Theresa Kassuba
2004
Southgate, MI
Southgate Anderson High School
Second Place Winner
$12,000
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Kassuba's "Cyber Citizens" project expands community and student opportunities in technology by creating a partnership between high school students and local senior citizens. Student participants are connected with residents of a nearby retirement community, and work throughout the school year to teach their senior citizen partners how to use computers and the Internet for research, communication and entertainment. Seniors, partnered with students, create their own email accounts and interactive Web sites, and explore the wealth of information available on the Internet. Students are trained in methods to help seniors become proficient with the computer technology and use their skills to access information, conduct research and keep in touch with friends and family. The project is designed to teach students the value of commitment, problem solving, personal relationships and giving back to the community.