Digital Companions Launches Student Volunteer Program
The initiative connects students and older adults in East Lansing to improve digital literacy through weekly sessions.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Language Learning
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Digital Companions launched a student volunteer program in East Lansing this October to help older adults navigate modern technology. The initiative pairs students with seniors to teach essential skills through a series of weekly guided meetings.
Why it matters
The program seeks to foster intergenerational connections while increasing digital inclusion for seniors. By building confidence in areas like internet safety and health resources, it aims to help older residents stay connected in a digital world.
The six-week program features weekly sessions lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. Student volunteers must complete a mandatory one-hour orientation prior to beginning the instructional sessions.
The players
Digital Companions
This collaborative program is a partnership between Social Virtual Connections, Age Alive, Digital Art, and Generations Connect.
AARP Community Challenge
This national organization provided the grant funding necessary to launch and support the local digital literacy sessions.
The details
Student volunteers guide older adults through topics including smartphone basics, online communication, internet safety, artificial intelligence, and digital health resources. The sessions occur in person to provide direct support and hands-on learning.
Timeline
Program sessions began in early October 2026.
Program sessions conclude on November 15, 2026.
Culture Shift
This program follows the model set by the AARP Community Challenge grant program to address local needs. It reflects a growing societal focus on bridging the digital divide through intergenerational knowledge sharing rather than relying solely on automated services.
Older adults in East Lansing can improve their confidence and daily navigation of digital tools through these in-person sessions. Students participating in the program gain volunteer experience while directly assisting residents with practical technology skills.
The takeaway
Participants should prepare for sessions by identifying specific technological hurdles they face in their daily routine. Establishing consistent attendance across all six weeks is critical for maximizing the effectiveness of the training provided by student volunteers.
What happens next
The program is scheduled to conclude on November 15, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to improve digital accessibility through our Language Learning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The State News.
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