Sierra Gold Senior Center Partners with Cyber-Seniors for Technology Education Program

Grass Valley, CA – The Sierra Gold Senior Center, located at 231 Colfax Avenue in Grass Valley, is thrilled to announce a new initiative designed to help older adults develop crucial technology skills. In collaboration with Cyber-Seniors, a nonprofit organization serving California, the center will host an 18-month series of classes tailored specifically to older adults eager to navigate electronic devices and the digital world with confidence.

Starting Monday, November 4, the Sierra Gold Senior Center will welcome community members to an 8-week session held every Monday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. This program is designed to empower participants by building foundational skills across a range of topics, from navigating smartphones and tablets to connecting with Nevada County services.

“Many of us learned our technology skills at work and didn’t use computers at home, and for some, the shift to a more digital world has been challenging,” says Leslie Lovejoy, Executive Director of the Sierra Gold Senior Center. “Our community has expressed a strong need for this type of support, and we’re excited to address that need in partnership with Cyber-Seniors.”

Through a structured curriculum, participants will learn how to use their devices to simplify everyday tasks, such as setting up video calls with family, online banking, social media, and more. The program also includes guidance on accessing essential services like healthcare, Social Security, and DMV renewals—all increasingly conducted online. For those who complete the 8-week course, Cyber-Seniors will provide a $25 gift card and a training certificate.

The Sierra Gold Senior Center serves Nevada County’s seniors and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to technology support, the center offers a range of activities, educational programs, and social services to enrich the lives of local seniors.

Registration and Contact Information: To register for the free technology classes, please contact the Sierra Gold Community Senior Center at (530) 273-4961. All skill levels are welcome, so whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to enhance your tech skills, we’re here to help.

The Best Tech Support Services for Seniors

Lawrence Forbes, Gear
Sep 21, 2024 8:30 AM

If an elder in your life needs help with their computer, phone, email inbox, or smart thermostat, they can bug you for help—or they can call on a dedicated IT professional trained to help seniors.

I love my 78-year-old mother and do whatever I can to help. But when she has computer trouble, she spins into a frustrated tech spiral, starts lashing out, and I want nothing to do with her. The independent woman who taught me to be resourceful by sending me to the dictionary now wants her results the easy way—for me to fix it in seconds—while I see an opportunity to teach her how to help herself. Consequently, we end up bickering.

We aren’t alone. According to the Pew Research Center, there are currently 62 million adults over the age of 65 in the US. That number is expected to reach 84 million—and leap from 18 percent to 23 percent of the population—by 2054. That’s a lot of seniors, and a heck of a lot of tech support.

“Sometimes learning from non-family members works best, because we tend to be more patient with other people,” says Skye N. Leedahl, a professor of human development and family science at the University of Rhode Island. Leedahl performs research as the university’s principal investigator that focuses on quality of life and health issues for older adults. The university has a tech support program of its own, a collaboration with a North American tech-support nonprofit known as Cyber-Seniors.

And that’s not the only such organization. Tom Kamber, the executive director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and the Senior Planet educational program at AARP says in an email: “Older people are increasingly using tech for learning about healthy living and medical issues, about finances and professional skills—some are still working—and simply to stay sharp mentally.”

Kamber and a corps of volunteers launched OATS in 2004 to promote digital literacy among our older peers. They achieve it through their Senior Planet program (more below) as well as their advocacy and scholarship. OATS.org offers a glimpse into the organization’s 20-year history, its outreach and connectivity programs, and its online community portal/social network. The website also has an interactive finder that allows you to enter your zip code to find a Senior Planet partner site near you.

And those are just the industry OGs. The good news is there is a wealth of options—some of them are even free. The tech support sites listed below cater specifically to seniors.

Having other tech options is definitely going to help Mom and I. Having a neutral third party iron out her technical issues means I won’t have to resent the pressure of being the resident “tech guru,” and she won’t have to resent my attempts to train her. It should free me up to focus on appreciating the time we have together. Here’s hoping it does the same for you and the seniors in your life.

Senior Planet From AARP

Created in 2015, the novice-friendly Senior Planet website boasts a cohesive compendium of free online content: articles, courses, lectures, demo videos, and workshops aimed at our elders (in English, Spanish, and Cantonese). The offerings range from learning how to use a smartphone to virtual exercise classes to in-person meetups. The premier senior destination served upwards of half a million people last year and shows no signs of slowing down; they even have their own podcast. The organization started with one in-person location in New York City and now boasts satellite locations in North Country, New York; Montgomery County, Maryland; Denver; San Antonio; and Miami. Virtual one-on-one training—via Zoom—is also available.

Service hours are 9 am to 8 pm ET, Mondays through Fridays; 9 am to 2 pm ET on Saturdays. Email info@seniorplanet.org or call (888) 713-3495.

Cyber-Seniors

Cyber-Seniors was inspired by a 2014 documentary that followed a community of Canadian seniors learning to use the internet for the first time. The North American org (it operates in Canada and the US) offers training and free one-on-one tech support by pairing seniors with student volunteers for an intergenerational experience that both parties learn from. There are volunteers who speak English, Spanish, and French. The site features a newsletter, weekly events calendar, webinar, toll-free tech support, training for volunteers and seniors, merchandise, clips from the movie, and a section dedicated to cybersecurity protection. The organization has North American partners across two-thirds of the continent that have Cyber-Seniors programs (the University of Rhode Island is one of them).

Service hours are 8 am to 6 pm ET. Email scheduling@cyberseniors.org or call (844) 217-3057.

Quincy

Quincy was founded by Ryan Greene while he was a student at Columbia Business School in 2020 to help his grandfather and the other mature adults in his life having tech trouble. Remote tech support sessions are conducted via secured connections and recorded, should you want to revisit them in the future. Quincy also offers fraud protection: A tech support team reviews your emails, texts, voicemails, and social media for con games. There’s even a blog with posts aimed at non-techies. Plans start at $5/month, and the company also offers 14 minutes per month of free support to Medicare recipients

Service hours are 8 am to 8 pm ET. Message Quincy’s staff via the chat support feature on the website or call (208) 557-8466.

Candoo

CEO and creator Liz Hamburg created Candoo in 2019 after having “experienced firsthand the frustration that my parents have felt dealing with technology.” Plans for one-to-one tech concierge support consist of a single one-hour session ($75) or an annual membership ($228/year for singles, $340/year for couples). Support and training are also available in English and Spanish at the enterprise membership level for senior centers, nursing homes, and other care facilities. Memberships also include a free how-to library, videoconferencing tools, online shopping guides, and a downloadable tablet comparison sheet.

Service hours are 9 am to 8 pm ET. Email support@candootech.com or call (646) 758-6606.

The Smarter Service

Started by business partners Terry Dry and Greg Boles as “a personalized tech concierge service for older adults,” the Smarter Service offers its customers personalized one-on-one technical assistance based on the complexity of their digital needs. Customers are assigned the same concierge every time they use the service. In-person training is available in the greater Los Angeles and Orange Counties in California; Scenic and Scottsdale, Arizona; and Columbus and Indianapolis, Indiana. Support is also available for senior centers, nursing homes, and other retirement communities. Smarter Service offers free consultations to help you pick a plan. Annual memberships start at $125 per month, but other tailored packages are available.

Service hours are 9 am to 5 pm PT, Mondays through Saturdays. Email info@thesmarterservice.com or call (805) 765-8348.

Charter Awards $1.3 Million in 2024 Spectrum Digital Education Grants, Surpassing $10 Million Milestone

Funding to Help 66 Nonprofits Connect Communities with Digital Tools, Resources and Skills Training

Since Launch, Program Has Sponsored 40,000+ Digital Education Classes and Benefited 163,000+ Community Members

STAMFORD, Conn. – Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity and entertainment services, today awarded $1.3 million in grants to 66 nonprofit organizations through its 2024 Spectrum Digital Education program. Since launching in 2017, the program has committed more than $10 million to nonprofits focused on improving digital literacy, workforce development and educational access in unserved and undeserved communities across Charter’s 41-state service area.

“Connectivity is the foundation for meaningful learning, professional growth and human connection, and helps to build strong, thriving communities,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President, Community Impact for Charter Communications. “Spectrum Digital Education supports programs that empower community members to enhance their lives with connectivity, from providing digital literacy training to seniors to connecting students with important resources and tools for their education.”

Spectrum Digital Education: Fresh Funding Fuels New and Established Programs

This year, 27 nonprofits were awarded a Spectrum Digital Education grant for the first time, including The Ladder Alliance in Fort Worth, Texas to offer workforce development and computer skills programs to low-income women and survivors of domestic violence; the Community Development YMCA in Long Beach, California in support of its TECH MASTERS program, focused on bringing digital skills to the Cambodian community with courses offered in Spanish and Khmer; and United Fund for Western Orleans County Inc. in Albion, New York to provide free tech tutoring, including scam prevention and internet safety programs, for seniors.

Additional 2024 Spectrum Digital Education recipients include Mapunawai Inc, which has been awarded two grants through the program totaling $45,000. It will use this latest funding in support of its Digital Ready Hawaii (DRH) program, which offers rural residents with little to no computer skills language-specific training and free devices. Code Girls United in Kalispell, Montana, awarded for the second time with total funding of $30,000, will continue its after school program that provides free computer science and coding education to girls in rural and tribal communities. Central Community House of Columbus in Ohio, a five-time recipient with funding totaling $105,000, will use its grant to support the Technology Assistance Project (TAP), a program dedicated to preventing social isolation in seniors by teaching them how to safely navigate the internet, send emails and connect virtually with friends and family.

Celebrating the 66 Spectrum Digital Education Champions

Through direct support of nonprofit partners across Charter’s service area, Spectrum Digital Education has helped distribute over 18,500 laptops and sponsor more than 40,000 digital education classes, benefiting over 163,000 community members since 2017. This year, the program will recognize 66 organizations that help build stronger communities by connecting residents with skills training and access to technology. This year’s grant recipients are:

CALIFORNIA

• After-School All-Stars
• Community Development YMCA
• Cyber-Seniors
• Eastmont Community Center
• Hope through Housing Foundation
• Loaves, Fishes & Computers (LFC)
• Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
• Pasadena Senior Center
• Plaza Comunitaria Sinaloa
• San Diego Futures Foundation

FLORIDA

• Heart of Florida United Way, Inc.
• Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc. 

GEORGIA

• Athens Community Council on Aging

HAWAII

• Ho’okama I Ka Malama
• Mapunawai Inc
• Project Hawai’i, Inc.

KENTUCKY

• Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
• Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County

MINNESOTA

• Senior Community Services

MISSOURI

• Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas
• WeCode KC
• Wesley House Association
• YWCA Metro St. Louis

MONTANA

• Code Girls United
• Family Promise of Gallatin Valley

NEW YORK

• All Star Code
• El Puente
• FCBC Community Development Corporation
• Fund for Public Housing, Inc.
• Greenwich House, Inc.
• Hispanic Federation Inc.
• One Hundred Black Men of the Capitol District
• The STEM Alliance
• United Way of Orleans County
• VIA: Visually Impaired Advancement

NORTH CAROLINA

• The Center for Digital Equity
• Center for Community Transitions
• E2D – Eliminate the Digital Divide
• Guilford County Cooperative Extension
• Kramden Institute
• Urban League of Central Carolinas
• Winston-Salem Urban League

OHIO

• 1000 Ties
• Akron Urban League
• ASC3
• Benjamin Rose
• Central Community House
• KLICWOW
• Seeds of Literacy
• UpSpring
• United Way of Greater Cincinnati
• Urban League of Greater Cleveland

PENNSYLVANIA

• Shenango Valley Urban League

SOUTH CAROLINA

• Senior Citizens Association in Florence County

TEXAS

• CARDBoard Project
• Compudopt
• Girls Inc of San Antonio
• The Ladder Alliance

VIRGINIA

• LGBT Tech

WASHINGTON

• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin
• Goodwill Industries of the Columbia

WASHINGTON, D.C.

• LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. 

WISCONSIN

• Digital Bridge
• Greater Milwaukee Urban League
• Urban League of Greater Madison
• Serving Older Adults

About Charter

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator with services available to more than 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.

For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise® provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The Company also distributes award-winning news coverage and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

Improving Digital Literacy for All Ages

September 5, 2024

AT&T Connects

In today’s world, technology is everywhere. Whether you’re scheduling a health check-up, managing your money, booking your next adventure, working, studying, or just keeping in touch with family and friends, chances are you’re doing it online. That’s why being tech-savvy is important for everyone. AT&T is committed to fostering digital inclusivity as part of our investment of $5 billion since 2021 to bridge the digital divide. Initially targeting K-12 students, the initiative now extends to older adults.

The digital divide is stark among older communities, making them vulnerable to cyber risks. In 2023, the FBI reported losses exceeding $12.5 billion from internet crimes, with $3.4 billion from people over 60. Enhancing digital literacy for older adults is crucial for their safety and security online.

AT&T’s Connected Learning resources, including the Digital Navigators program and Connected Learning Centers (CLCs), are helping older adults improve their digital literacy so they can get the most out of their internet experiences. In fact, at a CLC in Los Angeles, seniors are using our resources to apply for jobs, and even work toward U.S. citizenship.

We’re committed to doing more. That’s why we are teaming up with four nationally recognized nonprofit organizations that serve older adults. Through these partnerships, we aim to reach even more seniors and give them the digital tools they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.

Cyber Seniors empowers teenagers to mentor older adults, and through its partnership with AT&T, it’s aiming to reach 5,000 participants leveraging our digital literacy resources to achieve this ambitious target. Cyber Seniors’ webinars cover basics like website navigation, email usage, and online searching.

National Council on Aging (NCOA) aims to connect with 100,000 older adults — 10,000 through AT&T’s programs, — offering a variety of programming, including self-paced modules and one-on-one sessions. NCOA is also committed to enhancing infrastructure of senior centers by providing resources for the purchase or upgrade of tech equipment.

National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) will target 2,500 Hispanic seniors, integrating AT&T’s digital literacy resources into its Caring for the Caregiver programming, covering cybersecurity, video conferencing, and email basics, tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges faced by the Hispanic senior community.

Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP has unveiled through its flagship program Senior Planet, an ambitious plan to serve 10,000 older adults, facilitating 115,000 engagements. Their approach ensures resources are accessible through their dedicated Contact Center, dynamic virtual and in-person classes, and Senior Planet website.

By leveraging AT&T’s resources, these initiatives aim to bring older adults into the digital age, fostering independence, social connectivity, and resilience.

Whether you’re looking to boost your own skills or help someone else, I invite you to explore AT&T’s online resources. You can also support the nonprofits working with older adults to keep everyone connected, informed, and safe online.

Breezeline Brings Telehealth Training to Older Adults in Pennsylvania

Breezeline partners with Cyber-Seniors for technology seminar

Breezeline Digital Learning Seminar

BERWICK, Pa., Aug. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Breezeline, a leading internet, TV, phone and wireless service provider in the U.S., hosted a digital learning seminar on August 5 to empower older adults in Pennsylvania with the knowledge and skills to access healthcare services remotely via their computers, tablets, and other personal devices.

The telehealth seminar was held at the Berwick Senior Center in Berwick in partnership with Cyber-Seniors, a non-profit organization that provides technology training and digital mentoring to seniors via an intergenerational, volunteer model.

“We are thankful for Breezeline’s commitment to our seniors. Programs like this ensure older adults in Berwick understand how to use technology,” said Jan Banko, manager of the Berwick Senior Center.

According to Cyber-Seniors, telehealth services lead to more convenient and accessible patient care. Telemedicine is particularly impactful for patients with mobility issues and patients in rural areas. Knowledge of and access to telehealth technology can reduce non-urgent emergency room visits and increase older adults’ chances of living independently.

“Breezeline values the opportunity to teach older adults important skills like how to use telehealth services,” said Katherine McCoid, public relations manager for Breezeline. “Staying connected is crucial, and Breezeline is proud to provide technology training services to older adults in Pennsylvania.”

To learn more about Breezeline’s commitment to digital literacy, please visit www.cyberseniors.org/breezeline.

About Breezeline

Breezeline is the eighth-largest cable operator in the United States. The company provides its residential and business customers with Internet, TV, and Phone services in 13 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as mobile service in most states in which it operates. Breezeline is a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications (TSX: CCA), which also operates in Canada, under the Cogeco Connexion name.

Media Contact
Katherine McCoid
Breezeline
kmccoid@breezeline.com

Elder Fraud: The Cautionary Tale of ‘Thelma’

by Rebecca Taylor, Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager

Social engineering threats to older individuals have found their way to the silver screen with the release of the film, Thelma. The movie tells the story of a 93-year-old female, played by actress June Squibb, who falls victim to a social engineering attack, unknowingly sending $10,000 to a scammer impersonating her grandson on the phone. Thelma experiences self-doubt and victim-shaming, with her own family questioning her judgement and capacity to care for herself. She decides to flip the narrative and track down the ‘bad guys’ herself.

Although this poignant story prompts a smile and some laughs from the audience, it reflects the harsh reality of elder fraud. According to a report by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), more than 101,000 victims aged 60 and over reported elder fraud in 2023, compared to 18,000 victims under the age of 20. The report notes the five most common types of elder fraud as “tech support scams, personal data breaches, confidence and romance scams, non-payment or non-delivery scams, and investment scams.” The FBI further added that these criminals “gain their targets’ trust and may communicate with them directly online, over the phone, and/or through the mail; or indirectly through the TV and radio.”

Despite Thelma’s daughter boldly claiming in the film that she wouldn’t have been fooled by the scam, social engineering attacks can convince even the most tech-savvy and cyber-aware individuals. The scammers exploit human psychology to gain access to personal information, systems, or data. Attackers represent themselves as someone the victim would be inclined to trust (e.g., a bank official, trusted vendor, insurance representative, lawyer, colleague) or want to help (e.g., a family member, someone in need), and they use emails, phone calls, social media platforms, or direct messages to urge victims to divulge sensitive information or perform actions such as making a payment. While some social engineering attacks target specific organizations or individuals, many attacks involve scammers casting a wide net to see who will respond.

Aging populations may not be as digitally savvy as younger generations, making the subtleties of well-crafted social engineering attacks more difficult to recognize. Scammers often create a sense of urgency (e.g., a medical, legal, or financial emergency) and prey on a victim’s fears to elicit an emotional response.

In addition to potential monetary losses from these attacks, the stigma attached to falling for a scam can be devastating. Victims often lose trust in their capacity to detect future threats and experience feelings of embarrassment and shame. Seniors may feel particularly vulnerable. While Thelma focuses on elder fraud, the reality is that people of all ages and technical sophistication can become victims of social engineering. Anyone can mistakenly click a link or be manipulated by a skilled scammer.

The following tips can help you and your loved ones avoid or recover from social engineering attacks:

• Educate yourself and others: It is important to normalize the conversation around social engineering and elder fraud. Awareness programs, workshops, and conversations with real-world examples can be beneficial, especially for seniors who might not be as familiar with these scams. Maintaining a non-judgmental and calm environment encourages potential or actual victims to raise concerns and report suspicious activity.
• Trust your instincts: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a request from a relative seems unusual, you probably have reason to be suspicious. Always approach unexpected requests for personal information or financial transactions with a healthy dose of skepticism, and ask yourself “Does this feel right?” If you have doubts or discomfort, stop the conversation and walk away.
• Verify the source: Always confirm the identity of the person or company contacting you and do not just accept what they say. You can end a call or conversation and then directly contact the person or organization yourself. Independently look up phone numbers or official websites rather than using the contact information the individual provides.
• Protect your personal information: Be cautious about requests for personal information. Scammers can use small pieces of information posted online to build a profile of victims and gain trust. Never share your Social Security number, passwords, PINs, or other multi-factor authentication codes with anyone. A legitimate provider will never ask for them.
• Use strong security measures: To protect against unauthorized access to your accounts, use strong passwords, implement multi-factor authentication, and keep software up to date. For individuals who are intimidated by these tasks, technology and service providers, such as banks, can often help individuals add account protections in person. Organizations such as Cyber Seniors and AgeUK also offer support.
• Report crimes as soon as possible: If you have been a victim of a crime, contact the appropriate authorities. In addition to reporting the crime to your local police, cybercrimes can be reported to the following organizations:
  • Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
  • econsumer.gov (a project of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN))
  • Action Fraud (UK National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre)
  • FBI

If you gave the attacker credentials or financial information, escalate the issue to the appropriate organization, such as your bank or financial provider, and always change your password.

• Consider additional support: Charities and organizations such as The Cyber Helpline and Mind can help victims process the mental toll of these crimes and support victims as they process what has happened.

Thelma illustrates the growing elder fraud threat. While it’s best to let law enforcement pursue the criminals directly, knowledge of the evolving social engineering tactics enables us to protect our senior population and ourselves from these cybercrimes. Awareness, education, vigilance, and simple kindness can make a significant difference.

Learn about other types of social engineering and fraud campaigns investigated by Secureworks® Counter Threat Unit™ (CTU™) researchers:

• Are Scammers Using AI to Enhance Fake Obituary Sites?
• Vidar Infostealer Steals Booking.com Credentials in Fraud Scam
• COBALT ILLUSION Masquerades as Atlantic Council Employee

Breezeline Hosts Digital Training for Older Adults in Connecticut

NEW LONDON, Conn., June 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Breezeline, the nation’s eighth-largest cable operator, hosted a digital learning seminar on June 13 to empower older adults in Connecticut with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate the digital world.

The seminar, held at the New London Senior Services Center in New London, provided an introduction to creating and sending email and other internet basics. The seminar was held in partnership with Cyber-Seniors, a non-profit organization that provides technology training and digital mentoring to seniors via an intergenerational, volunteer model.

“Email enables people to connect to their communities and the world around them,” said Marina Vracevic, New London senior citizens coordinator. “We are grateful to Breezeline and Cyber-Seniors for taking the time to help older adults in New London learn this critical skill.”

“Breezeline is committed to helping people stay connected to the things they love,” said Katherine McCoid, public relations manager for Breezeline. “We are proud to partner with Cyber-Seniors to teach important digital skills and empower older adults in Connecticut.”

To learn more about Breezeline’s commitment to digital literacy, please visit www.cyberseniors.org/breezeline.

Cox Charities Makes $10,000 Grants to Each of Ten San Diego Nonprofits

Ten San Diego County nonprofit organizations were surprised with $10,000 grants from Cox Charities this week for local programs that support K-12 education, digital equity, conservation and sustainability, and military and veterans.

Cox Charities is a philanthropic foundation led and funded by Cox Communications employees and supported by the company.

The 2024 San Diego Cox Charities community grant recipients and their programs are:

• Alpha Project — Its Permanent Supportive Housing program for veterans provides residents with emergency rental assistance, food, transportation, household supplies, and medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and power chairs.
• Cyber Seniors — Digital training workshops in English and Spanish for older adults that include basic technology training, as well as practical knowledge on how to use technology to connect to friends, family and the community.  
• Downtown San Diego Partnership Foundation — The O-Lot Digital Resource Hub in downtown San Diego will close the digital divide for clients temporarily living in a safe sleeping site and invest in their future by providing access to critical resources to help end their homelessness.
• Experience Nature Unplugged — Through outdoor classrooms and nature-inspired STEAM activities, the nonprofit empowers tweens and teens to use technology intentionally to build community, reduce loneliness and inspire confidence in outdoor settings.
• Forever Balboa Park — Expansion of volunteer programs to maintain and enhance Balboa Park for all visitors, and recruit and train 100 tree maintenance corps volunteers who will help maintain new biodiversity gardens and exterior gardens around the restored Botanical Building.
• Healthy Day Partners — The Straight 2 The Plate Mobile Garden Classroom helps food insecure individuals and families grow their own healthy food and become less reliant on food donations by providing gardening workshops in underserved communities.
• Living Coast Discovery Center — The grant will provide field trips to the center for schools with high poverty levels so that students can explore a nature reserve, interact with wildlife and participate in hand-on STEAM activities.  
• Mama’s Kitchen — The grant will fund meals for 360 critically ill veterans in San Diego County. Meals are home-delivered and medically tailored to improve the quality of life for critically ill veterans and their families.
• San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum — The grant will enable the museum to provide 525 scholarships for younger students from under-resourced communities in San Diego County to participate in STEM educational workshops.
• TERI Inc. – The grant will enable the nonprofit to double its capacity for neurodiverse students to participate in its STEM programs and robotics.

“Cyber Seniors” Launches in Franklin County!

Listen to Podcast

Episode notes

A terrific program that connects digital natives (young people) to older adults to help them navigate technology and learn how to use their devices has launched at Greenfield Community College! Join Judy Raper, Associate Dean of Community Engagement at GCC, Cyber Senior Coordinator, Donna Dusell and tech mentors/GCC Students, Liv Dow and Jessica Lenihan to learn more!

Hosted by Judy Raper

Featuring Jessica Lenihan, Olivia Dow, and Donna DuSell

Produced by Alex Audette in the Teaching and Learning Innovation Center’s Multimedia Studio at Greenfield Community College (MA)