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Free Geek Twin Cities

Partner Agency: Free Geek Twin Cities
Location: 2537 25th Avenue South, Minneapolis MN 55406
Site Supervisor: Kyle Kline, Executive Director

CTEP Program Description

The AmeriCorps Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) bridges the “digital divide” for new Immigrants and low-income communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. CTEP is a program of Saint Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN).
 

Site History and Mission

Free Geek Twin Cities is a nonprofit organization focused on reducing electronic waste by refurbishing and recycling technology. Our mission is to make technology accessible to everyone while promoting digital literacy and environmental sustainability. By repurposing donated electronics, we help divert e-waste from landfills and provide affordable technology to local communities in need.

Over the past three years, we have expanded our impact through several initiatives. We have continued to collect and refurbish electronic devices, distributing them to underserved communities, which provides crucial access to technology while reducing environmental harm. Our digital literacy education programs have grown to include a range of topics, from basic computer skills to cybersecurity and hardware repair, equipping individuals with vital technical skills. In collaboration with community partners, such as the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), we have worked to expand access to technology and provide training in digital skills. Additionally, we have developed strong volunteer and internship opportunities, offering hands-on experiences in technology repair and recycling that foster community engagement.

 

Preferred Site Schedule for Member

Free Geek Twin Cities’ store schedule is Wednesday through Sunday from 12 - 5PM. We do not expect the Member to follow this schedule exactly, as we hope the member develops a class schedule that accommodates people needing instruction outside of these hours. There is flexibility based on the needs of the community.

In addition, Members attend professional development days with their fellow CTEP members to enhance service-readiness skills, personal attributes at the service site, and citizenship skills. These Corps days take place monthly or bi-monthly on Fridays 9 AM to 4 PM, and these trainings are mandatory. Members also attend statewide AmeriCorps events, such as the Martin Luther King Day Day of Service, and/or serve on the statewide InterCorps Council.

 

Specific Site Responsibilities

The CTEP AmeriCorps member at Free Geek Twin Cities will be instrumental in expanding our educational reach and building sustainable community connections. Their responsibilities will include:

  • Building Educational Partnerships: The member will develop relationships with local schools to bring Free Geek Twin Cities’ digital literacy and e-waste education programs into classrooms. By collaborating with educators, the member will help introduce more students, particularly those in underserved communities, to essential technology skills and environmental awareness.
  • Creating Free In-House Education Programs: The member will support the design and facilitation of in-house education focused on digital literacy and e-waste. These free classes will directly serve community members, empowering them with the technology skills they need to participate in today’s digital world.
  • Leveraging Volunteer Expertise: The member will work closely with our volunteers, utilizing their technical knowledge to strengthen and enhance our education programs. By incorporating volunteer expertise, the member will help build and sustain educational offerings that align with Free Geek’s mission and values.

This role is integral to Free Geek Twin Cities’ growth, helping us deepen our impact in the community through accessible, free educational programming and collaborative partnerships.

 

Site Environment

Free Geek Twin Cities provides a collaborative, mission-driven work environment where the AmeriCorps member will engage with volunteers, schools, and community members to develop educational programs. The role involves light physical activity, such as setting up equipment, and requires strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse populations. The member will need to be adaptable, comfortable working both independently and in teams, and passionate about community service. Access to basic technology for delivering digital literacy programs will be provided, with occasional travel to partner sites.

 

How to Apply

Apply online at http://my.americorps.gov/ and click on “Apply to Serve”. Be sure to search for the “Community Technology Empowerment Project” or “CTEP” when asked to indicate what program you would like to send your application to. Contact: ctepmn@spnn.org, 651-298-8918 for more information about CTEP Member requirements.

CTEP AmeriCorps values an equitable work environment and strongly encourages Black, Indigenous and people of color, speakers of many languages, disabled individuals, LGBTQIA+ identified, and people from other underrepresented communities to apply.

Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request.