For seven years, the University of Rhode Island (URI) Engaging Generations Cyber-Seniors Program has utilized university student mentors through an internship format and integration within service learning courses. In 2019, community interest in the program significantly increased as did student interest in gerontology internships. This led us to develop a robust internship program focused on building age and digital inclusivity across campus and the state of RI. The program integrates a three-pronged approach where students complete field hours within the URI Cyber-Seniors program, focus on enhancing the Career Readiness Competencies employers seek in graduates today as determined by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and complete the components necessary to earn the Geriatric Education Center Interprofessional Teamwork in Geriatrics and Gerontology Certificate. This process has enabled 350 students from different majors, including Pharmacy and Human Development & Family Science, to complete internship experiences ranging from 30 to 210 hours.
The University of Rhode Island Engaging Generations Cyber-Seniors Program was first implemented in the fall semester of 2015. URI students from 15+ majors have supported the digital competency of older adults in Rhode Island each semester and summer session since its inception. Gradually over time, we modified and expanded this in-person program to meet student, older adult, community partner, and faculty needs. The pandemic led to our program expanding exponentially due to new grant funding opportunities, new partnerships, and student interest. This presentation will address strengths and challenges of implementing this program state-wide in a small, mostly urban state with community partners, mostly involving senior centers. We will describe moving from in-person to phone/virtual and now to a hybrid model. Last, we will explain the program’s efforts to conduct formative and summative evaluation research to assess program output and examine outcomes for students and older adults in the program.
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