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.

Vancouver, WA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Digital Connections Other

Description: This effort will modernize a volunteer transportation program for older adults and people with disabilities with ride management software to improve scheduling. People will have improved access to trips for health care and community activities.

Fort Totten, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Digital Connections Other

Description: High‑speed internet, computers and printers will be added to two local Senior Centers. Guided workshops will help adults age 50-plus build digital skills and reduce isolation by providing reliable access to online resources.