AARP Digital Bridge Initiative

Bridging Generations Through Technology

The AARP Digital Bridge Initiative is a digital literacy project led by the Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition, Inc. (VIYAC) and funded by AARP through the annual AARP Challenge Grant. This intergenerational project brings together youth and older adults across the Virgin Islands to promote digital inclusion and community connection.

Youth participants help older adults develop essential technology skills while gaining experience in teaching, leadership, and civic service.

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💡 Program Goals

• Promote digital literacy among older adults in the Virgin Islands

• Empower youth through leadership and community service

• Foster intergenerational learning and connection

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📚 Who Should Apply?

• 10th–12th Grade High School Students

➡️ Must have completed a Digital Literacy, Computer Science, or related technology course

• College Students ➡️ Must be majoring in IT, Computer Science, or a related technology degree

​➡️ Freshmen must have completed a technology-related course in high school

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🧠 What You’ll Learn

• Hands-on teaching and leadership skills

• Communication, empathy, and public service

• Advocacy for digital access and tech equity

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🖥️ What Seniors Will Learn

• Smartphone basics, email, internet safety, and video calling

• Social media and accessing online services

• Navigating online forms and essential digital tools (e.g., health portals, government services)

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                                                              🗓️ Program Format
                                                     In-person mandatory orientation & training
                                            Three Saturday morning sessions of tutoring for older adults

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🤝 Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: AARP (AARP Challenge Grant)

• Other Sponsor: Masters Concrete

📅 Application Deadline: July 16th, 2025
If you have any questions, you can contact us via email: 📩viyouthvote@gmail.com

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Training & Teaching Schedule

• The mandatory training for accepted participants is tentatively scheduled as follows:

  • St. Croix Session: Friday, July 26th

  • St. Thomas Session: Friday, August 2nd

• The teaching sessions, where participants will work directly with seniors and elders to support digital learning, will take place on Saturday mornings, starting tentatively on August 16th.

Final confirmation of dates, times, and locations will be provided upon acceptance.