For discussion

January 2019

Creating Community with the use of Technology and Youth Leadership

Lindsey Leker, PhD, serves as the lead specialist for 4-H Science programming for youth ages 5-18 and the role it plays in their lives including career development. She also serves as the lead specialist for defined aspects of the organized camping program, the majority of which takes place at the North Dakota 4-H Camp near Washburn, North Dakota. As part of North Dakota State University Extension, 4-H provides hands-on, real life experiences through projects, activities, and events. The program is available to all youth and offered in every county in North Dakota. 4-H is the largest and the only research based youth organization in the state.

 

IStarting in 2017, youth leaders have been making a change in their communities through innovation and leadership as a result of a partnership between 4‑H and Microsoft, youth can lead positive change in a digital-driven world. North Dakota has been identified as a state that lacks access to digital technology resources. Many families and communities in rural North Dakota do not have reliable internet thus limiting their abilities and knowledge with current technology.

Through an opportunity called, “The 4‑H Tech Changemakers initiative”, Microsoft is equipping young people with the knowledge, resources, and empowerment to lead in their communities through technology.

Teens across the country are combining their skills with the power of technology to bring people together, solve problems, and create economic opportunities in their communities. These tech-savvy and community-oriented young people are called Tech Changemakers. Maxine Nordick, a former Cass County extension agent, selected older 4-H’ers of Cass County who have technology interests to be part of the grant.

The 4 H Tech Changemaker Contest was sponsored by Microsoft as part of National 4 H Council and Microsoft’s combined efforts to equip young people with the digital skills and resources they need to make a positive impact in their communities.

Cass County 4-H in North Dakota was lucky enough to be part of this contest, and was awarded a $23,000 grant from Microsoft in 2017 and 2018. The grant allows older 4-H youth to plan and lead digital activities such as computer coding, robotics, and agricultural technology in North Dakota, specifically in Cass County.

One reason Cass County was awarded the grant is because the Microsoft headquarters are located in Fargo. After receiving the grant Governor Doug Burgum held a press conference in Fargo with Microsoft chief financial officer, Brad Smith, explaining the opportunities associated with the grant for North Dakota.

Microsoft press conference in Fargo. Governor Doug Burgum, Taya Spelhaug, Brad Smith, Kirsten Baesler, and Lindsey Leker. .

As part of the grant, Cass County 4-H youth between the ages of 13 and 22 were recruited to serve as youth leaders. The grant is unique in that the youth leaders have the autonomy to plan the activities and programs they lead within Cass County. As part of this planning process, youth leaders have traveled to Redmond, WA and Washington D.C. to network and plan with legislators, Microsoft staff, and other state youth leaders that received the grant.

The initiative that the Cass County 4-H Tech Changemakers have decided to pursue is to create community through activities using technology, specifically computer coding and application development. The Cass County youth leaders pointed out a divide between current residents of Cass County and new residents of Cass County. The Tech Changemakers have focused on helping new residents feel more confident in our community by teaching digital activities, and incorporating job opportunities associated with the digital activities. The Tech Changemakers expressed interest in working with Lutheran Social Services, CHARISM (A neighborhood support center that offers support services), and English Language Learners (ELL) professionals in Fargo-Moorhead schools. The Tech Changemakers chose these organizations because of their commitment of service to new residents and underprivileged populations.

Lindsey Leker, and Cass County agent, Maxine Nordick, with Cass County 4-H youth leaders at the Hour of Code Activity in Kindred, ND.

In 2017, the older 4-H’ers worked weekly with students from two middle schools - Carl Ben Eielson in Fargo (as part of the Fargo CHARISM program) and Cheney in West Fargo (as part of an after school STEM program).The 4-H’ers also were involved in Microsoft’s Hour of Code event for elementary students at Kindred (N.D.) School. The elementary students learned about coding, which is the language that allows us to create computer software, apps, and websites.

Lindsey Leker working with Carrington youth on Drone technology.

In 2018, the older 4-H’ers expanded their weekly work with middle school students from Carl Ben Eielson and Cheney to include LEGO robotics and a video game challenge. Part-time coding and app development staff have also been hired to help the Tech Changemakers lead robotics and coding activities. Lindsey Leker has been expanding the grant to other counties in North Dakota by traveling to counties outside of Cass County. Lindsey has been focusing on bringing digital technology to rural communities by facilitating informational sessions on Scratch programming (an educational coding program for youth of all ages) and how programming is used in drone technology.

The future of the grant is focused on expanding grant funds and efforts to extend technology to rural communities in North Dakota. This includes access to wireless and internet technology and also educating youth on careers and opportunities in technology, agriculture, and engineering.

We are always looking for new youth leaders (Tech Changemakers) as part of the Microsoft and 4-H grant. Youth leaders must be interested in joining 4-H, between the ages of 13 and 22, and interested in working with youth and technology. Please contact Lindsey Leker with questions or inquiries.

Contact information:
Center for 4-H, NDSU Extension
4-H website: https://www.ndsu.edu/4h/
1400 Centennial Blvd, Family Life Center 219
Fargo, ND 58108
701-231-7251

Author contact information:
Lindsey Leker, State STEM Specialist
Lindsey.leker@ndsu.edu
701-231-7039

 

 

More discussion

North Dakota Wellness Chats: Building awareness, one month at a time
November 2023

Working Together to Nourish North Dakotans
June 2022

FARRMS: Growing a More Sustainable Future for North Dakota
March 2022

Awesome: When a Foundation isn’t a Foundation
February 2022

Shining Light on Diabetes
November 2021

Marie Hvidsten: Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Program
June 2021

Katherine Roth: Resources to Support North Dakota’s Small Businesses, Non-profits, and Municipalities
January 2021

Brittany Sickler: What is America’s Seed Fund? Opportunity for North Dakota Innovators
December 2020

Madison Marion: Making Contact: The Experience of a Student Case Worker of COVID-19 in North Dakota
November 2020

Abby Tow & Micayla Bitz: Everyone Needs Help Sometimes.
June 2020

Louise Dardis: North Dakota needs you to complete Census 2020 to receive equitable funding when every resident is counted.
December 2019

Scott Meyer: Why Entrepreneurship Should Be Taught in North Dakota
September 2019

Luke Schaefer and Alissa Thiele: Coming Together to Help Students
April 2019

Jen Walla: Prairie Roots Community Fund
February 2019

Lindsey Leker: Creating Community with the use of Technology and Youth Leadership
January 2019

Megan Laudenschlager: Strengthen ND - Supporting and Accelerating Community Development in Rural North Dakota
December 2018

Jodi Bruns: NDSU Extension Takes Creative Approach to Enhancing Communities and Improving Leaders
September 2018

Kevin Iverson: The 2020 Census
August 2018

Josh Askvig: Building Communities for All
June 2018

Jessica Nelson: CHARISM -- Building a Stronger, Better Neighborhood Since 1994
April 2018

Katherine Roth: The Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center – A Newcomer to the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of South Central North Dakota
March 2018

5 Years of North Dakota Compass!
February 2018

Alexandre Cyusa: Folkways -- Building a vibrant community one memorable experience at a time
December 2017

AIPHRC: Engaging and Partnering with Tribes: American Indian Public Health Resource Center Improving Public Health
November 2017

Josh Hoper: Through scientific eyes: Building homes and hope with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity
October 2017

Diane Solinger: Jeremiah Program ignites hopeful journey for single mothers, creates better future for the next generation
September 2017

Kelly Sassi & Denise Lajimodiere: Turtle Mountain Teen Art and Writing Workshop: Enacting Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Pedagogy in a Summer Program for Native American Youth
August 2017

Kristi Huber: Do you know the Return on Investment on your charitable giving?
May 2017

Jesseca White: Disrupting the Revolving Door: A look at alternative justice in Fargo
January 2017

Leola Daul: Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe: A Place Where All Are Welcome to Enjoy a Local, Healthy, and Delicious Meal no Matter their Ability to Pay
October 2016

Cass Clay Food Systems Advisory Commission: A Multijurisdictional Food Policy Council
August 2016

5 Ways to Join the Compass Community
May 2016

Inform, Improve, Inspire: North Dakota's First Ever Demographics Conference
March 2016

Donene Feist: Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs in North Dakota
January 2016

ND Head Start: Vibrant Economy Leads to Workforce Shortages - Head Start Programs Statewide Are Feeling the Impact
December 2015

Lynette Schaff: Bullying- Just a Schoolyard Problem? Think Again!
November 2015

Jim Deal: Changes to Come
October 2015

Janis Cheney: AARP- Discover Your Possibilities
September 2015

John Trombley: Competition is Tough; Why Make it Tougher?
August 2015

Nick Ybarra: Keeping the Trail
July 2015

Megan Laudenschlager: Engaging Millennials
June 2015

Kim Bushaw: Brain Development
May 2015

2015 Legislative District Profiles
April 2015

ND Compass Points
March 2015

Heidi Demars: Growing a Food Cooperative from the Ground Up
February 2015

Helen Danielson: National Mentoring Month
January 2015

Sharz Miar: Giving the Gift of Hope for the Holidays
December 2014

Cheryl Ann Kary (Hunkuotawin): Talking Indian: A L/N/Dakota Model of Oratory
November 2014

North Dakota Legislative District Profiles
October 2014

Edwin Erickson Jr.: Soybeans- Growing an Important Commodity for North Dakota
September 2014

Jennifer Braun: A Look at Early Childhood Education in Western North Dakota
August 2014

Jordyn Wallenborn: Ticks Bite: Protect Yourself Against Lyme Disease
July 2014

Lorraine Shepherd-Davis: Filling a Need in the Community
June 2014

Howard Barlow: Helping Build a Better Community
May 2014

Denise Hellekson: Using Mindfulness to Calm Your Busy Mind
April 2014

Melissa Sobolik: End hunger through community partnerships
March 2014

Jacob Sowers: Places and their story: More than just a spot on the map?
February 2014

Neil Scharpe: "Protecting North Dakota's Quality of Life"
January 2014

Donald Warne: "American Indian Health Disparities in North Dakota"
November 2013

Kay Schwarzwalter: "Community building through community gardens"
October 2013

Jasper Schneider: "Rural Development in North Dakota"
August 2013

Dean Bangsund: "Economic contribution of the petroleum industry in North Dakota"
July 2013

Jane Strommen: "Addressing the education and support needs of older North Dakotans and their family members"
June 2013

Randi Roth: "In Support of North Dakota Communities"
March 2013

Richard Rathge: "Vision of North Dakota Compass"
February 2013

Paul Mattessich: "What's the real poverty rate?"
January 2013

North Dakota Compass

Center for Social Research
North Dakota State University

Compass created by:
Wilder Research

© 2024. All rights reserved.