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Coos-Curry Electric outlines "Connected Seniors" intergenerational tech-mentoring program in Brookings
Summary
Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative described a free intergenerational program pairing high school mentors with older adults to teach basic technology skills; pilot began in Gold Beach in 2024, sessions are limited to about 10 participants, and the program is expanding to Brookings and Port Orford.
Keith Buchhalter of Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative presented the Connected Seniors Program to the board, explaining it pairs senior participants with high school students in a one-on-one mentoring model to teach device and online skills. Buchhalter said the pilot began in Gold Beach in 2024, the program has since expanded to Brookings and Port Orford, and it is preparing to celebrate its 50th graduate.
The program is offered at no charge to participants, with costs supported by Coos-Curry Electric, Beacon Broadband, and partner organizations. The board discussed the program's benefits for seniors (confidence using devices, email, online tools) and students (communication, leadership skills), and considered opportunities to expand student involvement.
