(L-R) Miles Kealing, Field Representative for Asmb. John Harabedian; Peter Hidalgo, Spectrum, Director of Gov. Affairs; Akila Gibbs, Pasadena Senior Center, Exec. Dir.; Dion Ferguson, PSC, Director of Operations; Adrianne Sears, Spectrum, Director of Gov. and Community Strategy; and Miriam Brown, LA County Department of Mental Health, Deputy Dir. of Emergency Outreach and Triage (Photo – Spectrum)
The Pasadena Senior Center has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Spectrum through the company’s 2024 Spectrum Digital Education program, aimed at enhancing digital literacy among seniors in the Pasadena and Greater San Gabriel Valley area.
By News Desk
This is the second consecutive year the nonprofit has received support from the program, bringing Spectrum’s total contribution to the Center to $25,000. The funds will be used to purchase new digital devices, upgrade the Center’s computer lab, and expand digital education offerings for older adults, including bilingual computer classes and courses on email use, online safety, and digital arts.
“The Spectrum contribution will fund opportunities which enable older adults to feel comfortable with and empowered by technology,” said Akila Gibbs, Executive Director of the Pasadena Senior Center. “Our members will now have access to new Microsoft Windows tablets. Tasks such as creating emails, identifying online frauds and researching available resources for older adults will now be a part of our quarterly technology curriculum.”
The grant was presented during a mental health workshop for seniors affected by the Eaton Fires, with Pasadena City Councilmember Justin Jones and Spectrum executives in attendance.
“I am pleased to congratulate the Pasadena Senior Center on being awarded a $10,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant,” said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo. “Their efforts towards connecting seniors to digital technology and critical online resources have continued to help enrich lives and bring immense value to our community. Thank you Spectrum for your partnership and supporting their mission for the second year.”
The Pasadena Senior Center provides a wide range of services for older adults, including nationally recognized enrichment programs, a food bank, a health clinic, and housing resources. The new grant will further its mission by supporting technology access and education.
The award is part of Spectrum’s broader commitment to digital inclusion. In 2024, the company is awarding a total of $1.3 million to 66 nonprofit organizations across its 41-state service area. Since launching the initiative in 2017, Spectrum Digital Education has committed more than $10 million to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities.
“Connectivity is the foundation for meaningful learning, professional growth and human connection,” said Keri Askew Bailey, Group Vice President of State Government Affairs for Spectrum. “Spectrum Digital Education supports programs that empower community members to enhance their lives with connectivity.”
Since its inception, the program has helped distribute more than 18,500 laptops and sponsor over 40,000 digital education classes, benefiting more than 163,000 people nationwide.
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