Cape Tech Interns Keep Residents Plugged In

ORLEANS – We may be living in a technological age, but getting a feel for our phones,  tablets and other devices can sometimes be difficult. But an ongoing collaboration between the town and Cape Cod Regional Technical High School is helping close the digital literacy gap locally.

With Device Advice, student interns from Cape Cod Tech give their time at Snow Library and the town’s council on aging helping people troubleshoot their various technological issues. Those might include physical issues with their gadgets or questions about online safety and cybersecurity. 

The program was honored last month with the Spirit of Massachusetts award as part of this year’s Massachusetts Excellence in Technology Awards. On Sept. 24, the select board recognized Cape Cod Tech Superintendent Robert Sanborn and Troy Averett, Aaron Newman and Finn Jordan, students in the school’s information technology program, for the honor.

“I have to say, and I’m sure all the board members and staff are excited to have the opportunity to recognize some really outstanding individuals who have made a difference in the lives of many people in our community,” select board Chair Kevin Galligan said.

The town said in a press release that the Device Advice program was created in an effort “to provide real-time, one-on-one assistance” to residents and visitors “without the need for an appointment.” Feedback to the program has been “overwhelmingly positive,” the town said, with some clients attending the program weekly.

“This program truly embodies what local government and regional collaboration can achieve,” Town Manager Kim Newman said. “By empowering students to share their skills and giving our residents the support they need in a judgment-free, welcoming environment, Device Advice has become one of our most celebrated community services.” 

Snow Library Director Tavi Prugno said the town had tried to work with other organizations previously to provide a similar service with little luck. Meanwhile, the technical help that library staff can provide to patrons can sometimes be limited, he said.

“It’s serving a great need,” he said of the program. “Prior to this, we would have to help people whenever we could. But we really don’t have one designated person as an expert. We all kind of pitch in and help whenever there’s an issue.”

But the interns, who were born into our current era of 24/7 technology, are in a unique space to provide expertise to others. What’s more, he said, they’re able to adjust as technology continues to evolve.

“You need people who are aware of all of the latest, because all of this stuff changes,” Prugno said.

And while the Device Advice program is about helping others, Sanborn in the release added that the program has proven equally valuable to participating students, giving them the opportunity to “apply their education in real-world settings, build communication skills, and see the direct impact of their work on people's lives.”

Prugno said he sees that “customer service oriented” approach in interns’ interactions with patrons. In some cases, interns will take devices home and work on them after hours until an issue is resolved.

The program is held on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and on select Mondays during the same time at the senior center on Rock Harbor Road. Those interested in seeking help are advised to check the town’s online community calendar for exact days and times.

Prugno said the success of the program, which started in March and was initially expected to wrap in June, has led to its continuation through the end of the current school year in June 2026.

“I’d just love it to keep going,” he said.