Share Paper: HOW URBAN YOUTH USE DIGITAL TOOLS AT COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTERS (CTCs) TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PATHWAYS: THE CONSIDERATION OF UNIVERSITY-CTC PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

  1. Lisa Twiss, Towson University, United States
Thursday, March 29 10:45 AM-11:15 AM Bell

Abstract: This research explored how seven urban youth ranging in ages from 13-18 used digital tools at two community technology centers (CTCs) to support the development of civic engagement pathways. Research shows this group of adolescents often lack the same opportunities as their wealthier peers to engage civically (Levinson, 2007). This is problematic given the benefits of civic engagement, specifically related to positive youth development and the strengthening of our nation’s democracy (Lerner, 2004) CTCs have been shown as valuable places where young people can develop positively in a variety of ways (Kafai, Peppler, & Chiu, 2007), therefore, the purpose of ...