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The Madison Mercantile (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Digital navigation skills
└ Digital navigation skills
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Evanston, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: For many older adults, limited access to technology can cut off communication with family, online services and civic life. Without training or a reliable device, everyday tasks like video calls or accessing information can feel out of reach. Levy Senior Center responded by offering a series of hands-on workshops focused on practical skills, from email and video calls to online safety and using tablets for daily life. The sessions created a supportive space where participants could learn at their own pace and ask questions without pressure. Older adults who attended multiple sessions received a tablet, allowing them to keep practicing at home. One participant said the device felt like a long-awaited gift and finally made it possible to connect with a grandchild. The program also brought new faces into the center, sparking social connections and demand for continued tech learning.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Waynesboro, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in rural Wayne County faced isolation and limited digital skills, making it hard to access online services or stay connected with family. The library offered free weekly computer classes and provided simplified tablets for home use, teaching email, internet basics and video calling. Participants practiced during sessions and at home to reinforce skills. They expressed excitement about learning and confidence in using devices for everyday tasks, showing how the program reduced isolation and improved digital access in a community with few resources.
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
Madison, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Improvements at the community skating rink will add an accessible exterior door, covered ADA-compliant seating and secure storage. These upgrades will residents to comfortably watch activities, stay sheltered from weather and remain connected.
Milbank, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Milbank lacked basic amenities in parks and trails, making it harder for older adults and families to stay active and hydrated. The group installed benches at Flynn Nature Trail, added bike racks in four parks and placed two outdoor water fountains near walking areas and pickleball courts. They also donated playground equipment to Lake Farley Park. These upgrades made parks more inviting and supported healthy activity for all ages. Residents have expressed excitement and the improvements sparked ideas for future projects like a sculpture garden.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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