The City of Phoenix and GateWay Community College are bringing senior citizens into the digital age by offering Senior Day at GateWay, Oct. 16. Made possible through a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ConnectHome Initiative, the city’s Housing Department is engaging HUD-assisted senior residents to reduce the digital gap.
Business and Information Technology students at GateWay will create and present digital literacy workshops to Phoenix senior housing residents on topics, including social media, email and cell phone use.
“GateWay students will apply their in-class learning to help local seniors increase their tech savvy,” said Business Faculty and Program Director Annette Torrey-Banks.
The Business faculty are devoted to developing students to be leaders in the community by expanding the classroom experience, according to Torrey-Banks.
“This program is one of several co-curricular opportunities we offer in Accounting, Business and Information Technology classes, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, while addressing the needs in the community,” she said.
According to research, coupling classroom learning with service (known as service learning) has been shown to improve student academic performance and increase retention, while simultaneously making a difference in the community.
This partnership between the city and college invites seniors to learn about technology, college programs, services and special tuition rates for senior citizens. Perhaps most importantly, seniors who attend the free workshops will learn new ways to find information online and connect with others.
“The city is committed to bridging the digital divide for our senior residents,” said Phoenix Housing Director Cindy Stotler. “These opportunities help increase digital knowledge, reduce isolation and support lifelong learning for all our residents.”
Information:
Senior Day at GateWay
1 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Washington Campus
108 N. 40th Street, MA2
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 286-8000
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