ConnectED: Tech for All
ConnectED: Tech for All is a podcast that shares personal stories from communities in East-Central Illinois. We aim to provide insight into community-centered research work driven by community-campus partnerships, share community and educational resources, highlight the impact and initiatives of the Community Data Clinic (CDC) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and start a conversation about digital equity, literacy and access.
Special thanks to our community partners: Housing Authority of Champaign County, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Project Success of Vermilion County, and Cunningham Township Supervisor’s Office
Hosts & Audio Engineers: Harshi Vetrivel & Renee Zhao
Social Media Specialists: Ryan Pearlman & Yuhan Zhou
Community Engagement Specialist: Leana Shin
Project Coordinators: Julian Chin & Evan Allgood
Producer: Anita Say Chan & the Community Data Clinic
Alumni: Kaylee Janakos, Lauren Ravury, Will Schermer, and Lily Rybka
A Convo About Education With Jessica Black
In this episode of ConnectED, we have a conversation with Jessica Black about accessible educational opportunities and programs in east-central Illinois. Jessica, who is from Mahomet, Illinois, is a fellow serving with Lead For America under the American Connection Corps and a former Case Manager for Cunningham Township and Planned Parenthood. Jessica is a graduate of the Odyssey Project at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign that offers a free humanities education to residents of east-central Illinois. Jessica further shares various educational resources offered through other institutions like Parkland College and Cunningham Township. Through discussing her personal experiences, and the experiences of people she has met, with these programs a broader conversation opens up about inclusivity, accessibility, enjoyment, and community in relation to education in a post-COVID-19 environment.
Have thoughts you’d like to share with us? Please feel free to leave a message at 872-256-2646 or use this form to provide us with any feedback, ideas, or comments you have. This is a community effort, and we’d love to hear your voice!
A Convo about After-School Programs With Breana Buford
In this episode of ConnectED, we talk to Breanna Buford about after-school programs to discuss and share some amazing resources available to community members in East-Central Illinois. Breanna is a site coordinator at Project Success of Vermillion County (an organization that seeks to support children and families through after-school programming and community events). She mainly works with elementary-aged students, but also runs programs for middle and high school students as well. Breanna, from her experiences, shares the positive impacts of after-school programs for both students and families as well as the challenges organizations like Project Success face.
Have thoughts you’d like to share with us? Please feel free to leave a message at 872-256-2646 or use this form to provide us with any feedback, ideas, or comments you have. This is a community effort, and we’d love to hear your voice!
A Convo About Navigating the School System with Lesa Brewer
In this episode of ConnectED, we have a conversation with social worker Lesa Brewer about educational youth programs with an emphasis on violence prevention and social-emotional learning in East-Central Illinois. Lesa, who is the Student, Family, & Community Support Specialist for Urbana School District in the new Tiger Academy Alternatives Program, shares resources for youth in our neighborhood. From The Boys and Girls Club, DREAAM, Youth Build, the Trauma and Resilience Initiative, and more– you’re sure to find a program that suits the youth in your life!
Have thoughts you’d like to share with us? Please feel free to leave a message at 872-256-2646 or use this form (https://tinyurl.com/b563xkpb) to provide us with any feedback, ideas, or comments you have. This is a community effort, and we’d love to hear your voice!
A Convo about Secure Housing with Tabitha Qualls
Join us in this episode of ConnectED, where we talk to advocate Tabitha Qualls about the types of barriers you may encounter when looking for accessible, affordable housing. Tabitha, who works closely with the Champaign County community, connects community members with resources for just about any situation. From mental health to housing, follow along to hear about her work at Strides Shelter and her recommendations for taking care of yourself.
Have thoughts you’d like to share with us? Please feel free to leave a message at 872-256-2646 or use this form (https://tinyurl.com/b563xkpb) to provide us with any feedback, ideas, or comments you have. This is a community effort, and we’d love to hear your voice!
A Convo about Community Health with Zaheeda Darvesh and Julie Pryde
Join us in this episode of ConnectED, where we talk to Zaheeda Darvesh, Affirmative Action Data Analyst for the Office of Access and Equity at UIUC, and Julie Pryde, Public Health Administrator, about the benefits of community health programs and accessible data. From the onset of COVID-19 to today, Champaign has been on the cutting edge of gathering health information to keep its community safe. Listen to this episode to hear how you can access this information and keep up to date!
Have thoughts you’d like to share with us? Please feel free to leave a message at 872-256-2646 or use this form (https://tinyurl.com/b563xkpb) to provide us with any feedback, ideas, or comments you have. This is a community effort, and we’d love to hear your voice!
A Convo About Unionizing with Augustus Wood
Curious about unionizing? In this episode of ConnectED, we talk to Dr. Augustus Wood, an organizer of many labor strikes. Gus, who works at the School of Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a proud advocate for workers’ rights. Follow along to hear about his experience in organizing strikes and the resources he recommends to workers.
Have thoughts you’d like to share with us? Please feel free to leave a message at 872-256-2646 or use this form (https://tinyurl.com/b563xkpb) to provide us with any feedback, ideas, or comments you have. This is a community effort, and we’d love to hear your voice!