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Aaron Casillas intended to retire in Las Cruces, New Mexico and enjoy the Organ Mountains and abundant sunshine. But the technologist couldn’t ignore the lack of internet connectivity and tech education.
“I was sitting on my couch thinking, I could do this, ride off into the sunset,” he says. “I could do all that, but there just seemed to be so much that needed to be done, and I had some skills that maybe could help.”
In 2023, the Mycelia Foundation was born to expand digital access for rural, low-income families in New Mexico. The nonprofit, one of this year’s five winners of AARP’s Purpose Prize, builds affordable broadband internet networks, provides digital literacy education and distributes free and low-cost devices. So far, Casillas and his small team have served more than 250 residents in Las Cruces and are expanding to Deming, New Mexico, to provide free broadband to more than 600 households.
Learn more about Casillas and his AARP Purpose Prize win at the link in our bio.
📷 : @cassidy_araiza #AARP #PurposePrize #MakingADifference
