Greenwich House Awarded $20,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant to Expand Tech Access for Older Adults
Funding Supports Free Digital Literacy Programs at the Lifelong Skills and Opportunity Center
Greenwich House is expanding access to free digital education for older adults, thanks to a $20,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant presented at February 24’s Tech Day event. The funding will allow Greenwich House to increase access to weekly tech classes, extend computer lab hours, and offer one-on-one technology support.
The Lifelong Skills and Opportunity Center’s digital education program offers a range of courses designed to help participants gain confidence in using technology. These include Computer Basics, Cyber for Seniors, Email 101, How to Use Social Media, and Using Your iPhone. By expanding these services, Greenwich House aims to bridge the digital divide for those who face barriers to technology access.
Zygy Susser, a 75-year-old community member attended Greenwich House’ Tech Day event and discovered the podcast room where he took a significant digital leap – he recorded his comedy set online for the first time. Zygy is a budding comedian and has done traditional stage performances so the ability to podcast gives him a way to reach new audiences.
“This has transformed my relationship with technology,” said Zygy. “After making my first podcast, I feel my creativity has expanded and I can’t wait to reach a wider digital audience. I’m excited and hope to host my own podcast series one day.”
Zygy’s excitement with this new experience is reflective of the work we seek to accomplish with the Spectrum Digital Education grant through partnerships with esteemed nonprofit organizations like Greenwich House and supporting programs that improve digital literacy, workforce development and educational access in unserved and underserved communities.
This is the second Spectrum Digital Education Grant awarded to Greenwich House, bringing Spectrum’s total investment in the organization to $50,000 over the past two years. The grant was presented at Greenwich House’s Tech Day, a community event that provides hands-on workshops to equip participants with essential digital tools and strategies for navigating online platforms. Tech Day also offers one-on-one career coaching and digital literacy training to ensure participants can fully engage with today’s digital world.
“Connectivity is the foundation for meaningful learning, professional growth, and human connection. Through Spectrum Digital Education, we’re proud to support Greenwich House’s efforts to empower older adults and marginalized communities with the digital skills they need to thrive,” said Mike Williams, Regional Vice President of the NYC Region for Spectrum.
The Lifelong Skills and Opportunity Center serves more than 300 older adults annually and is a workforce development hub focused on creating pathways for underrepresented populations. The center provides job training, adult education, employment support, and access to comprehensive wrap-around services to help individuals achieve financial stability and independence.
Since launching in 2017, Spectrum Digital Education has invested over $10 million in nonprofits working to improve digital literacy, workforce development, and education access in under-served communities across 41 states. Through these efforts, Spectrum has distributed more than 18,500 laptops, sponsored over 42,000 digital education classes, and helped more than 173,000 community members gain essential technology skills.
Greenwich House is one of 66 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive a 2024 Spectrum Digital Education Grant and one of five New York City-based recipients. Other local organizations receiving grants include El Puente, First Corinthian Baptist Church Community Development Corporation, Public Housing Community Fund, and The STEM Alliance.
More information about Greenwich House’s digital education programs is available at greenwichhouuse.org/lifelong-skills.