When Andrew Rogge joined digitalLIFT in 2023, he was driven by curiosity.
He had always assumed that younger generations naturally knew how to navigate technology. But as he began meeting learners from different backgrounds, he quickly realized that digital literacy gaps exist across all ages.
He was surprised to meet adults in their twenties who didn’t know how to set up an email account, and he became fascinated by the different ways people engage with technology. He also noticed interesting patterns in the communities he served, such as why Spanish-language voicemail boxes often remained empty while English-language messages poured in. These observations sparked a deeper interest in understanding the barriers that prevent people from fully participating in the digital world.
Today, Andrew brings that same curiosity and compassion to every learner he meets.
At digitalLIFT’s Tech Labs, learners come seeking help with what others might consider simple tasks: deleting emails, managing smartphone settings, recognizing scams, or navigating online accounts. For Andrew, these moments are opportunities to empower people rather than simply fix a problem.
“I always try not to do things for people,” he explains, “rather point to what they need to click or tap so they can learn and remember.”
One learner in particular stands out. An older adult, a regular at Tech Lab, always arrived eager to learn but often felt frustrated by her devices. Andrew patiently worked with her on a number of tasks, from understanding how email works to navigating a tablet with a confusing keyboard layout. Over time, he watched her confidence grow as she learned new skills, attended classes at the library, and proudly worked toward earning certificates.
The impact of Andrew’s support extends beyond technology. In one memorable case, he helped a learner troubleshoot an internet service issue that had gone unresolved for more than a year. After spending time on the phone with customer service and advocating on her behalf, he helped secure a full year’s worth of billing credits.
“It felt like such an accomplishment,” Andrew recalls. “I was happy as if it were my own money.”
While practical skills are important, Andrew believes the most meaningful outcomes are often personal. He regularly hears that learners no longer feel comfortable asking family members for help, and they are grateful for his work. Others return week after week not only for technical assistance but also for conversation and connection.
Some learners have greeted him with hugs. Others have jokingly told him he could be their new grandson. One participant now stops by every week just to say hello and catch up.
These moments remind Andrew that digital inclusion is about more than devices and apps. It’s about helping people stay connected to information, to services, to loved ones, and to their communities.
One of his favorite activities is helping learners communicate with family members who live far away. Whether through WhatsApp, WeChat, email, or video calls, technology can help bridge thousands of miles.
“When someone is the only person in this country and can talk to loved ones back home, that’s powerful, heartwarming!” he says.
After three years with digitalLIFT, Andrew continues to see firsthand how patience, encouragement, and human connection can transform someone’s relationship with technology. Every new skill learned, every question answered, and every moment of confidence gained helps close the digital divide; one click at a time.
Along the way, he has also discovered an unexpected benefit of the work. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, and having studied German, Mandarin, and Japanese, Andrew embraces opportunities to support learners in their preferred language. Working in senior centers has allowed him to practice languages he rarely uses in daily life while helping learners feel more comfortable asking questions and building trust.
For Andrew, digital inclusion is about more than technology. It is about communication, culture, and creating meaningful connections that help people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
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