It’s really life-changing and exciting when the world of the internet opens to them.
Some 100 local volunteers helped with the needed community outreach work of door-knocking and staffing in-person events.
Each resident received about four hours of training divided into multiple sessions.
The students also helped them register for free at-home broadband service through the federalAffordable Connectivity Program.
Lindsey Nunez, 21, brought her experience as her familys go-to troubleshooter for anything technology-related.
I helped one of the women learn how to enlarge the little letters on her cell phone.
Resident Wanda Ramos, 58, is impressed by her new skills.
I didnt realize you could use GPS for walking.
I thought it was only for cars and buses.
The lessons, she says, gave her more independence.
Now I dont have to depend on somebody to help me.
For that earlier project, there was only one tutor.
Having the funds for hiring enough tutors made abigdifference, she says.
Well-paid internship opportunities are few and far between.
Another improvement: providing the residents with portable tablets rather than training them on desktop computers.
Page published August 2023 | Reporting by Amy Lennard Goehner
