>> Senior citizens have been gathering in China town over the past several years to learn how to use technology.

>> But since the Trump administration's recent termination of many federal grants, their future with digital education is uncertain in partnership with students at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

We explore how these digital literacy efforts take shape.

Here's June.

>> Enough.

>> Chinatown.

Residents like 66 year-old move clock and her husband.

>> Have learned to use their phones to navigate daily life in an increasingly digital world says town.

>> kind come >> The camera phone as as their second pair of eyes to check-in comedians.

>> of this year.

Then a few tops on an AI tool.

Help them decide what to buy.

>> on the messaging app, we chat vehicle friend asking if she needs anything from the Gomes have been learning how to use to phones every Monday in classes such as this one.

But have for today to the coalition for better Chinese American community also known as CBC AC started holding the classes during the pandemic to help seniors learn how to use digital tools.

doing just maybe find it.

>> Do they do Because I I had all the times over >> But he made 2025 the Trump administration terminated.

If federal grants that have been funding the classes, grant that was cut to U.S.

roughly $50,000 the federal equity capacity Grant awarded more than 23.7 million dollars to Illinois.

This grants provided resources for residents across the states to access the Internet and online services in Chicago that equity coalition distributed to grants to dozens of community groups in underserved and low-income communities, including in Chinatown.

>> This idea that, you know, these are the extreme yes benefits you know, people don't deserve to have that.

They're not necessary.

Or that, you know, these are communities that.

You know, this administration is seeking to help.

>> Roughly 25% up.

Residents in Chicago's Chinatown are 65 and older.

Almost double the city's overall average.

Very few people.

>> You know, really know or have internalize this information about, you know, the fact that there are a lot of seniors in Chinatown and they live, you know, below the poverty line.

Cbc AC Holtz digital literacy classes and one-on-one tech appointments for seniors.

>> enter your candidate, number >> The classes are designed to help seniors use defense to overcome the language barrier why yet?

But name.

>> That one local Now you might vehement?

>> Take public transportation.

>> one who go toe to to those an going I see it.

so that could tent.

>> Another government services and benefits.

guy who the Limon, >> So will the fully with the end.

And when they do seems all so we were going with the Color King wanted for seniors, phones and the More than technology.

>> They are a lifeline to community and connection.

University Chicago student Michelle to volunteers at what she show what he used >> She says helping seniors.

It's very rewarding.

Once a grandma wins.

>> Just giving snacks after is expensive banks and it was just really kind.

And I don't think.

I don't experience that.

And like every day, life.

>> Even with the federal grant funding ran short.

And that's not enough for of >> full program.

That's enough to support part staff salary and not even enough for a lot of printing and a lot of resources.

>> longer than normal, wait current leave.

This to have this habit to citizens help.

At this point.

City says we can help immediately.

>> Hannah Summit Buds researches digital appetit for you Chicago.

She says making only access fear means confronting longstanding patterns of segregation and disparity in Chicago.

>> One of these different social fact is due a alongside people not having these and additional skills.

So we need to talk is a social issue.

>> Cbc AC recently received a $25,000 Grant from the Julian Grace Foundation, private organization to continue as to to literacy programs, but without federal support.

It remains unclear how long these classes will be able to serve.

Seniors like the gongs of you to do news and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

I Am your home.