Addressing the digital divide
Connecting Older Adults in Grand Rapids with Laptops and Digital Literacy Training
A New Laptop, A New Link to the World for Detroit Seniors
Addressing the digital divide
A New Laptop, A New Link to the World for Detroit Seniors
May 29, 2026
May 29, 2026
At SER Metro-Detroit, 100 seniors received more than a device — they gained a
new way to connect with family, services, and everyday life.
For many, getting online is a routine part of daily life. But for too many older adults,
access to technology can still feel out of reach. That’s what made our recent gathering
at SER Metro-Detroit so meaningful: it wasn’t simply about handing out laptops. It was about opening doors.
AT&T, Human-I-T, and SER Metro-Detroit came together to provide 100 refurbished
laptops to seniors at AT&T’s Connected Learning Center inside SER Metro-Detroit.
Joined by Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, the event highlighted what digital access can really mean: the ability to reach loved ones, find trusted information, build confidence,
and participate more fully in modern life.
For seniors who have been left on the wrong side of the digital divide, a laptop can be more than a tool – it can be a lifeline. And helping Detroit seniors connect in today’s
online world means giving them not only the technology they need, but also the
confidence and skills to use it.
“Ensuring Detroit’s senior residents have access to all of the resources they need to thrive is a major focus of mine and my administration. That includes having access to the tools and skills needed to participate in today’s digital world,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “This collaboration with AT&T, Human-I-T and SER Metro-Detroit will help more seniors access important online resources, stay connected with family and community, and navigate everyday life with greater
confidence.”
After receiving their laptops, participants spent time learning practical digital skills – from navigating websites and using email to spotting scams and fraud. Just as important, they gained reassurance that they don’t have to figure it all out alone.
At SER Metro-Detroit, leaders know the laptops will make a big difference for the seniors they serve.
“Every day, we see how important digital connection is for our seniors – from
staying in touch with loved ones to accessing essential services and community
resources,” said Eva Garza Dewaelsche, President & CEO, SER Metro-Detroit. “These laptops from AT&T will help seniors build confidence, strengthen their technology skills, and stay connected in meaningful ways.”
Since opening a Connected Learning Center in 2022 at SER-Metro Detroit, AT&T has
helped create a welcoming place where residents can access high-speed internet,
computers, and free digital resources designed to make technology feel more useful,
approachable, and empowering.
And the need is real. Across the country, including in Michigan, millions still lack access to the internet or devices they need to fully participate in everyday life. For older adults, that gap can make simple tasks — finding information, accessing services, or connecting with loved ones — much harder than they should be.
This event is just one example of AT&T’s broader work to help close the digital divide.
With a commitment to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed
internet by 2030, the goal is bigger than technology alone – it’s about helping people
participate fully in the opportunities of modern life.
Because sometimes, closing the digital divide starts with something simple: putting the right tools in someone’s hands — and reminding them they still have a place in everything the world has to offer.
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