AbstractsEducation Research & Administration

This report is about my own experiences with the digital divide in Austin and River City Youth Foundation’s TechComunidad, a Latino parent education and technology training program, which takes place in Dove Springs. The paper explains the historical context of Austin’s segregation and how problematic Austin became as a Technopolis. I include information on how non–profit organizations, such as Austin Interfaith, bring up the agenda items that affect children that live in poverty. The report speaks of the social and digital divide that is widening Austin. There is RCYF’s TechComunidad program and Latino parents who have “funds of knowledge,” which is knowledge that can only come from child’s home. Latino parents may not be as familiar with the educational system in the U.S., but they are encouraging their children to obtain as much education as possible. I include the demographics of Dove Springs, which is a transitory immigrant community, and the elementary schools that feed into Mendez Middle School, where most River City Youth Foundation children attend. The project contains information on River City Youth Foundation and it’s goal to maintain the youth involved in positive activities that encourages further education or career planning. This report represents the study of how Latino parents engage with technology by learning to use Chromebooks in RCYF’s TechComunidad. The program trains parents to have mastery skills with email, search engines; and in addition, educates parents on how they can support their children in school. The report culminates with parent interviews and illustrates how TechComunidad can decrease the techno-divide for Latino parents’ children and can possibly be offered in other Austin areas as a tool to decrease the high school dropout rate. Advisors/Committee Members: Straubhaar, Joseph D. (advisor), Urrieta, Luis (committee member).