Three Members Reflect on Their AmeriCorps Service Year with the American Connection Corps
American Connection Corps (ACC) is a Lead for America program through AmeriCorps, dedicated to advancing economic prosperity in rural and emerging communities nationwide. Members are placed with a local public institution, where they build critical capacity, attract resources, and activate community engagement across many key areas, including bridging the digital divide. The partnership with ACC and KC Digital Drive aligns well; combining uplifting rural voices, building capacity in the ever-growing work in this space, and bridging the digital divide. As three ACC members with complementary skills and personalities, they’ve collaborated seamlessly throughout the year. This blog post shares their experiences, challenges, and achievements during their year of service.
Kyra
I’m Kyra Colbert, a Kansas City native dedicated to driving social innovation. This past year as a Digital Equity Coordinator at KC Digital Drive, serving as an AmeriCorps member with American Connection Corps, has been transformative. My journey into service, driven by a commitment to social impact, has spanned academic research, nonprofit work, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, focusing on education, workforce development, and healthcare. At KC Digital Drive, I’ve led initiatives to empower individuals with digital access, including outreach for the Affordable Connectivity Program and conducting cord-cutting workshops. I’ve also developed comprehensive manuals, facilitated digital integration for justice-involved individuals, and engaged with Startland Education’s Social Change Interns. Now, I’m excited to become a Venture For America Fellow in Cleveland with HFLA of Northeast Ohio, championing economic empowerment through interest-free loans. This new role aligns with my commitment to economic justice and represents a new adventure. Reflecting on this year, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Kansas City’s digital landscape and beyond, viewing all projects through the lens of digital equity.
Sarah
When I joined the American Connection Corps, my primary motivation was to “serve where I live,” and the opportunity to serve at KC Digital Drive, a nonprofit dedicated to making Kansas City a leader in digital technology, was particularly appealing. With a background in nonprofit community outreach, I felt uniquely prepared to contribute to their mission of improving lives and fostering community development through technology. This service year has been incredibly meaningful as I’ve worked on projects expanding digital access, enhancing literacy, and supporting civic tech innovation. The relationships and progress made have reinforced my belief in this work’s importance and strengthened my commitment to bridging the digital divide and advocating for digital equity. As my service year ends, I am excited to apply to the UN Young Professionals Program, aligning with my passion for global connectivity and positive change, and eager to leverage my skills and experiences for international development and equity.
Leah
When I started at this position, I was at a crossroads in my life, deciding whether to continue my current career or dive into the nonprofit space. The decision was clear when I joined the American Connection Corps (ACC) program and attended their Fall Training Institute in Wichita, KS, in August 2023. This transformative experience led me to a career I am now deeply passionate about. Growing up in the Midwest, with a passion for service inspired by my grandmother’s Peace Corps service, I served a year in the AmeriCorps NCCC program after college. Moving to Kansas City, I found an opportunity at KC Digital Drive, where I’ve been involved in numerous projects, Digital Divide Simulation training, events, and ACP outreach as a State Digital Inclusion Coordinator, focusing on digital inclusion and connectivity. The ACC program has given me a broad perspective on broadband connectivity and allowed me to learn from like-minded individuals nationwide. Memorable experiences include hiking in Wichita, witnessing a colleague (from California) see snow for the first time in Minneapolis, and exploring art museums in Philadelphia. I’m grateful for the experiences and growth this year, and I’m excited to continue at KC Digital Drive as their new Program Coordinator, building on the work I’ve started this year and staying connected with my ACC cohort.
In conclusion, our year with the American Connection Corps at KC Digital Drive has been a transformative journey filled with meaningful work, personal growth, and deep connections. Each of us—Kyra, Sarah, and Leah—have contributed uniquely to advancing digital equity in Kansas City, tackling projects that have empowered individuals and strengthened our community. As we move forward to new roles and opportunities, we carry with us the skills, experiences, and dedication that this year has instilled in us. We are grateful for the chance to serve and make a difference, and we remain committed to bridging the digital divide and fostering digital inclusion in all our future endeavors.
