By: Tahasha Foxe, SOAR Director
Leveling Up Online: How SOAR Participants Became Internet Awesome
For the entire month of February, SOAR participants stepped into the digital world with courage, curiosity, and a whole lot of fun. Through the Highlights + Google Be Internet Awesome curriculum, we transformed internet safety into hands-on, high-energy experiences that felt more like adventures than lessons, while equipping participants with real-world skills they can use every single day.
Week 1: Being Internet Smart
We kicked things off by focusing on digital footprints, online privacy, and oversharing during our POSTED – Social Media Night. Participants explored what it really means to live online.
They became “influencers for a night,” rotating through interactive stations where they:
- Analyzed comments to determine what was appropriate
- Decided whether posts shared too much personal information
- Reflected on how one post can last forever
The conversations were thoughtful and honest. Participants began recognizing that every click, post, and comment leaves a mark, and that they have the power to shape that footprint wisely.
Week 2: Being Internet Alert
Next, we dove into spotting scams, recognizing clickbait, and identifying phishing attempts. Once they knew what to look for, it was time to put their skills to the test in Digital Detectives.
Our library transformed into an escape room where participants worked together to defeat “The Glitch,” a notorious online scammer. They solved clues, analyzed suspicious messages, uncovered red flags, and prevented digital disasters.
They sleuthed. They collaborated. They cracked every clue.
And most importantly, they walked away knowing how to protect themselves in the real world.
Week 3: Being Internet Strong & Kind
This week was about strength, both technical and personal.
Participants learned how to build strong passwords and why password protection matters. Through games, they built and cracked passwords, identifying what makes one secure or vulnerable.
Then the conversation deepened.
We talked about cyberbullying, what it looks like, how it feels, and how to respond. Participants shared experiences, supported one another, and discussed what it means to show kindness online. They practiced being upstanders instead of bystanders and learned that digital strength also means using your voice for good.
Week 4: Being Internet Brave
In our final week, we focused on courage.
Participants learned:
- Who to go to when something online feels uncomfortable
- How to report bullying, scams, or harmful content
- How to be a helper when someone else is targeted
We reinforced an important message: You don’t have to handle tricky online situations alone. Being brave means asking for help and standing up for what’s right.
Celebrating Growth
Each week, participants earned a charm for their Be Internet Awesome bracelets, a visible reminder of the knowledge and confidence they were building.
We wrapped up our month on National Pokémon Day with games, pizza, certificates, and plenty of laughter. It was a joyful celebration of everything they had learned.
What stood out most?
The engagement.
The thoughtful questions.
The stories shared.
Although these weren’t our typical SOAR-style recreation nights, participants embraced the experience wholeheartedly. They didn’t just learn about internet safety; they practiced it, questioned it, and owned it.
At the Walla Walla Valley Disability Network, we believe empowerment is built through connection, creativity, and courage. February proved that learning can be exciting, meaningful, and deeply impactful.
Who says learning can’t be fun?
