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.

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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.

Two young men teach an older woman to use a smartphone

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.

A flyer about the Jersey City Housing Authority Tablet Training Program

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.

Students attend a training to teach digital literacy skills to older adults

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