Tech Savvy Teens Partners with Spectrum to Empower Kūpuna
On July 15, Tech Savvy Teens had the privilege of partnering with Spectrum to bring digital literacy and one-on-one technology support to kūpuna in Puna, Hawaiʻi Island. The event was more than just a technology workshop—it was a reminder of what can happen when local businesses, community organizations, and young people come together to ensure no one is left behind in our increasingly digital world.
From scheduling doctor's appointments through telehealth to protecting themselves from online scams, today's technology has become essential to everyday life. Yet for many kūpuna, navigating smartphones, computers, and the internet can feel overwhelming without patient, personalized guidance.
That's where our teens step in.
Youth Leading with Purpose
Tech Savvy Teens is a youth-led workforce development program that trains teenagers to become one-on-one technology coaches for kūpuna. Through hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and real community service, our youth develop valuable workplace skills while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
During the Puna event, our teen technology coaches worked side-by-side with kūpuna, answering questions, troubleshooting devices, improving digital confidence, and providing encouragement every step of the way. The atmosphere was filled with patience, laughter, curiosity, and genuine connection as generations learned from one another.
Thank You to Spectrum
We are incredibly grateful to Spectrum for investing in digital inclusion across Hawaiʻi and for supporting programs that build stronger, more connected communities. Their partnership helps make it possible for us to expand access to technology education while preparing Hawaiʻi's next generation of technology leaders.
By supporting opportunities like this, Spectrum is helping create lasting impact—not only by improving digital access for today's kūpuna, but by empowering local youth with leadership, communication, and technology skills that will serve them for years to come.
Building Stronger Communities Together
Every workshop reminds us that closing the digital divide isn't just about devices or internet access. It's about confidence. It's about relationships. It's about ensuring our kūpuna can safely participate in today's digital world while creating meaningful opportunities for young people to grow into leaders.
Mahalo to the kūpuna who joined us with open minds and willingness to learn, to our incredible teen volunteers who continue to inspire us with their kindness and professionalism, and to Spectrum for believing in the power of community partnerships.
Together, we're proving that when generations come together through technology, everyone benefits.
We look forward to serving even more communities across Hawaiʻi as we continue cultivating digital confidence—one conversation, one device, and one relationship at a time.
