Designed to help senior citizens navigate the digital world through interaction and instruction, STEM Outreach teaches seniors a variety of technology skills. These skills include technology basics most of us take for granted, including phone calling, texting, video calling, and more.
We make an impact on their quality of life by helping them connect with loved ones virtually when they are physically separated. This initiative conducts events at senior facilities and retirement communities in person to assist residents with technology issues or present a pre-planned lesson. High school volunteers work one-on-one with senior citizens to address their concerns, often creating a long-term relationship and personal connection.
Our program model completely changed when volunteers from nearby schools were recruited at a 1:1 volunteer-to-senior ratio. This allowed seniors to get individual attention from a student, helping them create a connection and receive technology help specific to them. At the conclusion of each session, printed handouts are shared so seniors can revisit individual topics such as calling, texting, Zoom, Skype, and iPad settings.
In America alone, 4.2 million people are living in poverty and do not have access to basic education. We have made it our mission to change that. We believe everyone deserves access to basic education and digital literacy.
We have reached over 1,000 seniors to teach 50+ topics, making a profound impact. We have also garnered over 150 volunteers, who have donated 800+ hours total. We mostly target technology problems through one-on-one assistance.