Bluepeak Empowers Seniors in Wyoming with Digital Skills Training Program Through Wyoming State Museum Partnership

Participants and instructors of the Digital Skills for Seniors training program sponsored by Bluepeak stand for a photo at the Wyoming State Museum on Nov. 28, 2023.

(CHEYENNE, Wyo.) Feb. 26, 2024 – Cheyenne seniors are greatly increasing their comfort level with digital tools thanks to the Digital Skills for Seniors training program sponsored by Bluepeak Fiber at the Wyoming State Museum. Through the ongoing digital literacy sponsorship, Bluepeak has empowered seniors in Wyoming to navigate their devices and apps with confidence and proficiency.

The eight-week course welcomes Cheyenne area seniors to learn digital skills from a Wyoming State Museum volunteer instructor. The digital training courses are offered throughout the year. In the most recent course, fifteen participants aged 63 to 87 reported significant gains in their comfort with devices and apps. The average rating for users’ comfort with digital technology rose by 77.6% while they reported their skills with mobile applications increasing by 77.3%, according to the results of the post-course evaluation.

“We at Bluepeak Fiber are very proud to support our community through the Wyoming State Museum’s Digital Skills for Seniors program and we’re inspired by the growth in digital literacy and confidence among the participants,” said Lana Frank, Bluepeak Chief Commercial Officer. “By empowering individuals with essential digital skills and expanding access to high-speed, fiber internet, we are committed to fostering greater inclusion, connectivity, and opportunity for all.”

The training and support from Bluepeak address a significant need among older populations in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and nationwide. According to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) study, digital fraud is among the most common and effective forms of internet scams perpetrated on the elderly.

• On average, seniors over 65 lose more than $1,000 per year to scams, according to the FTC research.
• For those over 80 years old, that amount climbs to more than $1,700, on average.
• Altogether, seniors were swindled for $159 million in tech support scams in 2022, a 117% increase over 2021.

The skills and confidence from the training improve users’ ability to stay safe online, allowing the Digital Skills for Seniors training participants to better avoid falling victim to scams. Thanks to Bluepeak’s support, the Wyoming State Museum will be able to provide two additional courses this year, one for Apple students in the spring and another for Android users in the fall.

Other notable outcomes from the most recent program included participants reporting the adoption of new technologies like the purchase of a new smart device, starting social media accounts and downloading and using new apps during the course. Additionally, all the participants who submitted post-course assessments expressed satisfaction with the program, noting its effectiveness in meeting their learning goals.

Moreover, participants shared their newfound knowledge with friends and family members, extending the program’s impact beyond the classroom and fostering digital inclusion within their communities.

Seniors in Cheyenne interested in the training are encouraged to call the Wyoming State Museum at 307-630-2573. Callers should leave a voicemail that mentions the Digital Skills class and include their first and last name as well as a phone number where they can be reached.

For more information about Bluepeak’s social impact, visit mybluepeak.com/resources/social-impact. To check out service options or sign up for the latest Bluepeak Fiber expansion updates in Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie and Sheridan, Wyoming, visit mybluepeak.com.

About Bluepeak

Bluepeak is a new kind of internet provider bringing fast, reliable, affordable internet to places that have needed better options for too long. The company has roots serving Great Plains and Midwest communities going back 30 years. As the need for internet in the region has evolved so has Bluepeak, upgrading and expanding service to several markets in South Dakota, southwest Minnesota, Oklahoma, Wyoming and North Dakota with the newest cutting-edge technology. These expansion efforts include multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, community involvement and growth through local hires. Bluepeak is earning the trust of customers and businesses through simple, affordable offerings, responsive, reliable customer service and transparent pricing. The company’s unique approach to delivering internet service has earned Bluepeak accolades for customer satisfaction, network performance, workplace culture and meaningful community partnerships. Visit www.mybluepeak.com to learn more.