Illinois Program Aims to Match Seniors, Teens to Install Smart, Efficient Devices

The launch date of the Smart Technology Mentors Program of Illinois, designed to pair seniors and teenagers to install smart devices, has been changed to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic, reports Energy News Network . The pilot program was planned to run from January to December of this year, but the pandemic necessitated the elimination of onsite visits, focus groups, and other person-to-person contact. The rescheduled target launch date is January 2021, contingent on sufficient containment of the virus and the securing of additional sponsorship and funding, according to Doug Newman with the Smart Self Reliance Initiative. Three communities will select a coordinator to recruit two school districts, with one or two high schools in each district. Between five and 10 students from each school will be chosen to participate and will be trained in customer engagement and interactions with senior adults and disabled individuals, along with the installation of smart devices.