Helping Aroostook County Prepare for the Digital Future
Practical AI education, digital skills training, media literacy, and community-centered technology programs for youth, families, workers, and local businesses.
Technology Is Changing Fast. Rural Communities Shouldn't Be Left Behind.
AI, automation, online communication, and digital tools are reshaping work, business, education, and community life. These changes are happening quickly — and they affect everyone, whether we're ready or not.
Shady Ridge Fellowship exists to help people understand these tools responsibly and use them in practical, ethical, community-building ways. We believe rural communities have unique strengths, and with the right preparation, we can adapt and thrive.
Our approach is grounded in real-world application, not hype. We focus on skills that matter for everyday life: finding information, protecting privacy, communicating effectively, building a business presence, and understanding how technology shapes the world around us.
Practical Skills
Real-world applications you can use immediately in work and daily life.
Ethical Approach
Understanding technology responsibly, with privacy and community values in mind.
Community-Centered
Built for Aroostook County, by people who understand rural life.
Our Programs
Practical education and skill-building designed for rural communities, covering the technology topics that matter most.
Ethical AI Literacy
Understand how AI works, its real capabilities and limitations, and how to use it responsibly. Learn to evaluate AI-generated content and make informed decisions.
Digital Skills Training
Build practical computer skills for everyday life and work. From email and documents to online research and digital organization.
Media Literacy
Learn to evaluate information sources, identify misinformation, and navigate the modern media landscape with confidence and critical thinking.
Small Business Technology
Help local businesses get found online, build customer relationships, and use technology to grow without getting overwhelmed.
Youth Creator Lab
Empower young people with creative technology skills including video, audio, and content creation while teaching responsible digital citizenship.
Community Technology Workshops
Hands-on group learning sessions covering practical topics that help families and individuals navigate technology together.
Upcoming Workshops
Hands-on learning sessions designed for beginners and intermediate learners. No technical background required.
Intro to AI for Everyday Use
2 hoursLearn what AI tools can actually do, how to use them safely, and practical applications for home and work.
AI for Small Business Visibility
3 hoursHelp your business get found online using AI tools for content, search optimization, and customer communication.
Online Safety & Digital Discernment
2 hoursProtect yourself and your family online. Learn to spot scams, evaluate sources, and maintain privacy.
Email, Forms & Follow-Up Systems
2.5 hoursBuild simple but effective systems for staying in touch with customers, clients, or community members.
Content Creation Basics
3 hoursLearn to create simple, effective content for social media, websites, and community outreach.
Practical Automation for Local Work
2.5 hoursSave time with simple automation tools that handle repetitive tasks without complex technical skills.
Workshop schedules are announced to our mailing list. Join to be notified of upcoming sessions.
Get Workshop UpdatesEmpowering the Next Generation
Our youth initiatives focus on creative technology skills, responsible digital citizenship, and community engagement. We help young people become creators, not just consumers, of digital content.
Through hands-on projects and mentorship, participants learn practical skills while contributing to their communities through local storytelling and service projects.
Learn About Youth ProgramsMedia Creation
Learn to create compelling content for social media, community projects, and personal expression.
Video Production
Hands-on training in shooting, editing, and sharing video content for various platforms.
Podcasting
Discover how to plan, record, edit, and publish podcasts that share stories and ideas.
Livestreaming
Learn the technical and creative skills for live broadcasting events and content.
Responsible AI Use
Understand AI tools ethically and practically, preparing for a technology-rich future.
Local Storytelling
Document and share the stories, history, and culture of Aroostook County communities.
Helping Local Businesses Thrive
Local businesses face unique challenges in the digital age. We provide practical training and support to help you compete without losing what makes your business special.
Getting Found Online
Build a presence on Google, maps, and local directories so customers can find you.
Building Owned Audiences
Create email lists and direct connections so you're not dependent on social media algorithms.
Using Email Effectively
Simple email systems that keep customers engaged without overwhelming your schedule.
Understanding AI Tools
Learn which AI tools actually help small businesses and how to use them responsibly.
Improving Follow-Up
Never lose a lead again with simple systems for staying in touch with prospects.
Creating Simple Websites
Build basic web presence and visibility systems without expensive agencies or complex tech.
Technology Should Work for Your Business
We understand that small business owners don't have time to become tech experts. Our programs focus on practical, implementable solutions that fit real business needs — not expensive overhauls or complex systems.
Get Business Support InfoOur Mission
“Shady Ridge Fellowship exists to help individuals, families, youth, and small businesses develop practical skills, ethical awareness, and community-centered technology literacy so they can adapt, create, work, and thrive during a rapidly changing digital era.”
Practical Over Theoretical
We focus on skills people can use immediately, not abstract concepts.
Community First
Technology should strengthen local connections, not replace them.
Ethical Awareness
Understanding the implications and responsibilities of technology use.
Accessible to All
No technical background required. Everyone can learn and participate.
Community Impact
Our work is measured by the real difference it makes in people's lives and the strength of our local communities.
Rural Economic Resilience
Helping local businesses and workers adapt to changing economic conditions through practical technology skills.
Youth Opportunity
Creating pathways for young people to develop valuable skills and contribute to their communities.
Local Business Visibility
Ensuring Aroostook County businesses can compete and thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Family Digital Literacy
Helping families navigate technology together, with shared understanding and communication.
Ethical Technology Use
Promoting responsible, thoughtful engagement with technology that respects privacy and community values.
Stronger Community Connections
Using technology to bring people together, not replace human relationships and local engagement.
Interested in Learning More?
We're building practical community workshops focused on ethical AI, digital literacy, automation, media creation, and small business technology skills for people across Aroostook County.
Whether you're completely new to AI or simply curious how these tools may create opportunities for your family, business, or future career, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help rural communities develop practical digital skills and ethical technology literacy in a way that strengthens local families, businesses, and community connections.
No technical experience required.
Location
Aroostook County, Maine
Reach out to learn about upcoming workshops, volunteer opportunities, or community partnerships.