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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.
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.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital Connections Other
Description: Volunteers will help older adults at home by setting up personal technology, troubleshooting issues and providing simple tools for daily use. Ongoing support will help people continue using devices that support independence and aging at home.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Washington, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: At a historic arts site outdoor seating will be added as well as ADA-friendly furniture and a level brick patio for programs. The improved setting will make it easier for older adults to gather, create art and attend free events.
Williamston, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To create a downtown community space, the Martin County Chamber of Commerce transformed an empty lot by building a covered stage. The Chamber also added seating, allowing the space to accommodate local events. In addition, they added raised garden beds nearby, installing them at different heights to accommodate, children, older adults and people who use wheelchairs. Since its installation, the stage has hosted a variety of events and performances, including a local theater group's performance of excerpts from The Sound of Music, a karaoke night and a town Christmas celebration. Organizers say they hope the project sparks business investment and revitalization in Williamston's downtown.
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