The program includes two technology education opportunities at the Alcouffe Center in Oregon House. Desgined by Magnific

OREGON HOUSE, CA (MPG) - Seniors on the Go has launched the Foothills Computer Literacy Program, a new initiative that will provide free computer basics instruction, digital literacy education and ongoing public computer access for residents of the Yuba County foothills.

The program is funded through an AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grant powered by Microsoft, along with support from Digitunity and AT&T. Organizers said the partnerships will help expand access to technology education in rural communities while laying the foundation for a long-term community resource.

The program includes two technology education opportunities at the Alcouffe Center in Oregon House.

The first is the Seniors on the Go Digital Literacy Tech Series, a free monthly presentation offered during the organization's luncheon. The presentations are open to adults ages 50 and older and their guests, regardless of where they live.

Topics include internet safety, telehealth, artificial intelligence, online scams, cloud storage, smartphones, email and other technology skills used in daily life.

The second offering is an eight-week hands-on Computer Basics course for foothill residents. Up to 50 participants will be selected to attend weekly Wednesday classes from August through October. Each participant will receive a Chromebook to use during the course and may keep it upon successful completion.

The grants also funded a permanent public computer access station at the monthly Seniors on the Go luncheon. Two Chromebooks will be available each month for attendees who need internet access for activities such as checking email, paying bills, attending telehealth appointments, completing online forms, searching for jobs, accessing community resources or connecting with family and friends through video calls.

Organizers said the public computer station will continue serving residents after the grant-funded classes conclude and represents the first step toward creating a Foothills Learning & Resource Center that would provide year-round educational opportunities, technology access and community resources.

Residents interested in the Computer Basics course are encouraged to complete the interest survey at FoothillsComputerLiteracy.org. Program eligibility will be determined through the survey process.

Seniors on the Go said it appreciates the support of AARP, Microsoft, Digitunity and AT&T, as well as the volunteer instructors who will lead the classes. Organizers said the goal is to help residents become more comfortable using technology so they can stay connected, access healthcare, use online services and participate confidently in today's digital world.

The Digital Literacy Tech Series and Computer Basics classes will be held at the Alcouffe Center, where Seniors on the Go hosts monthly lunches, community activities and educational programs for nearly 100 adults ages 50 and older.