Empowering elders: Lexington youth bring digital skills training to church
Lexington, Ky. (April 7, 2025) – On a recent Sunday, nearly 200 older adults lined up outside a Lexington, Kentucky, church’s doors to attend essential digital skills workshops taught by students from the Black Males Working Academy (BMWA). Through Connected Nation’s (CN) Teens Teach Tech (TTT), powered by AT&T, program, these young men shared their technology expertise with 185 seniors at no cost.
The students provided the training at the conclusion of Sunday services at First Baptist Church Bracktown on March 2. Participants rotated between two sessions on Android mobile device basics and internet safety.
The team selected Bracktown to host the classes because both the team’s mentors and students attend the church, where a large senior population is eager to support the students.
"It was great seeing our church partner with the students,” said Sherry Coles, BMWA Team Mentor. “We appreciate the support."
During the mobile device workshop, the young men worked patiently with those in attendance, providing guidance on why Androids have difficulties with scanning QR codes.
Many participants commented on the poise and knowledge of the teens, who took complete ownership of their workshops.
During the internet safety class, seniors received information on browsing the internet and being safe online. The participants all had great questions that the teen trainers answered with confidence.
The BMWA students made an impact on everyone in the classes, especially the attendees who talked about coming across many internet scams.
With such a huge turnout, there’s no doubt that these sessions were successful. The young men of BMWA plan to hold more classes soon.
“Recently, other churches in our area have contacted us and extended an invitation to provide the training at their churches for their senior members,” Coles said.
BMWA joined the TTT program in 2024. Since then, the students have trained over 700 Lexingtonians thanks to the leadership of Executive Director of BMWA, Dr. Roszalyn Akins and all the team mentors.
“We are incredibly grateful for Dr. Akins’ visionary leadership and commitment to education and youth empowerment in the Lexington community,” said Heather Gate, EVP of Digital Inclusion at Connected Nation. “Through her efforts, students are not only gaining valuable skills and experiences that raise personal growth, but they’re also making a real impact—helping bridge the digital divide by sharing essential tech knowledge with the older generation. It’s truly inspiring to see young people uplift their community in such a meaningful way.”
The BMWA Team is part of a network of over 700 students that are providing digital skills training in rural and urban communities across the country - helping over 20,000 adults since 2023.
For more information about Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, or to form a team in your community, visit connectednation.org/programs/teens-teach-tech