Every Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m., student volunteers from the Fountain Valley High School Public Works Club’s Tech Tutor program head over to the Fountain Valley Senior Center to help assist the seniors with various technological inquiries.
Seniors can sign up for appointments with the student Tech Tutors. Through step-by-step explanations, the tech tutors answer any technological questions the seniors may have. The goal is to not only fix the problems, but to help the seniors understand how to utilize their newly acquired knowledge to address any similar tech problems they may encounter in the future.
Seniors can receive assistance for a variety of issues, ranging from problems using a particular device, downloading a document, recovering an email or even rearranging apps on a device.
“The program is a great opportunity for students to volunteer and is also a way for seniors to easily and locally get help with their technology problems without having to pay a fee,” said Public Works Club Co-President Mason Tran, who volunteers as a Tech Tutor.
The program began in 2022 when club members identified the growth of technology and the internet in the everyday lives of many. With the elderly population typically experiencing trouble with navigating through the evolving technologies, Public Works Club members said they saw an opportunity to use their tech-intelligent minds to assist others.
“Some seniors may not have grandchildren or family around them able to help with these problems so these Tech Tutors are able to give their helping hand,” Tran said. “It always feels nice to help out others with kindness, and we provide that opportunity to these tech tutors.”
Not only does the program provide an opportunity for tech assistance, but tutors and seniors are able to interact, sharing stories and increasing connections among community members.
Regarding Tech Tutor assistance, drops-in are welcome, but appointments are highly recommended. Appointments can be made in-person at the Senior Center or by calling the center at (714) 593-4446.
“I hope that this program also expands toward other senior centers in other local cities that don’t already have this technology help,” Tran said. “I also hope word of the program reaches a bigger elderly audience so that we can provide as much help as possible. The program is consistent and stable, and we hope to continue providing our best assistance.”