Ecolibrium3 (Eco3) has been selected as a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grantee to address the growing need to help older community members develop and enhance digital skills in today’s technological world. The Community Challenge grant program supports projects that improve public places, housing, transportation, digital connectivity, disaster resilience, and more. These grants are part of AARP’s broader Livable Communities initiative, which helps neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country become great places for people of all ages.
With this investment from the AARP Community Challenge Grant, Eco3 will expand Lincoln Park (LNPK) Community Hub programming for older adults and community members of all ages as part of the Duluth Age-Friendly Initiative. Eco3 co-leads the Duluth Age-Friendly Initiative alongside Duluth Aging Support and a growing network of community partners, working to make Duluth a more livable community for residents of all ages and abilities.
The newly renovated LNPK Community Hub will host hands-on technology classes for older adults using curriculum from the AARP-backed Senior Planet program. The Senior Planet program offers classes that equip older adults with tools and skills to access technology and use it to enhance their lives. According to AARP, most adults 50-plus are online, but their confidence drops for complex tasks, like spotting scams, highlighting the need for accessible, affordable training.
Programming will begin in September and include:
- “Everyday Uses for AI, or Intro to AI,” Sept. 22, 1-2 p.m.
- “Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness,” Sept. 24, 1-2 p.m.
- “Online Health Resources at a Glance,” Sept. 29, 1-2 p.m.
- “Getting to Know Your iPhone,” Oct. 6 from 3-4 p.m.
- “Using Your iPhone,” a recurring program series running Oct. 12 through Nov. 10, meeting Mondays and Tuesdays from 2 to 3 p.m.
- “Digital Tools for Brain Health,” Oct, 13, 1-2 p.m.
“We’re incredibly proud to receive this investment from AARP to advance our Age-Friendly efforts and make Duluth a better place to live for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds,” said Georgia Lane, Director of Aging Initiatives at Ecolibrium3. “Since 2021, Eco3 has proudly co-led the Duluth Age-Friendly Initiative alongside Duluth Aging Support and a growing network of community partners. By offering AARP’s Senior Planet classes, we can address the digital literacy gap and support people staying connected and informed with rapidly changing technology.”
Those interested in Senior Planet classes should register at ecolibrium3.org/age-friendly/ or call 218-206-6967. To receive updates, follow Ecolibrium3 on Facebook or Instagram or visit ecolibrium3.org to sign up for the newsletter.
