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Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: In South Memphis, many older adults lacked computer skills, leaving them disconnected from telehealth, finances and job opportunities. Mustard Seed addressed this by hosting a six-week course at its ACTION Center, covering internet safety, smartphone basics and fraud prevention, with one-on-one support from volunteers. The curriculum, co-designed with older adults and delivered in partnership with CodeCrew, gave participants practical skills for banking, shopping and virtual meetings. Graduates now feel confident using technology, and demand for intermediate classes is growing. One participant noted how much he enjoyed the class, and mentioned that the instructors were very helpful and the class made things much easier for him.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lincoln, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many older adults lacked the digital skills needed to use online tools that now shape daily life, from email and maps to accessing health care and financial information. Lincoln City Libraries addressed that gap by offering hands-on technology classes and individual help that focused on practical tasks participants asked about. Sessions covered computer basics, mobile device use and online safety in an interactive setting where learners worked side by side. One attendee described the classes as "very interactive" and said instructors showed them how to complete tasks in real time. By building confidence and embedding ongoing support into library services, the project helped older adults feel more capable navigating an increasingly digital world.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bismarck, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many adults age 50 and over wanted to build digital skills but felt unsure navigating technology and excluded by cost or unfamiliar learning environments. North Dakota's Gateway to Science responded by opening its doors to older adults through a 50 Plus Discount Day and a series of hands on digital literacy workshops offered both at the science center and inside local communities where older adults live. The workshops focused on practical topics such as scam messages, password safety and emerging tools, with small group formats that allowed for questions and individual support. Participants reported leaving with greater confidence and excitement about using what they learned with family and in daily life. Several said they arrived believing they were not digitally literate and left feeling capable and curious.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Grand Island, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: Grow Grand Island installed four sculptural, eight-foot-tall wayfinding totems in Railside, an area in the City's downtown. Designed to help visitors learn about Railside and Grand Island's history and art, the totems feature maps and short descriptions in English and Spanish. Each totem is customized based on its location. In addition, the totems include a QR code linking to historical information about the buildings downtown. This online content can be updated when needed. Project organizers say the totems spurred needed repairs for downtown sidewalks and helped garner funding for more wayfinding signs. As downtown grows, organizers say the totems will play an important role in helping pedestrians navigate and appreciate Grand Island.
Grand Island, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Engaging residents alongside thought leaders in problem solving
Description: Neighborhood engagement in Grand Island had declined after the pandemic, leaving residents disconnected. The project distributed 64 "neighboring kits" with tools for hosting meet-and-greets and introduced the concept during a leadership summit. Neighbors began organizing events like ice cream socials and driveway gatherings, fostering inclusion and accessibility. "Because we hosted in our driveway, our wheelchair-bound neighbor was now able to attend," one participant shared, showing how small actions can strengthen community ties.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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