MN Broadband Conference 2019 - Blandin Foundation

1. BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN
CTEP AMERICORPS LIBRARIES
Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP)
– an AmeriCorps program of
St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN)
Abby Hebler – abbyhebler@spnn.org
CTEP AmeriCorps Member, Minneapolis Central
Library
Charlotte Tjaden – charlottetjaden@spnn.org
CTEP AmeriCorps Member, Rondo Community Library

2. 35 AmeriCorps members
Teaching technology
skills for economic, social
and civic empowerment
at 28 community-based
partner agencies
in the Twin Cities
Target Population:
 Low-wealth Unemployed
or Underemployed
 Have low technology
skills

3. Libraries
Employment
Centers
Adult
Basic
Education
Community
Media

4. Minneapolis Central Library-Hennepin County Libraries

5. Rondo Community Library- St. Paul Public
Libraries

10. CHALLENGES
● Patrons lack of internet for learning outside of the library.
● Patrons don’t have cell phones or laptops to complete job
applications or register for accounts.
● Each person has a different learning style, classroom settings can
be difficult.
● Language and communication barriers in open labs and classes.
● Fear and trust.

11. IN A NEW ERA OF DIGITAL SKILLS
• We’ve saturated the
market for basic skills
for whole group
instruction.
• Adding advanced
classes.
• Learning circles.
• Community
partnerships