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Honolulu, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: U.S. VETS expanded its Career Center to reach older veterans and other residents who struggle to translate skills, use online tools and navigate language barriers. The team purchased computers for public use, offered workshops on networking profiles, online certifications and skills translation. They provided bus passes and kept classes running at the current site. It promoted the effort at career events, organized a clothing drive and planned employer-led mock interviews as partnerships are finalized. As building is being finalized, services continue, expanding outreach and positioning older adults to access training, devices and employer connections when doors open.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Madison, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: The Madison Mercantile launched a Digital Literacy Lab to close a critical gap for older residents in a rural county where most services are online. Without digital skills, many struggled to access health care, counseling and even family connections. The lab now offers computers, teleconference equipment and a wheelchair-accessible desk, with staff and volunteers guiding users. A soundproof room enables private telemedicine visits, and partnerships with tech support groups ensure devices work properly. By replacing a discontinued mobile computer program, the lab provides lasting digital access and strengthens community ties.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
St. Paul, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: New laptops, tablets and shared equipment will support hands-on technology lessons for adults 50-plus. Participants will learn basic device use, printing and screen sharing to better access services and stay connected.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Batavia, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: An outdoor literacy space will be installed with an accessible bench, lighting and an oversized book library. The space will provide a safe walking destination and encourage intergenerational interaction.
Batavia, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Local officials and community organizations hoped to increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic in downtown Batavia. To do this, the Batavia Environmental Commission, Batavia Bicycle Commission, the WellBatavia Initiative and Batavia Maitreet undertook a research and promotional campaign. They hosted a walk and bike audit that taught residents urban biking skills, such as how to load a bike onto a public bus. The initiative then paired participants with residents of a local retirement community, as well as with families with small children, to help them learn about biking. The group produced a 15-minute video documentary presenting the town's history, showcasing its pedestrian and bike infrastructure and highlighting the need for future improvements. In 2022, Batavia announced it would create a bicycle and walking plan to improve city trails and make intersections safer.
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