AT&T’s cyber seniors technology program bridges the generations and helps ensure Alabama is connected – at every age.

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As part of AT&T’s continuing efforts to boost internet adoption across the state, the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) announced the Wenonah High School chapter of FCCLA won the #ATTCyberSeniors video competition.

Technology is no longer something seniors avoid, and this statewide program is helping Alabama seniors embrace digital life in rapidly growing numbers. Cyber Seniors are learning to monitor and manage nutritional and medical needs and to interact safely with friends and family.

Recently, Berry High School, Spanish Fort High School and Wenonah High School chapters of FCCLA shared their Cyber Senior stories and competed in the #ATTCyberSeniors video competition. Wenonah’s video enjoyed the most shares on Twitter during competition week, and AT&T presented the Wenonah High School chapter of FCCLA with a $1000 contribution for its help in connecting Alabama.

According to a recent study released by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, seven in 10 seniors own a cellphone. With increasing numbers of seniors having access to technology, engaging and informing them on the many benefits of digital literacy, such as connecting with friends and family, accessing entertainment, and monitoring nutrition, health and wellness, is key.

“High-speed internet has quickly become a preferred way to access information and communicate,” stated Fred McCallum, President of AT&T Alabama. “We believe enabling dedicated students to engage and inform Alabama seniors on the many benefits of digital literacy and safely connecting to the digital world will help boost internet adoption across our state.

Cyber Seniors – senior technology events – pair student “trainers” with senior “users,” and the one-on-one training results in benefits to both senior and student participants. Seniors enjoy an increased ease and understanding of technology. And, student trainers sharpen invaluable leadership and communication skills, helping prepare them to graduate career and college ready.

“Our amazing FCCLA students are working with seniors on an array of digital tasks – everything from learning how to video chat with friends and family, program security locks and codes to protect devices and personal data, post photos on Facebook and use calendar and reminder apps for things like doctor’s appointments,” stated Jennifer Adams, State Advisor to the Alabama Association of FCCLA.

“I’m proud of my FCCLA chapter’s participation in Cyber Seniors,” stated Wenonah High School student Ahmad Johnson. “My generation has clearly benefitted from growing up in the digital age. And, it’s great to share these benefits with seniors. Teaching older generations how to use technology can improve their quality of life and enable them to stay connected with all of us, passing along a lifetime of experiences.”

Click here to view Johnson’s winning video.

To help train seniors, please visit AT&T’s Digital You website and tip sheets from the OASIS Connections program.

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