Rawlins Senior Center To Host Tech Tutoring

Tom Lacock/AARP Wyoming

Rawlins Senior residents are encouraged to come to the Rawlins Senior Center in Rawlins, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. to receive a free one-on-one tutoring session on their cell phones and other mobile devices. The training, called Senior High Tech, is a collaboration between AARP Wyoming and S.O.S. (Succor/Serve Our Seniors) which is a joint effort of the Rawlins Senior Center and Wyoming Congressional Award. National Honor Society, FBLA or other groups may also be involved.

The training on cell phones and tablets is free and there is no requirement to be an AARP member in order to take part in the event. In addition to the tech tutoring, a free lunch will be provided courtesy of AARP Wyoming. At each event, a group of students from the local high school and middle school will provide one-on-one tutoring sessions to those age 50 and over in the community. During other Senior High Tech events, high school students have helped citizens with questions such as finding old emails, sending photos to loved ones, or adding apps to the phone.

“There is no question too simple or too difficult for these students. As digital natives, they have grown up with this technology and are tremendous at imparting that knowledge,” said AARP Wyoming Associated State Director for Outreach, Tanya Johnson.

The Wyoming Congressional Award was established in 1979, in Wyoming, to “recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people.” It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all youth, ages 13 and a half to 23, regardless of ability, circumstance, or socioeconomic status. In order to achieve a Bronze, Silver and/or Gold Medal in the national Congressional Award program, a student must give Volunteer Public Service, and work on goals in Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration. Groups such as National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America have helped with activities at the Senior Center in Rawlins, as well.

Inquiries or questions can be addressed by contacting Lisa Engstrom at the Rawlins Senior Center or Judy Stepp at the Rawlins Middle School. Senior centers, or service organizations interested in holding a Senior High Tech in your community can contact Johnson at: tajohnson@aarp.org.