Michigan State University’s Digital Companions program was launched on Friday, September 11 at the East Lansing Public Library, bringing MSU students and older adults together to build digital skills, relationships and intergenerational connections.
The 6-week series, which starts the first week of October at seven locations around the Greater Lansing area, pairs MSU students with older adults to help them become more comfortable using technology, particularly smartphones. Organizers say the program is designed not only to help older adults learn new technology skills, but also to create opportunities for students and older adults to learn from one another.
One of the older adults attending the kickoff was Maryanne Illman, who said she had previously attended AgeAlive’s Town and Gown event and wanted to learn more about Digital Companions.
“I’ve been to Town and Gown before and heard about this here, so I thought I’d check it out,” Illman said. “I think it’s very interesting. I’m not sure if I’m going to join the program yet, but I’m excited to learn more about it.”
The program is supported by an AARP nationwide challenge grant. Rich Howard, associate director for outreach at AARP, said the grant program is highly competitive. In 2026, AARP awarded $8.3 million across the country. Michigan received 16 grants out of 162 applications.
“What really fit our interest at AARP is really focusing more on local impact and also the intergenerational,” Howard said, highlighting the importance of “two-way learning.”
The grant is intended to help communities move from planning to action while creating programs that can continue to grow over time.
Burton Bargerstock, executive director of the Office of Public Engagement and Scholarship and director of Communication and Information Technology for University Outreach and Engagement, said Digital Companions aligns with MSU’s land-grant mission of bringing academic knowledge together with the knowledge and experiences of people outside the university.
“The Digital Companions program surely fits this bill,” Bargerstock said.
Bargerstock also shared a personal experience that showed him the value of intergenerational learning. While he was a doctoral student, he was asked to visit an older woman named Betty to help her learn how to use a hand-me-down computer.
The person who asked Bargerstock told him Betty simply wanted help using the computer to type and print letters she could mail to friends. Instead, he discovered she wanted to learn how to email and create a database of her antiques, including what she paid for each item, its current value and where she purchased it.
With Bargerstock’s help and some assistive technology, Betty became increasingly comfortable and proficient with the computer and eventually purchasing her own equipment. Bargerstock said he learned how to better explain technology while also learning from Betty’s experiences.
“I learned a lot from them,” Bargerstock said.
Following their initial interactions, their relationship continued for about 20 years. They shared family stories, exchanged holiday cards and remained friends until Betty reached the age of 100.
“There is great power in intergenerational learning,” Bargerstock said. “I am thankful for my visits with Betty, from whom I learned at least as much as I was ever able to share.”
Paul Freddolino, PhD, a professor at MSU’s School of Social Work, said the Digital Companions program was developed to help older adults strengthen their digital literacy through the help of MSU students and community members
AgeAlive and Virtual Connections are seeking both participants and volunteer digital literacy coaches to join the Digital Companions program. This six-week initiative pairs students with older adults to build meaningful connections while exploring smartphone skills, telehealth tools and digital literacy together. Learn more about the Digital Companions program and sign up at agealive.org/digital-companions.
Lori Strom, AgeAlive special projects coordinator, addressed participants and expressed excitement to have students and community members gather for the event.
As part of Digital Companions, students will receive training and orientation before working with older adults to help them learn how to use their smartphones and other technology.
Strom said the program also provides an opportunity for students to develop relationships with older adults and gain a better understanding of aging.
“We appreciate students who are willing to do this,” Strom said.
East Lansing is designated as an age-friendly community, MSU is designated as an age-friendly university and Michigan is designated as an age-friendly state. Across all of these settings, AgeAlive works to recognize the value of people of all ages and abilities while creating opportunities for connection across generations.
For organizers, Digital Companions is about more than teaching technology. It is an opportunity for students and older adults to share knowledge, build relationships and learn from experiences they may not otherwise encounter.
As the program moves forward, AgeAlive hopes Digital Companions will continue creating those connections between generations while helping older adults feel more confident using technology.
To join the 6-week series as a learner or volunteer coach, community members and students are encouraged to sign up by October 1st using the links below.
Volunteer Smartphone/Digital Literacy Coach Form: Digital Coach Form
Participant/Learner Form: Digital Participant Form
Haven’t signed up yet? No worries! You have until Oct. 1 to complete the form.