Dale, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet

Description: The center will install free public Wi-Fi and offer bilingual internet safety classes for older adults. Residents will use online tools for health, benefits and family connection while learning safe habits.

Birmingham, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet

Description: Many older adults lacked the digital access and skills needed to receive alerts, reach family and neighbors and find reliable information during storms and other emergencies. That gap increased risk and left some residents less connected to local readiness efforts. Beanstalk addressed the problem by providing tablets and leading hands-on trainings tied to real emergency tasks. Participants learned to set up contacts, enable security features and use preparedness apps for weather alerts and local hazard updates. They practiced sending messages and checking alerts so those steps felt routine. The effort built confidence and created peer support: several attendees began helping others during sessions. One participant said, "I finally feel like Im catching up with the world again... Now I dont feel as isolated. I feel safer." The project expanded a base of tech-ready volunteers who can help neighbors stay informed and communicate when conditions change.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Cleveland, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet

Description: This project will help 210 older adult residents in age-restricted apartments sign up for affordable internet service and provide basic computer skills training.