What is InterNAT?

Is it the second coming of the internet, or is just a misspelling? Neither, InterNAT stands for "Intergenerational Network of Adults and Teens". This is one of HCI's newest projects and involves bridging the digital gap between generations.

The idea for this project arose from the desire to teach adults and seniors about new technologies available for continued learning and enhanced communication. What better way to teach them than from the experts? And the experts in new technologies today are usually the young generation.

Beginning with a concept called "reverse mentoring," the project will involve high school and middle school students teaching adults and seniors how to use computers for emailing their family and friends; surfing the internet to find useful information about health, diet, fitness, and general well-being. Furthermore, it will be done in their own neighborhoods!

The learning goes both ways. Adult "students" will share life experiences with their young "teachers", giving the teens valuable lessons in citizenship, volunteering, education, and commitment to family and community. Supervising the program will be college students who also volunteer their time or participate for course credit. Partners in this collaborative effort include the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University South Bend, and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Inc.

The initial pilot site for this innovative project will be the Community Learning Center on No. Eddy Street in South Bend. The Community Learning Center is a joint effort between Notre Dame and the Northeast Neighborhood Center. Twenty computers will be available for students and adults. The student volunteers will come from South Bend Community School System, Mishawaka School Corporation, Notre Dame, and Indiana University South Bend. Additional sites in Mishawaka and South Bend will be developed throughout 2001.

Julie Vuckovich, assistant to Congressman Tim Roemer and Chair of the HCI's Neighborhood Council, has been working diligently on this project with other community leaders from Notre Dame, IUSB, and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

"It is the duty of youth to bring its fresh powers to bear on Social progress. Each generation of young people should be to the world like a vast reserve force to a tired army. They should lift the world forward. That is what they are for."

Charlotte Perkins Gilman

“Young people do not grow up in programs… They grow up in communities”

“Raising a child is a team effort. It begins with good parenting and strong families. But it also depends on involved neighbors and healthy, supportive communities.”


Go the YDC Bulletin Board to engage in a conversation on youth and youth development issues.


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