4-H Teen Helps Bridge the Digital Divide

Aug 14, 2024 | 4-H Youth Development

Zamaria Kinsey was selected as a national spokesperson for Tech Changemakers, a 4-H youth program, for her outstanding work teaching computer skills classes to adults who need them.

Zamaria Kinsey understands the digital divide because she has faced it herself.

“We don’t have the best internet out here,” said Kinsey, 15, who lives in rural Gates County in northeastern North Carolina. “I know about using Wi-Fi in public places. This program was a chance for me to help my community.”

The program Zamaria participates in is 4-H Tech Changemakers, an initiative launched by the National 4-H Council and supported by Verizon, Tractor Supply Co. and Microsoft. The program trains and equips teens to use their own tech savvy to teach adults digital skills — such as how to use software, how to navigate online resources in their job searches and how to market themselves on social media — so they can find jobs or get better jobs.

In North Carolina, the 4-H Tech Changemakers is led by Misty Blue-Terry, Ph.D., a 4-H STEM specialist with Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T. Last year, N.C. A&T Extension trained 21 youth from seven North Carolina counties to become certified Tech Changemakers. Becoming a Tech Changemaker required online training in digital literacy and software skills as well as teaching and communication skills. Zamaria was already a 4-H member when she learned about Tech Changemakers from Keli Boone, the 4-H agent in Gates County.

Not only did Zamaria flourish as a Tech Changemaker, she also impressed the 4-H leadership so much that she was named a 2023 4-H Tech Changemaker National Ambassador. As one of three national ambassadors, Zamaria serves as a spokesperson for the program and brings attention to the challenges it addresses, such as a lack of digital skills and connectivity in underserved rural communities.

Kyra Faith Wharton, now the former director of the Tech Changemakers National Ambassador program with the National 4-H Council, said Zamaria stood out from the beginning.

“I was impressed with her quiet strength and her complete resolve,” Wharton said. “She came to us ready to go. She had a strong focus and the more she upped her game, the more others responded. She didn’t ‘hog the ball.’ She was engaging and inviting.”

Since becoming a Tech Changemaker in 2022, Zamaria has conducted in-person training for dozens of adults on computer basics, online searches and using software such as the Microsoft Office suite. As a national ambassador, she helps to raise the visibility of the program and amplify the cause of bridging the digital divide.

“People can get shut out of opportunities if they can’t get on the internet,” Wharton said. “It’s daunting, but teenagers like Zamaria deal with it every day.”

Teaching students as old as one’s parents and grandparents might be daunting, but Zamaria overcame her nervousness. She also developed into a tech troubleshooter because technical challenges are common in Gates County.

“I was raised by my mom and grandma, so working with older people isn’t a problem for me,” she said. “Gates County is small, and everyone knows everyone else. So teaching adults here isn’t that hard. They’re my neighbors.”

Recently, Zamaria led a training program for a roomful of participants, including Verizon executives who had come to learn more about the program they support. She has also conducted workshops at the county recreation department and the local community center and has several more scheduled.

Zamaria Kinsey, a 4-H Tech Changemaker from Gates County, teaches a computer class on Microsoft Word.

“The program has opened up a lot of opportunities for me,” Zamaria said. “It’s helped me grow as a person, and it builds my patience when dealing with difficult people. I’ve learned to adapt and work with people at different levels. Seeing them grow inspires me to do more.”

Boone said she has seen Zamaria grow. Her public speaking skills have improved. And even when faced with technical problems, Boone said Zamaria keeps training programs moving along and solves problems with a smile.

“People see that they are Zamaria,” Boone said. “They have to go to the library when (internet) service is wonky, and she understands that. She is everyone in Gates County struggling to get on the internet. She has turned a negative into a positive.”

Zamaria’s mother, Lakisha Saunders, said when COVID-19 hit, she had never done a Zoom call and had limited computer skills. Her daughter helped her become computer literate and still gives her computer and cell phone advice.

“It’s been an amazing journey for her,” Saunders said. “She’s been patient and shown empathy. I’m just so proud of everything she is doing and how she is giving back to the community.”

Soon to be a senior at Gates County High School, Zamaria is a member of ROTC and is considering entering the military after graduation. Until then, she will continue teaching and spreading the word about 4-H Tech Changemakers. Among her upcoming programs is a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) conference in Rocky Mount, where she will teach adults about online security.

“I like to give back to my community,” Zamaria said. “It helps people and it has helped me meet people and make connections.”

Her work, and the work of Tech Changemakers across North Carolina and the United States, can help build bridges across the digital divide, Wharton said.

“If you don’t have connectivity, your voice is silenced and your story is minimized,” Wharton said. “Zamaria teaches digital skills that can help communities harness their voices.”