(Brooklyn, New York, November 12, 2024)—BRIC, Brooklyn’s leading arts and media institution, today announced the launch of its Digital Equity Initiative in partnership with University Settlement. The program debuts with two innovative workshop series designed to bridge the digital divide across generations, offering free technology education to Brooklyn teenagers and older adults.
The initiative, supported by Spectrum, kicks off at the University Settlement’s Atlantic Terminal location with specialized workshops targeting two key demographics: aspiring young content creators and seniors seeking to enhance their digital literacy.
“Serving New Yorkers – especially those who don’t benefit from power and privilege – through media education and the arts are at the heart of what BRIC does every day,” said Wes Jackson, President of BRIC. “Launching this pilot at Atlantic Terminal with the support of Spectrum and in partnership with University Settlement is a critical next step in closing the digital divide and ensuring residents have the tools to navigate this digital world and harness media to tell their own stories.”
“New Yorkers with smartphones are walking around with incredibly powerful creative problem-solving tools in their pockets – but the knowledge required to fully leverage these technologies isn’t always accessible for our neighbors,” said Steven Portericker, Chief Program and Equity Officer, University Settlement. “This is about creating access to opportunity, and we’re proud to partner with BRIC and Spectrum to bring these digital workshops to our Cornerstone @ Atlantic Terminal Community center participants.”
Workshop Details
The Digital Creator Youth Workshop Series, underway through December 19, empowers young participants with smartphone-based content creation skills. Meeting weekly on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, the program teaches participants how to:
- Craft compelling digital narratives
- Produce professional-quality videos and podcasts
- Develop and maintain personal brands on social media
- Maximize smartphone capabilities for content creation
For older adults, the Unlocking Your Smartphone’s Potential workshop series runs through December 19, with sessions every Thursday from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. This comprehensive program covers:
- Essential smartphone navigation and customization
- Internet safety and browsing techniques
- Social media fundamentals
- Digital storytelling through text, images, and audio
- Photography basics and editing skills
Both workshop series will be held at University Settlement at Atlantic Terminal, 501 Carlton Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.
For more information about Digital Equity, go here. To register for The Digital Creator Youth Workshop, go here. To sign up for Unlocking Your Smartphone’s Potential for Older Adults, click on the link here.
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For More Information Contact:
Wendy Washington
About BRIC
BRIC is a leading arts and media institution anchored in Downtown Brooklyn whose work spans contemporary visual and performing arts, media, and civic action. For over forty years, BRIC has shaped Brooklyn’s cultural and media landscape by presenting and incubating artists, creators, students, and media makers.
About University Settlement
University Settlement partners with 40,000+ New Yorkers in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn every year to build on our collective strengths as we achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For nearly 140 years, we’ve fought poverty and systemic inequality by building highly effective social services in collaboration with our neighbors. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, and creating space for responsive cooperation. Joining with our neighbors to make stable foundations where people of all ages can grow and pursue their dreams, we build community strength. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equality, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, youth development, healthy aging, mental health and wellness, housing advocacy and benefits assistance, English classes for adult immigrants, community centers, and the arts.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator with services available to more than 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
