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: Aisaiah Pellecer & Harshi Vetrivel
Social Media Specialist: Lauren Ravury
Community Engagement Specialist & Transcriber: Kaylee Janakos
Web Developer: Will Schermer
Project Coordinators: Julian Chin & Evan Allgood
Producer: Anita Say Chan & the Community Data Clinic
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!