Tackling the Digital Divide for Agricultural Producers in Ben Hill County, Georgia through 4-H Youth Instructors
Extension Education
Holly Anderson
County Extension Agent
University of Georgia
Fitzgerald
Abstract
Ben Hill Extension Agriculture and Natural Sources & 4-H partnered together in 2023 with National 4-H Council for the Tech Changemakers Project in Agriculture Technology. We call the team our Ag Tech Changemakers. Tech Changemakers is a national grant program empowering youth to teach adults about technology-related topics, in this case all technology is agriculture related. Ben Hill County Extension was honored to be selected as one of the ten counties in the state of Georgia with an Agriculture and Technology Changemakers grant. Tech Changemakers is a unique, community-centered program that tackles the digital divide head-on. Empowering young people with the support needed to use their digital skills, 4-H Ag Tech Changemakers deliver adult skill-building workshops to create practical, real-world solutions to increase digital know-how and drive economic opportunity in their community and beyond. The goal for adult participation in Ben Hill County Georgia is 250 individuals. This national program elevates teens as teachers to provide training on technology and digital literacy skills to assist adults in 80 communities across 13 states (2021 statistics). 4-H Tech Changemakers address the digital divide between young people and senior citizens by providing education on common technological devices, assisting with one-on-one support, and helping with online activities. Ben Hill County 4-H will offer multiple classes, workshops, and presentations to teach agricultural producers in our area about the advantage of adding technology to their operations. Ben Hill County 4-H’s Ag Tech Changemaker team members hosted a Spring Garden Workshop to educate community members on how they can incorporate technology into their garden planning. Participants indicated that they incorporated new skills learned from the workshop into their planning which resulted in high yields this season.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Holly Anderson, Savannah Tanner, Laura Lee Hughes
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Anderson, H. County Extension Agent, UGA Extension , Georgia, 31750
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Tanner, S. County Extension ANR Agent - Emanuel County, UGA Extension , Georgia, 30401
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Hughes, L. County Extension 4-H Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 31750