Major investment will launch Digital Citizen Academy, providing K–12 digital citizenship, online safety, digital wellness, and AI literacy education
The Kiwanis Club of Carefree is investing $120,000 in the children and families of the Desert Foothills community through a grant to the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD) to support the launch of the Digital Citizen Academy during the 2026–2027 school year.
Digital Citizen Academy (DCA) is a comprehensive K–12 program focused on digital wellness, responsible digital citizenship, online safety, and artificial intelligence literacy. The initiative is designed to give students the knowledge and practical skills they need to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world safely and responsibly.
Just as importantly, the program extends beyond the classroom. Parents, teachers, and school staff will receive resources and education to help create a shared understanding and consistent approach to technology, online behavior, and child safety throughout the school community.
Through the $120,000 Kiwanis grant, the Digital Citizen Academy initiative will include:
- Age-appropriate K–12 curriculum covering digital citizenship, online safety, and AI literacy
- Student leadership opportunities through the Technology Leadership Council
- Parent education and resources addressing social media, gaming, artificial intelligence, screen time, and online risks
- Professional development and resources for teachers and school staff
- Support for restorative and educational approaches when students experience technology-related challenges
Implementation is anticipated to begin during the 2026–2027 school year, with the grant supporting programming through June 2027.
“Kiwanis is making an extraordinary investment in the children and families of our community,” said Dr. Lisa Strohman, psychologist and attorney, founder of Digital Citizen Academy and member of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree. “Technology is now part of nearly every aspect of a child’s life, and our responsibility is to make sure they have the education, skills, and support to navigate that world safely. This partnership allows us to bring students, parents, and educators together around a shared commitment to raising healthy and responsible digital citizens.”
Dr. Nicole Regan, Superintendent of Cave Creek Unified School District, emphasized the importance of equipping students and families with the tools to navigate today’s digital landscape.
“Dr. Strohman’s Digital Citizen Academy is an important educational resource for Cave Creek Unified School District. Our students and families are navigating a digital world that brings tremendous opportunities for learning and connection, but also presents daily challenges and threats.
“By providing students and families with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions online, we strengthen not only individual students but our entire school community. Digital citizenship is an essential part of preparing students for success in school, in their future careers, and in an increasingly connected world.”
For Strohman, the partnership brings together her professional work in digital wellness and child safety with Kiwanis’ longstanding mission of supporting children in the local community. For CCUSD, the initiative represents an opportunity to provide students, families, and educators with a comprehensive educational framework for navigating the opportunities and challenges of technology.
The Digital Citizen Academy takes an approach that goes beyond simply warning children about the dangers of technology. Its goal is to help students develop the skills, judgment, and healthy habits necessary to become responsible digital citizens while also giving parents and educators practical tools to guide and support them.
As social media, gaming, artificial intelligence, and other technologies become increasingly integrated into children’s everyday lives, the initiative will provide education that grows with students from kindergarten through high school. By involving students, families, and educators, the program is designed to establish a common language and shared approach to digital wellness and safety throughout CCUSD.
For the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, the $120,000 grant continues its longstanding commitment to investing in programs that directly benefit local children and strengthen the Desert Foothills community.
