Ashbury Center Helps Seniors Bridge Digital Divide

Nonprofit teaches computer skills to seniors and younger adults in Cleveland

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center (ASC3) in Cleveland is a nonprofit that provides free computer and internet training to senior citizens and younger adults. The center teaches everything from basic computer skills to using online tools like email, video calls, and medical portals. ASC3 also provides refurbished computers and helps connect students with affordable internet access. The goal is to close the digital divide and ensure seniors can fully participate in today's digital society.

Why it matters

As more essential services and social connections move online, it's critical for seniors to have digital literacy skills. ASC3 is addressing barriers like fear of technology, lack of affordable devices and internet, and limited technical support that prevent many older adults from accessing the internet and digital tools. By providing free classes and resources, the center is empowering seniors to stay connected, manage their finances and healthcare, and thrive in the digital age.

The details

ASC3 was founded in 2002 and has served over 10,000 seniors in Cleveland. The center offers free computer classes twice a week in eight-week sessions, covering basics like email, online banking, and video calls. Volunteer instructors, including past students and university students, provide one-on-one guidance. ASC3 also gives refurbished computers to students and works with organizations to help cover internet costs. The curriculum comes partly from the national nonprofit Senior Planet from AARP. In addition to seniors, the center serves 'mature adults' aged 45-64 and young adults 18-40, fostering intergenerational learning.

  • ASC3 was established in 2002.
  • The center has served about 10,000 seniors since it opened.

The players

Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center (ASC3)

A nonprofit organization in Cleveland that provides free computer and internet training to senior citizens and younger adults.

Wanda Davis

The executive director of ASC3.

Jenny Pennington

A 75-year-old East 110th Street resident who has been taking classes at ASC3 for about two years after overcoming her fear of computers.

Edward Scott

An 86-year-old East 135th Street resident who learned to type at ASC3 along with his wife, Theresa Scott.

Theresa Scott

A 74-year-old resident who took computer classes at ASC3 with her husband, Edward Scott.

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What they’re saying

“When I first started, I didn't even want to turn a computer on. I was fearful and didn't know how to maneuver through this.”

— Jenny Pennington (thelandcle.org)

“We are now a digital society. Just about 90 percent of everything our seniors have to access is online, including their health, their finances, reaching their kids and e-commerce. It's an everyday skillset now that they need through their laptops, desktop computers, phones or tablets.”

— Wanda Davis, Executive Director, ASC3 (thelandcle.org)

“This is a very good place to be. The training, the information – and they are very kind and friendly. They show you, direct you, open you up and keep you updated. The instructors here are very knowledgeable.”

— Theresa Scott (thelandcle.org)

What’s next

ASC3 plans to open a sixth satellite office at Cleveland Clinic's South Pointe Hospital in Warrensville Heights.

The takeaway

By providing free computer and internet training, the Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center is helping close the digital divide for seniors in Cleveland and ensuring they can fully participate in today's digital society. The center's intergenerational approach also benefits younger adults, fostering connections and knowledge-sharing across age groups.