Program Provides Technology Training and Mentoring for Youth
Bellevue, Wash. — Jan. 26, 2011
T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced it will provide support for Wireless Digital Connectors, a technology and mentoring program for youth being held at the Downtown Seattle YMCA and Horn of Africa. Digital Connectors is a nationally renowned program created by One Economy, a global nonprofit that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to underserved communities.
Digital Connectors seeks participants who might not otherwise have access to services that will prepare them for the 21st century workplace. The ultimate goal of the program is to prepare young adults to enter into a society that is centered on technology and to create technology ambassadors, youth who help community residents use technology effectively.
“For more than five years, T-Mobile has committed employee volunteers in the Seattle area, and throughout the country, to helping refurbish afterschool facilities through the company’s Huddle Up volunteer program,” said Hernan Daguerre, director of corporate communications, T-Mobile USA. “Our partnership with One Economy, the Metrocenter YMCA and Horn of Africa Services is a natural extension of our focus on mentorship, afterschool programs and wireless technical literacy for Seattle area youth.”
One Economy launched the Digital Connectors initiative in Washington, D.C. in 2003. With federal funding from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act and corporate matches, One Economy and the Broadband Opportunity Coalition, this country’s leading civil rights organizations will significantly expand Digital Connectors programs throughout the United States. T-Mobile will be providing additional support and in-kind resources to the two federally funded Seattle programs as part of a commitment to support programs in cities throughout the United States this year.
“The Digital Connectors program is a testament to the power and potential of young people,” said Karla Ballard, vice president of social innovation of One Economy. “T-Mobile is helping us deliver upon that mission by providing youth with access to the tools and skills that will help them achieve their full potential”
In each location, groups of young people, ages 14 to 21 will learn digital literacy skills in after-school training programs. Participants work in teams two to three times per week and volunteer their time at community-based organizations, senior centers, churches, local schools and even in their homes to help improve digital literacy in their communities. They also have the opportunity to interact with T-Mobile employees who will lend their leadership and expertise to this next generation of digital leaders and innovators. This program year, the youth will follow a new wireless focused curriculum, exploring the use of mobile devices, internal mobile hardware, and application development.
“We are excited to have T-Mobile employees volunteering their time and energy to support this critical area of youth education and development in our community,” said Chris Tugwell, director of technology programs, Metrocenter YMCA.
The curriculum for the Wireless Digital Connectors program will teach basic digital literacy skills, and advanced technical and media production techniques using mobile phones as a tool. The students will explore mobile etiquette and opportunities through debates, scavenger hunts and community service projects prompting them to put mobile and Internet technology to the greatest use in their communities. Additionally, they will learn about financial management, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, media literacy and technical career choices.
“We are very pleased to be partnering with T-Mobile on this exciting initiative,” said Tsegaye Gebru, executive director of Horn of Africa Services. “Providing the tools and resources for Seattle area youth to increase their digital literacy skills will have a life-long positive impact, and we couldn’t make it happen without their support and participation.”
Alexandra Trask
T-Mobile USA Media Relations
425-378-4002
About T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG. By the end of the third quarter of 2010, approximately 130 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group - 33.8 million by T-Mobile USA - all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS, the world's most widely used digital wireless standards. Today, T-Mobile operates America's largest 4G network, and is delivering a compelling 4G experience across a broad lineup of leading devices in more places than competing 4G services. T-Mobile USA's innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visit www.telekom.de/investor-relations.
For more information about T-Mobile's 4G products, please visit https://www.t-mobile.com.