Project Recommendation #12
Project Recommendation #12
The Area Agency on Aging will pilot a digital literacy program in collaboration with Merced College, local libraries, and/or other venues and providers, to help older residents safely navigate online resources and use technology more in their daily lives.
California's 5 Bold Goals: Inclusion & Equity, Not Isolation
AARP's 8 Domains of Livability: Communications & Information
Focus group participants in some communities prioritized building competencies and confidence in the use of technology, especially among older adults. Community members spoke about the digital divide, the gap between those who have access to technology, the internet and digital literacy training and those who do not. There was concern that, without resources to assist older adults and people with disabilities in the safe use of basic technologies, such as smartphones and computers, they would not be able to participate fully in an increasingly digital world. An expanding digital divide can lead to social isolation, limited access to information and services, and reduced opportunities for learning and skill development.
To pilot low-cost and/or free digital literacy training in communities across the county, the Area Agency on Aging will collaborate with appropriate city staff and community leaders, Merced College’s Digital Skills Training program, local libraries and community centers, and any other instructors and digital literacy programs or providers operating in the county. Starting in July 2025, the Area Agency on Aging will begin planning conversations with these partners to estimate the scale and cost of an effective pilot program, to coordinate logistics such as venue(s) and promotional collateral, and to strategize funding resources, as necessary.
The Area Agency on Aging, in collaboration with appropriate city staff and community leaders, will apply for digital literacy grant funding through the AARP Community Challenge in March 2026.
The Area Agency on Aging, in collaboration with appropriate partners, will conduct at least four (4) digital literacy workshops by December 31, 2026, with at least two (2) in Spanish. At least 60 seniors will attend the workshops.
As part of a post-workshop survey, the Area Agency on Aging will assess the success of the digital literacy pilot program. At least 80% of survey respondents will rate the digital literacy workshops as excellent or good, by June 30, 2027.
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