NYCHA Youth Tech Corps Awarded $25,000 Grant

Spectrum has awarded a $25,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant to the Public Housing Community Fund for its NYCHA Youth Tech Corps: Intergenerational Connections program, which aims to bridge the digital divide by offering solutions to technology-related challenges in NYCHA communities across generations while providing career opportunities.

During the 10-week program, NYCHA youth are paired with adult resident leaders to gain hands-on learning, advance their understanding of technology (including social media and website development) and explore potential career paths. Through the Spectrum Digital Education grant, the Public Housing Community Fund hosted two cohorts at the South Beach Houses in Staten Island and Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City, Queens. Spectrum presented the check to the Public Housing Community Fund on August 24 at Queensbridge Family Day.

“The importance of expanding access to essential broadband technologies, education, and training is profound in our increasingly digital world,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact, Charter. “Through the Spectrum Digital Education grant program, Charter is partnering with valued nonprofits that share our commitment to create better opportunities for the communities we serve.”

Public Housing Community Fund is a nonprofit that forges partnerships to power transformative programs that enhance the lives of over 500,000 residents across NYCHA communities. The organization’s goal is to engage people and partners to build a stronger, more equitable New York City by investing in public housing communities. Public Housing Community Fund invests in programs focused on leadership development, financial empowerment, community health, and workforce training for residents of the NYCHA community.

“The Public Housing Community Fund is extremely grateful for the Spectrum Digital Education grant for the NYCHA Youth Tech Corps: Intergenerational Connections Program, allowing us to serve youth and adults in NYCHA communities in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens, bridging the digital divide while fostering intergenerational relationships,” said Claire McLeveighn, Deputy Director, Public Housing Community Fund. “Through Spectrum’s support, we provide digital education while fostering social relationships by pairing youth and adults – open seniors – to understand the tech needs in public housing developments and co-develop plans to address these needs. Youth Tech Corps participants learn to use social media, explore AI and other technology trends, develop websites, and create and deliver electronic flyers and online forms for NYCHA resident surveys. Youth improve their tech skills through hands-on learning, advance their understanding of technology, and explore potential career paths. Through the Spectrum Digital Education Grant, the Youth Tech Corps program provides laptops, food, stipend payments, and essential opportunities for all participants. Our partnership with Spectrum has been vital in delivering this important program in NYCHA communities.”