The Technology Gap
Every day we see how being a part of the technology industry can literally change a person's life. Unfortunately, those benefits are not available to all of Colorado's citizens - specifically Colorado's at-risk kids. There is a measurable technology gap, both in terms of access to technology and adequate training and utilization of technological tools. In 2004, KidsTek, in collaboration with the University of Denver's Colorado Community-Based ResearchNetwork (http://www.ccbrn.org/) launched a research study of the technology gap in Colorado - and its ramifications for kids. For a copy of the study's Executive Summary, click here, or contact elizabeth.leenhouts@kidstek.org.
Addressing The Technology Gap
When KidsTek was founded 4 years ago, the major issue was technology access. At the time simply having the hardware, software and connectivity was the major issue. What we have learned over the past three years through our partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs (BGCMD) and through our initial market research efforts is that having the physical assets is just a part of the overall solution. Also required is the technical expertise to keep the computers running, a curriculum to keep the kids focused, supervision, tutoring and mentoring from adults, management of the center and its resources, an understanding of related market forces and the assessment and measurement of the results. Our initial research has found that while many funders have invested in the hardware and connectivity for technology and youth, service providers continue to lack sufficient resources to develop or sustain the programs that will have the impact we seek, including long-term scholastic and job-readiness.
KidsTeks vision is to be the leader in the State of Colorado in understanding and addressing the technology gap for kids. To support that goal, we focus on the following core strategies: Research & Assessment, Corporate Engagement and KidsTek. KidsTek is the expansion of our current technology education program for kids. This program integrates our knowledge of the technology gap for kids K-12, our current program success factors, and our assets as an organization. KidsTek, through its partnerships with Colorado youth service organizations and educational institutions will integrate the following identified success factors: Technical Resources, Curriculum, Supervision/Staff Development, Mentoring and Assessment.