Digital Companions
Building Digital Skills. Creating Meaningful Connections.
Digital Companions is an intergenerational initiative that helps older adults build confidence using everyday technology while fostering meaningful relationships across generations.
Made possible through a 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant, the program is a partnership between the Virtual Connections program in the MSU School of Social Work and Generations Connect, an initiative of MSU AgeAlive in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. The project was selected from more than 5,100 applications nationwide as one of just 750 grant recipients.
Through Digital Companions, trained college students, community volunteers, alumni, and older adult peer mentors are paired with adults age 50 and older for one-on-one coaching. Participants meet regularly to strengthen digital skills, increase confidence using technology, and learn practical tools that support everyday life.
Coaching topics may include:
- Smartphones and tablets
- Telehealth and patient portals
- Video calling, texting, and email
- Online safety and scam prevention
- Everyday digital tools and resources
The program emphasizes personalized learning, allowing each participant to focus on the technology skills that matter most to them while building a supportive relationship with their Digital Companion.
Digital Companions also supports Michigan State University’s commitment to creating age-friendly communities by reducing social isolation, encouraging lifelong learning, and promoting connections between generations. Participants are invited to continue building friendships through Generations Connect after completing the program. Individuals already participating in the Generations Connect program are welcome to apply to participate in Digital Companions.
Get Involved
Whether you’re an older adult looking to become more comfortable with technology or someone interested in serving as a Digital Companion, we’d love to hear from you. For questions or to request more information, email digitalcompanions@msu.edu.
Participant Enrollment: coming mid-July 2026.
For more information, visit Virtual Connections or Generations Connect.
About the AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge grant program supports projects that improve public places,
housing, transportation, digital connectivity, disaster resilience, and more. In 2026, Toyota Motor
North America is funding pedestrian safety projects that aim to enhance streets and sidewalks
nationwide. Microsoft is supporting digital connections projects aimed at expanding access to and
adoption of high-speed internet (broadband). Learn more at: AARP.org/CommunityChallenge
