Spectrum Digital Education Program Teaches Digital Literacy to Seniors in Florence, South Carolina

Digital literacy is a significant challenge for many older adults, leaving them to navigate technology with minimal support. This often results in a lack of confidence and feelings of isolation. But Senior Citizens Association of Florence County (SCA) - a local nonprofit organization in South Carolina - is teaching seniors how to use technology and broadband safely and effectively to help them connect – digitally and personally.

SCA has been dedicated to helping seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle by providing essential services. Among their most popular programs are digital literacy classes, supported by a $50,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant.

The SCA Senior Technology Program offers comprehensive computer training classes, including “Introduction to Computers,” “Introduction to the Internet,” and “Microsoft Office Basics.” Since the program's inception, more than 100 seniors have graduated from these classes, each receiving a free device to use and enjoy.

Charlotte – a recent graduate of the program, has been using her newfound digital education to access telehealth services and to connect to family and friends out of town. She also  traced her genealogy back several generations – something she never would have thought possible without the computer classes.

“We're grateful to Spectrum who stepped in to give our seniors a technology boost,” said Linda Mitchell Johnson, Executive Director of the Senior Citizen Association of Florence County. “So often, seniors feel as if they will never understand technology. In our community, we encourage everyone who wants to learn.”

Spectrum training staff also held a special session about Xumo, the Company’s streaming device, that seamlessly integrates live TV with On Demand content and streaming apps, all in one place. Seniors paid specific attention to learning about the integrated advanced voice remote to make their viewing experience even easier. “It was great to spend some time introducing these seniors to Xumo,” said Jason Rimmer, Field Tech and Safety Trainer. “They were excited to learn how to use the product to watch their favorite shows, and I was impressed with everything they had learned in their digital literacy classes.”

Spectrum Smart Devices for Seniors Program Guides Digital Understanding

Through Spectrum Digital Education, Spectrum is playing a crucial role in helping bridge the digital gap for seniors in Florence, fostering a more inclusive and connected community.

SDE’s partnership with the Senior Citizens Association continued in May with our brand-new “Spectrum Smart Devices for Seniors” program. Two free classes focused on how seniors can protect personal information online, and use apps to connect with friends, family and transportation, food and medical services. Nearly 140 seniors participated, building their understanding of technology and ability to stay connected, informed and engaged.

Since launching in 2017, Spectrum Digital Education has committed more than $10 million to nonprofits focused on improving digital literacy, workforce development and educational access in unserved and undeserved communities across Charter’s 41-state service area.

More information about the impact of Spectrum Digital Education can be found here.