Creating Digital Equity Opportunities for Youth in a Rural Georgia Community
The Willow Hill Heritage and Renaissance Center
website: WHHRC
Interns will contribute to bridging the rural digital divide by supporting a free summer technology program for underserved youth in Portal, Georgia.
Workday Logistics
Work Address: 4235 Willow Hill Road Portal, Georgia 30450
In-Person: Interns are expected to work in person Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM. Weeks 1-4 and Weeks 6-7
Virtual: one virtual week (Week 5) when Techie Camp is not in session, The first week of the 4th of July
Expected Travel: Daily commute to the museum
Project Description
This project supports the ongoing Techie Camp at Willow Hill in Bulloch County, Georgia — a summer enrichment program introducing elementary, middle, high school students to digital skills, technology tools, and career awareness. As the camp grows to include high school students, undergraduate interns will play a key role in assisting with camp operations, helping to ensure a positive and engaging experience for all participants.
Interns will support instructors during daily camp sessions, assist with data collection for program evaluation, and help coordinate meals and activities. They will also contribute to assessing the community’s digital readiness and explore how the camp’s technology learning experiences align with new workforce opportunities in Bulloch County. This internship provides a hands-on opportunity to engage with rural youth, support community-based education, and understand how digital learning connects to local economic development.
Deliverables
- Program Evaluation Report – A summary of collected data (attendance, surveys, and observations) to assess camp outcomes and community digital readiness.
- Techie Camp Support Portfolio – Documentation of intern contributions, including instructional assistance, meal coordination, student engagement, and daily operations.
- Final Reflection or Presentation – A brief presentation or report highlighting lessons learned about digital equity, youth engagement, and workforce readiness in Bulloch County.
Qualifications & Intern Benefits
Required Qualifications
- Interest in technology, education, or community development.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
- Dependable and flexible in supporting daily camp operations.
- Willingness to work with K–12 students, instructors, and community members.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with common digital tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Coursework or experience in education, sociology, communication, business, or information technology.
- Experience in youth programs, camps, or community engagement.
- Interest in data collection, digital equity, or rural workforce development.
Intern Learning Objectives
- Gain hands-on experience supporting a community-based technology education program.
- Learn data collection and program evaluation methods in an applied setting.
- Develop skills in teamwork, communication, and logistics coordination.
- Understand how digital literacy connects to workforce readiness and community development.
- Strengthen leadership and service skills through direct youth engagement.
Additional Resources Provided
- Mentorship from Techie Camp educators and community leaders at Willow Hill.
- Access to technology tools, software, and digital learning materials.
- Opportunities to attend local community and workforce development meetings.
Additional Information
This internship offers undergraduate students a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a well-established rural community program focused on digital equity and youth empowerment. Interns will gain valuable experience in education support, program evaluation, and community engagement while assisting instructors, managing camp logistics (including meals), and helping measure the program’s impact. The skills and insights gained will prepare students for future work in education, public service, or technology-related community initiatives.