Thanks to a grant from the California Advanced Services Fund, WISE & Healthy Aging is excited to launch WISE Connections, a new program that will help eligible older adults in Los Angeles County master basic computer and internet skills that will earn them a free laptop once they’ve completed a series of training sessions.

WISE Connections kicks off on May 4 and is open to low-income eligible adults aged 50 and older. Those interested in finding out more and signing up for WISE Connections are invited to attend either one of two information sessions, which will be held on Thursday, April 21 at the Baldwin Hills Macy’s (3rd Floor) from 12:30 to 2:30pm and the following week on Friday, April 29 at the Ken Edwards Center in Santa Monica from 1:30 to 3:30pm.

“By the end of the training, our goal is that participants in WISE Connections will be able to confidently use their new laptops to safely access the internet and connect with their loved ones, pay bills, refill prescriptions, and shop for groceries,” said Nikki Davis, Vice President of Program Administration at WISE & Healthy Aging.

While the fast and ever-changing pace of technology is challenging even among the most tech savvy, it is older adults who often struggle to keep up with its steep learning curve. 

“Some of the challenges older adults deal with are entirely technical — like learning to push screen icons that work like buttons and using a mouse — or convincing them that learning how to use their computer is worth the effort,” said Davis. “But then came the pandemic, which really changed all that, proving that the oldest among us could and did learn to use Zoom.”

A 2021 AARP study confirmed that more older adults (44%) viewed tech more positively as a way to stay connected with family and friends than they did before COVID-19 and increased their purchases of tech devices accordingly. At the same time, 54% acknowledged they were not confident about using the technology and needed to learn more.

The pandemic also underscored the digital divide that existed between those who have easy access to the internet – and to those who do not – with the AARP study finding that 18% of adults 50+ did not have any access to the internet, mostly because they couldn’t afford it. 

WISE Connections aims to help older adults cross the digital divide by providing adults 50+ years of age with lower incomes, as specified by the California Public Utilities Commission, with a free Chromebook/laptop once they’ve completed eight hours of computer and internet training. Trainings include classes on computer and internet basics, staying safe online, using email and Zoom, as well as how to use MicroSoft Word.

WISE Connections is funded by a $99,452 grant from the California Advanced Services Fund, which is overseen by the state’s Public Utilities Commission.