AARP Hearing Center
Building Confidence for Today's Digital World
AARP Tech Titan trainers in the Triangle (l-r) Jeanne Van Divender, Heather Burkhardt, Daisy Blue, Fill Bowen and Lillian Lee.
What began as a simple idea to make better use of an underutilized computer lab has grown into a thriving community partnership that is helping older adults gain the skills they need to navigate today’s digital world.
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In 2025, a team of AARP Triangle volunteers passionate about digital literacy launched a partnership with Senior Planet from Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department, and the City of Raleigh Housing Department. Together, the organizations created a program that brings free technology education directly to older adults in the southeast Raleigh community.
The partnership emerged when volunteers recognized an opportunity at a computer lab that had been dedicated primarily to youth technology classes. While the lab served an important purpose, it often sat unused during school-day hours. By turning that unused time into learning opportunities for older adults, the team created a win-win solution that benefits the entire community.
Today, AARP volunteers teach Senior Planet courses twice each week, on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 am to noon. The classes are designed to help participants build digital skills, increase confidence with technology, and stay connected in an increasingly online world. From learning the basics of computer use to exploring online resources and digital communication tools, participants gain practical knowledge that can enhance independence and quality of life.
The program’s impact continues to grow. Between July and November 2026, the Tech Titans volunteer team has conducted or planned an impressive 40 digital literacy events. The effort is powered by dedicated volunteers who contribute their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to every class and workshop.
Just as impressive as the number of events is the growth of the volunteer team itself. Over the past year, the group has expanded from four volunteers to ten. Their shared commitment to helping others learn has created a welcoming environment where participants feel encouraged to ask questions, try new technologies, and develop skills at their own pace.
The collaboration is also a model of effective community partnership. The City of Raleigh promotes the classes and manages registration, while AARP volunteers handle program delivery and instruction. Together, they are ensuring that more older adults have access to the digital tools and knowledge needed to stay informed, engaged, and connected.
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