A Sanctuary of Opportunity:

Despite being a home to many with a high-quality life, Deer River is also home to many families and individuals who continue to struggle with its long-standing inequities that are geographic, racial, and economic in nature.A grassroots group of Deer River residents, educators, and partners in collaboration with Smart North discusses that, in the post-pandemic world, more and more people can work remotely. From this realization comes the proposal of Community Tech Hubs. Our hubs serve as a joyful, welcoming, and inclusive environment where youth can develop new skills and find support and inspiration. This vision is based on digital literacy as a tool to build greater equity across demographics, communities, and geographies. Our community tech hub is made possible through the community Circle of Care partners and a grant from TC Energy.

This offers a way to change the story for Deer River youth by providing them with tech/occupational education and services that may be offered by a community center. The community tech center offers programs to teach and inspire students about digital skills. In a program, youths can learn programming, cyber security, augmented virtual reality, Web 3, drone piloting, and artificial intelligence. They can also use technology in art, creative projects, and 3D design.Beyond developing technology skills, Tech Hubs also connect students with resources for mentoring, apprenticeships, portfolio development, and resume writing. They provide youths with holistic support for barriers and struggles they face as individuals with unique circumstances, including access to food pantries, mental health resources, clothing, and transportation assistance.