Digital Navigators: Empowering and Connecting South LA

Access to tech and creative industry employment

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Here is what we know. According to a 2021 study cited in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, older Black and Brown adults are more likely to experience the digital divide than other groups, which can limit their access to information and services and lead to feelings of isolation. The study also reveals that this same group is up to five times less likely to have access to digital health information than younger, more educated, and higher-income European Americans.
Most importantly, our observations have revealed that our students are less likely to use technology for health-related purposes, such as making or receiving phone calls, using health management sites, or searching the web for health information.

Digital Navigators: Empowering and Connecting South LA is an intergenerational initiative that aims to address the digital divide in South Los Angeles by leveraging the skills and enthusiasm of college students to teach foundational digital skills to older adults. The program will utilize an accessible and engaging curriculum for older adults, focusing on practical skills and real-life applications. Training sessions will be conducted in small groups or one-on-one to ensure personalized attention and practical learning.
Additionally, the program provides college students with valuable work experience and earned income while fostering intergenerational connections that bridge the gap between young and old. College students will undergo a comprehensive training program to become effective digital skills instructors, equipping them with technical knowledge and teaching techniques. We focus on recruiting from community colleges and technical schools in marginalized and under-resourced communities, including Los Angeles City College and LA Trade Tech.

If our program succeeds, Los Angeles County will become a unique example of how to achieve digital equity for Black and brown older adults. Our efforts will ensure that underserved populations, including older adults have the skills and resources to navigate the digital world confidently. Older adults in South Los Angeles will gain essential digital skills, allowing them to stay connected, access vital services, and fully participate in the digital economy. This newfound digital literacy will enhance seniors' overall quality of life. College students serving as Digital Navigators will benefit from valuable work experience in tech education. We will expand our reach and impact by adding five new partner sites every six months. Equipping young adults with these skills opens doors to technical careers, transforming low income neighborhoods. Employed young adults lead to safer communities, as stable employment reduces crime rates and offers alternatives to gang involvement.

We measure the impact of the Digital Navigators: Empowering and Connecting South LA program through several key indicators. Firstly, we track the increase in partnerships, adding four new sites this year, Holman Church and two senior centers in Inglewood and Baldwin Hills. Existing partners requesting additional sessions highlight the program’s success and demand.
Secondly, we monitor student progression from foundational in-person classes to intermediate virtual classes, demonstrating their improved web navigation skills and confidence.
Thirdly, we use pre- and post-assessment surveys to measure students' perceived digital skills, supplemented by practical "learn by doing" assignments. Students are required to repeat tasks 10-20 times to ensure retention.
By continuously expanding our partnerships, tracking student progress, and assessing skill retention, we ensure that our program effectively addresses the digital divide in Los Angeles County.