OASIS Gets $625,000 for Older-Adult Technology Programming

AT&T will donate $625,000 to a -based organization for its technology training aimed at adults ages 50 and older.

President John Sondag of AT&T-Missouri announced the contribution to during a news conference Friday at the Monsanto Family YMCA, 5555 Page Ave. Speakers said the funding will support the economy by equipping older Americans with the computer skills needed to apply for jobs.

"That gift will allow OASIS to increase and develop more curriculum for older adults," said , president of the organization, said after the announcement.

The Connections technology training will be offered in St. Louis and 17 other cities such as Los Angeles; San Diego, CA; Indianapolis; Washington, D.C.; Dallas, TX; Miami; and Atlanta, Kerz said.

The curriculum offered by OASIS differs from other technology training because it is based on research showing how older adults learn, she said. For example, class booklets feature pictures of a computer screen at each stage of training, enabling students to follow along and then practice what they've learned later.

Kerz referenced a two-year study conducted by the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. It found OASIS students "demonstrated a significant increase in both computer and Internet knowledge, including an understanding of basic concepts, icons and terminology," an executive summary states.

Among those in attendance at the news conference: OASIS Board Chair Cynthia Brinkley, AT&T-Missouri President John Sondag, and representatives from the offices of St. Louis City Mayor Francis Slay, Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO), Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO).

The OASIS headquarters is located on Carondelet Avenue. OASIS has an office and holds programs at .