Today's Teens, Tomorrow's Techies (T4)

# Today's Teens, Tomorrow's Techies (T4) Launched in 2004, Today's Teens, Tomorrow's Techies is Brooklyn Public Library's long-running teen technology volunteer program. It is not a drop-in shift: teens apply, are selected, complete a formal training institute, and are then assigned a home branch and a library mentor for a multi-month service commitment. Roughly 80 Brooklyn high school students take part each year. ## What You'll Do - Attend and complete a two-week technology institute before you begin your volunteer assignment - Help library patrons use library computers, and coach adults through everyday digital tasks - Assist adult librarians as a lab assistant during public computer training programs - Troubleshoot more advanced technology problems alongside Library Technology Resource Specialists - Attend two Volunteer Forums during the year to compare notes with other Techies, and write a short reflection essay at the end of your service ## Who Should Apply Brooklyn teens ages 14-18 with an interest in technology who can commit to at least three hours a week for a minimum of six months after training. A parent or guardian must sign the consent portion of the T4 volunteer application before the assignment begins. Applications are submitted online or by mailing a printed application to Volunteer Resources. ## Outcomes Participants receive stipends following successful completion of training and library service hours, earn community service credit for school, and finish with documented customer-service and tech-support experience plus a librarian mentor - a rare first work experience available to 14-year-olds.