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Christiansted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital Connections Other
Description: The Coalition launched its Digital Bridge Initiative to help older adults overcome barriers that limited their ability to use devices for essential tasks and social connection. The group trained 11 high school students to serve as instructors, then guided participants through skills such as identifying phishing attempts, using patient portals and applying emergency preparedness tools. Graduates reported "newfound independence," with some sharing that they no longer needed to wait for relatives to complete online banking or health tasks. The program strengthened community ties through radio outreach led in part by a participant and created a structure for continued mentorship. The model is now prompting a second training phase and inspiring at least one graduate to explore launching a similar effort, helping embed digital literacy more firmly into local services.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Beaufort County, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital Connections Other
Description: The commission will help older adults find affordable internet plans and apply for federal discounts, such as the Lifeline program. Staff will work one-on-one with residents to reduce costs and improve internet access in rural communities.
Florence, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital Connections Other
Description: Many older adults struggled to manage everyday digital tasks, leaving them vulnerable to scams, missed services and digital disasters. The Development District trained a college student to deliver hands-on digital literacy classes tailored to older adults. Sessions covered online banking, medical portals, scam awareness and managing digital footprints. The model reached more than 100 participants, most age 50 or over, and challenged assumptions about who can teach technology effectively. Participants praised the patient instruction and individual follow-up, saying they felt more confident asking questions and using new skills.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience
Description: Following COVID-19 shutdowns, Alberta Main Street wanted to encourage residents to visit small businesses in the Alberta District. To increase foot traffic in the neighborhood, they hosted a series of community events. Christmas, Halloween and other holiday-themed gatherings drew large crowds to the district. Additionally, they launched a monthly Last Thursday series, which showcased local artists' work and offered activities for families with children. Organizers worked to ensure each event celebrated the neighborhoods' diversity and culture, as well as its African American business owners. Alberta Main Street hopes future events help shield legacy businesses from displacement. In the future, they are also planning a grant program to help owners historically overlooked by traditional lenders.
Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public place improvements to withstand extreme weather events
Description: Staff and trained volunteers will help older homeowners care for fruit trees and shrubs. The work includes pruning and harvesting to reduce safety risks and share fresh fruit with the community.
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