UB students bridge digital divide at Delavan Grider Community Center’s Senior Citizen Tech Day

By Sonia Grant

Held on March 29 at the Delavan Grider Community Center, the students worked one-on-one with older adults, helping them navigate their smartphones, tablets and computers. Whether setting up email accounts or troubleshooting devices, the goal was clear—to empower the community through technology.

However, the impact of the day stretched far beyond tech tutorials. In the center’s computer lab, UB students expanded the number of functional workstations from three to eight, ensuring more young students who participate in the center’s after-school program could access technology for homework, research and skill-building. UB students also upgraded devices to ensure that every computer could perform essential tasks such as resume writing and job searches, critical tools for community members striving for economic empowerment.

“I am incredibly proud of our UB students and the professionalism, care and expertise they bring to this work,” said Monica Miles, an assistant professor in the UB Department of Engineering Education who collaborated with Grant on the event. “Engaging with the community through STEM-based service not only benefits those we serve but also strengthens our role as a university that listens, learns and actively contributes to meaningful change.”

Candace Moppins, executive director of the Delavan Grider Community Center, also emphasized the significance of the collaboration. “Partnerships like this with the University at Buffalo are invaluable,” she said. “When students share their knowledge and skills with our community, they don’t just fix computers, they inspire. Their presence shows our youth that they, too, can achieve great things in STEM and beyond.”

The initiative was also supported by Christina Escobar, SEAS associate director of outreach programs. Several UB student groups volunteered, including Men of Color in STEM, STEMinism, and the UB Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.

The Delavan Grider Community Center has long been a cornerstone of Buffalo’s Black community, providing essential resources, educational opportunities and a safe gathering space. Through outreach, the UB students demonstrate that STEM education is about both innovation and impact, says Grant.

“I am a firm believer that education is freedom, as bell hooks said,” shared Holliday Sims, a UB doctoral student in engineering education. “I would absolutely encourage all UB SEAS students who want to see how their work impacts real communities to visit Delavan Grider, their local community center, and volunteer at least once. Something that seemed simple to me—like moving around a few monitors and wires—brought me so much fulfillment and happiness. I also got a few more ideas for my dissertation and research questions.”

Marley Nembhard, an undergraduate student studying computer engineering and mathematics, added, "Visiting the Delavan Grider Community Center to help senior citizens with their technology reminded me that knowledge is most powerful when shared. Seeing their faces light up with confidence as they navigated their devices proved that no one is ever too old to learn. As I continue my education in Buffalo, I want to do more for this community—bridging generations through patience, empowerment and the belief that everyone deserves access to the digital world."

The question most asked by participants: “How soon can you come back?”