Kaitlyn Curran – Michael Kors
- Allison Knight – Microsoft
- Amanda Kleckler – Nickelodeon
