Spectrum, a leading broadband connectivity company, has awarded a $15,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant to Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York (KCSNY) for its ‘”AI Empowerment for Aging Seniors” program.
The weekly program offered by KCSNY, a nonprofit organization assisting Korean Americans and other immigrant communities in the New York City area, teaches seniors how to use artificial intelligence tools for translation, online searches and digital communication.
The curriculum was designed to be hands-on and culturally relevant, a news release from Spectrum said, and intended to help older adults overcome language barriers and digital exclusion to ensure they gain confidence using AI.
It also aims to give seniors digital independence to reduce isolation, access healthcare resources and improve their overall quality of life.
John Shin, director of the KCSNY, said the nonprofit was honored to receive support from Spectrum through the digital education grant for its bilingual AI literacy classes, which are taught to older adults in Korean and Chinese at its Corona and Manhattan centers.
He said seniors are using AI tools — many for the first time — to access services, navigate healthcare and communicate independently.
“The response has been overwhelming — demand quickly exceeded expectations, and we expanded into our center’s cafeteria to accommodate participation,” Shin said. “This program is not just closing the digital divide; it is restoring confidence, connection and a sense of independence.”
Mike Williams, regional vice president of the NYC Region for Spectrum, emphasized the importance of older adults having access to technology and other tools to connect them with resources needed in their every day lives.
“Technology is a powerful equalizer, but only if people have access to a computer and then know how to use it,” Williams said. “Through Spectrum Digital Education, we’re helping our nonprofit partners turn connectivity into real opportunities for their communities, from education and employment to every day connection and independence.”
Local elected officials praised Spectrum for providing KCSNY with the support it needs to assist its seniors in adapting to society’s growing reliance on digitization.
“Spectrum’s $15,000 Digital Education Grant to Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York for its ‘AI Empowerment for Aging Seniors’ program is a meaningful step toward bridging the digital divide — helping older adults use technology safely, confidently and effectively,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino.
Council Member Linda Lee noted that as society depends more on technology, it’s important older adults receive digitally inclusive resources that are culturally competent.
“In an ever-changing technological environment, I am grateful to Spectrum for strengthening digital and AI accessibility for older adults in the AAPI community through this grant to Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York,” Lee said. “Community-based organizations are often the first point of contact for many immigrant New Yorkers, and this funding will help ensure that these groups are able to assist those who need it most.”
KCSNY, the news release said, envisions a world where immigrant communities stay connected to their heritage while contributing to a better society, as well as empower individuals to become independent and thriving members of the community.
The nonprofit helps Korean immigrants and the broader Asian community integrate fully by overcoming economic, health and language barriers through programs in aging, education, immigration, workforce development, public health and mental health.
Spectrum Digital Education, the news release continued, continues to support initiatives that make a tangible impact in communities, such as programs at KCSNY.
In 2025, Spectrum awarded a total of $1.1 million in digital education grants to 55 nonprofit organizations that work to expand access to digital tools, skills training and resources in the communities Spectrum serves.
Since launching in 2017, the news release noted, Spectrum Digital Education has contributed more than $11 million to support 202 unique organizations across Spectrum’s 41-state service area.
According to Spectrum, the program has awarded 382 grants that have helped distribute 20,000 laptops and more than 50,000 sponsored digital education classes, which have benefitted more than 200,000 community members nationwide.
KCSNY is one of four New York City area recipients of the 2025 Spectrum Digital Education grant, which also include Hispanic Federation, Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation and The STEM Alliance.
For more information about the digital education program, visit Spectrum.com/CP/Community-Education.