Rural Older Adult Rejuvenation (ROAR) Initiative

Approximately 46 million Americans (15 percent of the U.S. population) live in rural areas (USDA, 2022). 22% of that rural population is considered to be older adults who are aged 65 years and older (United States Census Bureau, 2019). Furthermore, 54% of  American Indian or Alaska Native people live in rural and small-town areas (Hathaway, 2021). In 1990, nearly half (48%) of the American-Indian elderly population aged 60 years and over resided in rural areas (John, 1996). In the United States, rural communities are faced with unique health and safety challenges that often go unaddressed due to limited resources and access to care. Aging in place is a growing trend among older adults in rural areas, where they prefer to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. However, aging in place in sparsely populated areas presents several challenges such as limited caregivers, affordable housing, and safety risks due to physical changes such as vision and hearing loss, cognitive decline, mobility limitations, and self-care difficulties.

NA rural older adults, in particular, experience pronounced health disparities among other racial and ethnic groups, and they often lack access to quality healthcare services. According to the Indian Health Service, Native Americans experience a higher rate of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, which are often associated with environmental factors such as poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and exposure to environmental toxins (Indian Health Service, 2019).

Rural older adults, particularly Native American populations, face unique challenges in aging in place, including pronounced health disparities, limited access to healthcare services, and inadequate community resources. The physical changes that accompany aging, such as vision and hearing loss, cognitive decline, and mobility limitations, pose additional safety risks for this population. Addressing these challenges and promoting health equity, well-being, and independence for rural older adults in Native American communities is crucial.

To address these challenges, this proposal seeks to develop a multipronged initiative aimed at developing effective ways for Native American Rural Older adults to age in place safely. The ROAR initiative is a 3-year pilot study with 2 years of project implementation and the 3rd year used for project evaluation, that will be conducted in the Northeast District of Oklahoma, which is one of the 11 administrative districts in the state. It includes 11 counties in Northeast Oklahoma: Craig County, Creek County, Delaware County, Mayes County, Nowata County, Osage County, Ottawa County, Pawnee County, Rogers County, Tulsa County, and Washington County. This proposal focuses on counties that are considered tribal land. Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized tribes and over 400,000 Native Americans and has the second-largest Native American population in the United States.

 The primary objective of the ROAR initiative is to improve the quality of life of NA rural older adults living environments by providing universal design solutions that are implemented by themselves through spatial design workshops for retrofitting homes cost-effectively, and safely for them to age in place. The workshops will integrate universal design principles, ADA guidelines, smart home technology, and sustainable design principles. The secondary objectives of the initiative include developing a visuospatial training program for rural NA older adults to co-design their homes, providing learning opportunities for county educators on safe and sustainable cost-effective environmental design solutions through summer workshops, and providing internships for undergraduate students through the guidance of an advisory board consisting of industry professionals and faculty members allowing place-based learning opportunities.

Native American older adults in Oklahoma.

The ROAR project has four primary objectives aimed at supporting rural older adults in aging in place safely.

Objective 1 focuses on developing an OSU student-centered service for home modifications. Inputs include funding, collaboration with professionals and faculty, partnerships with community organizations, and resources for retrofitting. Activities involve creating a home retrofitting service, forming partnerships, offering internships, and conducting workshops. Desired outcomes include improved safety and accessibility of homes, increased knowledge and skills in retrofitting, and a sustainable program.

Objective 2 aims to create a visuospatial training program for rural Native American (NA) older adults to co-design their homes. Inputs involve collaboration with community elders, resources for visuospatial training, and community partnerships. Activities include visuospatial training sessions, co-designing homes, and follow-up assessments. Outcomes consist of increased knowledge and skills, improved accessibility and safety, and increased ownership and control of living environments for rural NA older adults.

Objective 3 seeks to provide learning opportunities for county educators on safe and sustainable environmental design solutions. Inputs include collaboration, resources for training sessions, and community partnerships. Activities involve conducting training sessions, providing resources to integrate universal design principles and ADA guidelines, and facilitating knowledge-sharing. Outcomes include increased knowledge and skills, incorporation of design principles and guidelines, and increased collaboration among educators.

Objective 4 focuses on developing a scholar’s program for assisting rural older adults in retrofitting their homes. Inputs involve collaboration, partnerships, funding, and resources for retrofitting. Activities include developing the program, recruiting and training scholars, and conducting follow-up assessments. Outcomes encompass increased accessibility and safety, enhanced knowledge and skills, and a sustainable program.

The ROAR project's inputs, activities, outcomes, and impacts aim to improve safety and accessibility, increase knowledge and skills in retrofitting, empower rural NA older adults, enhance educators' expertise, and establish a sustainable support program for aging in place.

The target population for the ROAR project comprises rural older adults, specifically Native American (NA) older adults residing in the Northeast District of Oklahoma. These individuals face unique challenges in aging in place due to limited resources, access to care, pronounced health disparities, and lack of quality healthcare services.

To understand their needs, the project involves collaboration with community elders, community-based organizations, and local county educators. The initiative seeks to engage the target population directly by conducting visuospatial training sessions and co-designing homes with rural NA older adults. In doing so, the project ensures that the needs and preferences of the community are incorporated into the solutions developed.

The solution addresses their needs through four primary objectives:

1. Developing an OSU student-centered service to assist rural older adults in modifying their homes for safe aging in place, thereby improving safety and accessibility.
2. Creating a visuospatial training program for rural NA older adults to co-design their homes, increasing their knowledge, skills, and ownership of their living environments.
3. Providing learning opportunities for county educators on safe and sustainable environmental design solutions, enhancing local capacity to support the community's needs.
4. Developing a scholar's program to assist rural older adults in retrofitting their homes, ensuring a sustainable and long-term support system.

The initiative collaborates with community elders, incorporates local knowledge and perspectives, and empowers rural NA older adults to take control of their living environments. By doing so, the project ensures that the developed solutions are culturally appropriate, relevant, and directly benefit the Indigenous community it aims to serve.

Dr. Tilanka Chandrasekera (Oklahoma State University) will act as the Principal Investigator and will be primarily responsible for the development, coordination and dissemination of the educational modules, given his prior experience with the similar curriculums and workshops, as well as other creative educational endeavors such as hackathons. He is a trained Architect and his educational background is in Design education and Digital technologies, such as VR and AR. He currently leads the Mixed Reality Lab at Oklahoma State University. The fiscal and administrative oversight for the project will be provided by the Principal Investigator (PI) with the assistance of the project team. The PI will oversee the overall management of the project, including the budget, timelines, and progress towards objectives. He will be involved throughout the project year 1-3

Dr. Gina Peek is the Associate Dean for Extension, Engagement and Continuing Education in the College of Education and Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University and Assistant Director, Family & Consumer Sciences at OSU Extension. With her experience working with county educators and extension services she will be primarily focus on coordinating and communicating with county educators in the Northeast  District in the state of Oklahoma as well as work with other community partners and stakeholders. She will be involved throughout the project year 1-3

The PI and co-investigators will manage relationships and communication through regular collaboration, establishing a clear communication plan with partners. A governance structure will outline roles, responsibilities, decision-making processes, and data-sharing protocols. Issues will be addressed promptly through this structure. The team will also establish a system for tracking progress, ensuring objectives are met on time and within budget.

The ROAR project faces several financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers that Solve can help overcome. By connecting the project with the right partners and resources, Solve can significantly advance the initiative's goals.

1. Financial: Securing funding for project implementation, including resources for retrofitting homes, training sessions, workshops, and scholarships. Solve can connect the ROAR project with potential funding partners or organizations interested in supporting such initiatives, ensuring the project's long-term sustainability.

2. Technical: Access to cutting-edge technology and expertise in universal design, ADA guidelines, smart home technology, and sustainable design principles. Solve can link the project with experts and organizations specializing in these areas, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the proposed solutions.

3. Legal: Navigating legal requirements, permits, and regulations related to home modifications, retrofitting, and working with Indigenous communities. Solve can provide access to legal experts and resources to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

4. Cultural: Understanding and incorporating Indigenous cultural values and practices into the project. Solve can connect the ROAR project with Indigenous-led organizations or experts who can provide valuable insights and guidance on culturally appropriate solutions and community engagement strategies.

5. Market: Identifying and overcoming market barriers related to the adoption of sustainable and accessible home designs in rural areas. Solve can facilitate connections with market experts, industry professionals, and potential partners to help the ROAR project develop strategies to overcome these barriers and ensure widespread adoption of the proposed solutions.

Solve aims to connect Solver teams with partners who can provide both monetary and non-monetary support, which aligns well with the ROAR project's objectives. By leveraging Solve's network, resources, and expertise, the ROAR project can overcome these barriers and successfully implement its solutions to improve the lives of rural older adults, particularly in Native American communities.

Tilanka has extensive experience working with Native communities in the region, demonstrating his commitment and expertise in addressing the unique challenges these communities face. He currently leads a $1.5 million NSF-funded project focused on after-school STEM programs for different tribes in the region. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities, promote interest in STEM fields, and create a positive impact on Indigenous communities.

Tilanka's experience and established relationships with Native communities are invaluable assets for the ROAR project. His leadership and understanding of the cultural nuances within these communities can significantly contribute to the project's success by ensuring culturally sensitive and relevant solutions. His connections with various tribes will facilitate collaboration, trust-building, and open communication, which are essential in developing and implementing effective interventions.

Furthermore, Tilanka's expertise in managing large-scale, externally funded projects adds credibility to the ROAR initiative, increasing the likelihood of securing funding and support from potential partners. His experience in STEM education also complements the project's objectives, especially in providing learning opportunities for county educators and students in safe and sustainable environmental design solutions.

Tilanka's background in working with Native communities, leading a significant NSF-funded project, and his expertise in STEM education will contribute greatly to the ROAR project's success. His involvement will ensure the development of culturally appropriate, effective, and sustainable solutions for rural older adults in Native American communities, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and ability to age in place safely.

The ROAR project approaches the problem of aging in place for rural older adults, particularly Native American older adults, in a new and significantly improved way by integrating multiple innovative strategies and focusing on community engagement and empowerment. Key differentiators of the ROAR project include:

1. Comprehensive and holistic approach: The project addresses various aspects of aging in place, such as home modifications, visuospatial training, education of county educators, and establishment of a scholar's program. This comprehensive approach ensures the target population's needs are met from multiple angles, enhancing the effectiveness of the solution.

2. Community engagement and empowerment: The ROAR project actively involves the target population by co-designing homes with rural NA older adults and incorporating their needs and preferences. By engaging the community in the process, the project fosters a sense of ownership and control over their living environments, which contributes to long-term success and sustainability.

3. Capacity building and knowledge transfer: The project invests in educating county educators and students in safe and sustainable environmental design solutions. This approach promotes local capacity building and ensures that the knowledge and skills gained remain within the community, leading to long-lasting positive impacts.

4. Culturally sensitive solutions: The project emphasizes collaboration with community elders and Indigenous-led organizations, ensuring that the developed solutions are culturally appropriate and relevant. This focus increases the likelihood of widespread acceptance and adoption of the proposed interventions.

The ROAR project could catalyze broader positive impacts by inspiring other organizations and initiatives to adopt similar comprehensive, community-driven, and culturally sensitive approaches. It can serve as a model for other projects targeting different populations or addressing other challenges faced by rural communities. By demonstrating the effectiveness and sustainability of such an approach, the ROAR project can encourage more investment in similar solutions, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Furthermore, the ROAR project has the potential to change the market by increasing awareness and demand for accessible, safe, and sustainable home designs in rural areas. As more rural older adults and communities recognize the benefits of these home modifications, market players may be encouraged to develop and offer products and services catering to this growing need. Additionally, the increased demand for universal design principles and ADA-compliant solutions may prompt regulatory changes and incentives, further promoting safe and accessible housing options for aging populations.

Next Year Impact Goals:

1. Establish the ROAR project infrastructure, including partnerships with community-based organizations, industry professionals, faculty members, and technology centers.
2. Train at least 50 rural older adults in visuospatial design and co-design their homes for safer aging in place.
3. Retrofit at least 25 homes of rural older adults to improve accessibility and safety.
4. Educate 20 county educators on safe and sustainable environmental design solutions, enabling them to integrate these principles into their teachings.
5. Provide internships and practical experience for 10 undergraduate students in retrofitting homes and environmental design solutions.

To achieve these goals, we will secure funding, develop training programs and workshops, establish partnerships, recruit participants, and actively engage the target population.

Five Year Impact Goals:

1. Retrofit at least 200 homes of rural older adults, significantly improving their safety and accessibility for aging in place.
2. Train and empower at least 300 rural older adults in visuospatial design and co-design techniques, enabling them to take control of their living environments.
3. Educate at least 100 county educators, resulting in widespread integration of safe and sustainable environmental design solutions in educational programs.
4. Establish a sustainable scholar's program to assist rural older adults in retrofitting their homes, with at least 50 scholars trained and actively working in the community.
5. Inspire similar projects in other regions, leading to a broader positive impact on rural communities across the country.

To achieve these long-term goals, we will continuously refine and expand the project based on feedback and evaluation, secure long-term funding and support, and disseminate the project's success and learnings to encourage the adoption of similar approaches in other regions.

The impact goals outlined above will guide the ROAR project towards creating a transformational impact on the lives of rural older adults, particularly Native American older adults, by improving their living environments, empowering them to take control of their homes, and building local capacity to address the challenges of aging in place.

Project Evaluation: The success of the ROAR project will be evaluated through a comprehensive plan that aims to assess the effectiveness of the project in achieving its objectives. The evaluation plan will include various tools and methods to measure the satisfaction of older adults, their spatial abilities, health conditions, and post-occupancy evaluations. The data collected will be analyzed to determine the impact of the project on the targeted population and to identify areas for improvement. The evaluation process will be conducted throughout the project's duration, with the final evaluation taking place at the end of the third year. The results of the evaluation will inform the project's stakeholders and help guide future interventions to improve the health and well-being of rural older adults. The county educators will be assisting the research team with this section of the project.

Older Adults' Satisfaction:

a. Survey: Conduct a survey with a Likert scale (1-5) to measure the level of satisfaction with the retrofitting service provided.

b. Focus Groups: Conduct focus groups with older adults to gain in-depth feedback about their experiences with the retrofitting service, identify any challenges and receive recommendations for improvements.

c. Testimonials: Collect testimonials  about their experience with the retrofitting service.

Spatial Abilities:

a. Neuropsychological Assessment: Administer standardized neuropsychological assessments to measure changes in spatial abilities.

b. Spatial Design Challenge: Develop a spatial design challenge that allows the older adults to demonstrate their newly acquired skills.

Health Conditions:

a. Medical Records: Collect and review the medical records of the older adults to determine if any changes in health have occurred since the start of the project.

b. Health Assessments: Conduct health assessments to measure changes in physical and mental health over time.

Post-Occupancy Evaluations:

a. Building Performance Evaluation (BPE): Conduct a BPE to measure the performance of the retrofitted homes and determine if the retrofitting has improved the quality of life for the older adults.

b. Interviews: Conduct interviews with the older adults to measure the perceived impact of the retrofitting on their quality of life.

Process Evaluation:

a. Documentation Review: Review documentation related to the project, such as project plans, budgets, and reports, to evaluate how well the project has been managed and whether it has stayed on track.

b. Stakeholder Feedback: Gather feedback from stakeholders such as community organizations, industry partners, and funding agencies to determine their perceptions of the project's success.

Overall, these evaluation methods will provide a comprehensive assessment of the project's success in achieving its objectives and outcomes. The results of these evaluations will inform future decisions about program implementation and resource allocation.

The Rural Older Adult Rejuvenation (ROAR) Initiative aims to develop and implement spatial design workshops for retrofitting homes cost-effectively and safely for rural older adults to age in place. The ROAR initiative will also develop a visuospatial training program for rural Native American (NA) older adults to co-design their homes, provide learning opportunities for county educators on safe and sustainable cost-effective environmental design solutions, and provide internships for undergraduate students.

Our theory of change is that by providing a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to address the challenges of aging in place for rural older adults, particularly Native American older adults, we can improve their living environments, empower them to take control of their homes, and build local capacity to address these challenges.

The logical framework for the ROAR project is as follows:

1. Activities: a. Develop an OSU student-centered service for home retrofitting. b. Conduct visuospatial training and co-design sessions with rural Native American older adults. c. Educate county educators on safe and sustainable environmental design solutions. d. Establish a scholar's program to assist rural older adults in retrofitting their homes.

2. Immediate Outputs: a. Improved safety and accessibility of homes for rural older adults. b. Increased knowledge and skills of students, older adults, and county educators in retrofitting techniques and environmental design solutions. c. Empowered rural Native American older adults with ownership and control of their living environments. d. Established partnerships with community-based organizations, industry professionals, and faculty members.

3. Longer-term Outcomes: a. Improved quality of life for rural older adults, particularly Native American older adults, through safer and more accessible living environments. b. Increased local capacity to address the challenges of aging in place through trained educators and scholars. c. Broader adoption of safe and sustainable environmental design solutions in rural communities. d. Replication of the ROAR project approach in other regions, leading to widespread positive impacts on rural communities.

The evidence supporting the existence and strength of these links comes from multiple sources:

1. Third-party research: Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of home modifications, visuospatial training, and education programs on the quality of life and well-being of older adults, particularly in rural settings.

2. Findings from evaluations: Process and impact evaluations conducted during the project's pilot phase and ongoing evaluations will provide data to refine and improve the ROAR project's approach and interventions, ensuring their effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

3. Interviews with the target population: Feedback and insights from rural older adults, community elders, and other stakeholders will be essential in tailoring the project's approach to the specific needs, preferences, and cultural context of the target population.

By linking the project's activities to immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes for the target population and using evidence to support these links, the ROAR project's theory of change aims to create a transformational impact on the lives of rural older adults, particularly Native American older adults, and contribute to healthier, safer, and more inclusive rural communities.

The core technology that powers our solution is a combination of modern and traditional approaches that focus on home retrofitting, visuospatial training, and educational programs. This technology-driven solution aims to create safer, more accessible living environments for rural older adults, particularly Native American older adults, while preserving cultural knowledge and values.

1. Home Retrofitting: Our solution employs smart home technology, including sensors, IoT devices, and assistive tools that improve safety and accessibility for older adults. By integrating these technologies into existing homes, we can address mobility limitations, cognitive decline, and self-care difficulties faced by older adults.

2. Visuospatial Training: We leverage software and digital tools such as Virtual Reality to facilitate the co-design process for rural Native American older adults. These tools enable older adults to visualize and plan their home modifications, ensuring that the changes meet their needs and preferences. This technology empowers older adults to take an active role in designing their living environments.

3. Educational Programs: Our solution incorporates online platforms, digital resources, and software applications to deliver training sessions and workshops to students, county educators, and older adults. These tools enable participants to learn about retrofitting techniques, environmental design solutions, universal design principles, and ADA guidelines in an accessible, engaging format.

4. Traditional Knowledge Systems: We acknowledge the importance of traditional, ancestral, and natural technologies in our solution. By incorporating centuries-old building techniques, local materials, and indigenous knowledge systems, we ensure that our approach is culturally sensitive and sustainable, honoring the heritage and values of the Indigenous communities we serve.

Our technology-driven solution combines modern innovations with traditional wisdom to create a comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach to addressing the challenges faced by rural older adults, particularly Native American older adults, in aging in place safely and comfortably.

We are a part of a research team at Oklahoma State University

Our approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work is multifaceted and intentional. We believe that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment is crucial for the success and sustainability of our solution. To achieve this, we focus on the following aspects:

1. Leadership Team Diversity: We strive to build a diverse leadership team, with members representing different cultural backgrounds, genders, ages, and areas of expertise. This diversity enables us to bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to our work, fostering innovation and ensuring that our solution is culturally sensitive and relevant.

2. Community Engagement: Our solution is centered on working closely with the Native American communities we aim to serve. We actively engage community members, elders, and local organizations throughout the development and implementation of our solution. This engagement ensures that our work is grounded in the unique needs and perspectives of the communities we serve and promotes a sense of ownership and empowerment among community members.

3. Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: We recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and competence in our work. Our team is committed to continuous learning and improvement in this area, and we regularly participate in cultural competency trainings and workshops. We also collaborate with cultural advisors and community partners to ensure that our solution aligns with the values, traditions, and practices of the Indigenous communities we work with.

4. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Our solution is designed to be accessible and inclusive for all participants, regardless of their abilities, age, or socioeconomic status. We provide training materials and resources in various formats and languages, and we incorporate universal design principles and ADA guidelines into our work to ensure that our solution is accessible to people with disabilities.

5. Internal Policies and Practices: We actively review and update our internal policies and practices to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization. This includes hiring and promotion practices, professional development opportunities, and the creation of a supportive and inclusive work environment.

By incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into every aspect of our work, we aim to create a solution that truly benefits and empowers the rural older adults and Native American communities we serve, while fostering innovation and ensuring the sustainability of our project.

Our business model focuses on creating social impact by providing value to rural older adults and Native American communities through a sustainable and scalable approach. Our key customers and beneficiaries are rural older adults, particularly Native American older adults, local community organizations, and educational institutions.

Products and Services:

1. Home Retrofitting Services: We offer a student-centered service to help rural older adults modify their existing homes to age in place safely. This includes assessments, customized design plans, and implementation support for home modifications.

2. Visuospatial Training Program: We develop and deliver a training program for rural Native American older adults to co-design their homes, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their living environments.

3. County Educator Training: We provide learning opportunities for county educators on safe and sustainable cost-effective environmental design solutions, equipping them with the tools and resources to integrate universal design principles and ADA guidelines into their teachings.

4. Internships and Scholar's Program: We offer internships and a scholar's program for undergraduate students, enabling them to gain practical experience in retrofitting homes and working with rural older adults.

Revenue Streams:

1. Grants and Donations: We seek funding from government agencies, foundations, and private donors to support the development and implementation of our services and programs.

2. Service Fees: In the future, we could charge a nominal fee for our home retrofitting services, which is based on a sliding scale to ensure affordability for all clients. This fee covers a portion of the costs associated with materials, labor, and program administration.

3. Partnerships: We collaborate with local community organizations, educational institutions, and industry professionals to leverage their resources and expertise in support of our mission. These partnerships may involve in-kind contributions or cost-sharing arrangements, further enhancing the sustainability of our solution.

Our business model is designed to create a sustainable and scalable solution that meets the needs of our target population while generating revenue to support our operations. By providing value to rural older adults, Native American communities, and educational institutions, we aim to create a lasting impact on the lives of the people we serve.

Our plan for financial sustainability involves a combination of revenue streams, strategic partnerships, and resource optimization to ensure long-term viability and scalability.

1. Diversify Revenue Streams: We will focus on diversifying our revenue sources to reduce dependency on a single funding source. Our revenue streams will include grants and donations, service fees for home retrofitting, training and workshop fees, and collaborations with local organizations for cost-sharing arrangements. By diversifying our revenue, we can mitigate financial risks and create a more stable financial foundation.

2. Strategic Partnerships: We will establish and maintain strategic partnerships with local community organizations, educational institutions, and industry professionals. These partnerships will not only enhance our credibility and reach but also provide access to resources, expertise, and potential funding opportunities. Working collaboratively with partners will help to share costs, increase efficiency, and leverage resources for mutual benefit.

3. Cost Optimization: We will continually assess and optimize our operational costs to ensure financial efficiency. This includes adopting cost-effective technologies, utilizing volunteers and interns for certain tasks, and seeking in-kind contributions from partners when possible. By minimizing overhead costs and maximizing the value of our resources, we can allocate more funds to our core programs and services.

4. Measure and Communicate Impact: We will regularly measure, evaluate, and communicate the impact of our solution to stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the communities we serve. Demonstrating the effectiveness of our solution will help attract funding, build credibility, and showcase the value of our work.

5. Explore Additional Funding Opportunities: We will actively seek and apply for relevant grants, awards, and funding opportunities to support our mission. We will also consider exploring social impact investing or other innovative financing mechanisms to secure capital for scaling our solution.

6. Building a Strong Brand: We will focus on building a strong brand and reputation for our solution by consistently delivering high-quality services, engaging with our target communities, and sharing success stories. A strong brand presence will help attract donors, partners, and clients, contributing to our financial sustainability.

By implementing this multifaceted approach to financial sustainability, we aim to create a stable and self-sufficient organization that can continue to serve rural older adults and Native American communities effectively and responsibly, even as our solution scales and evolves.

Our plan to achieve financial sustainability has been successful so far, as evidenced by the various grants we have received, which demonstrate recognition and support for our work in different areas. Some examples of these grants include:

1. A $45,079 grant for the development and evaluation of a VR-based skills and safety training prototype for meat processing from the Secretary of Agriculture, Oklahoma.
2. A $12,000 grant from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for the Design Thinking Summer Academy, which offers sustainable spatial design workshops for high school students.
3. A substantial $1,497,659 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for engaging Native American students in STEM career development through a culturally-responsive after-school program using virtual environments and 3D printing.
4. A $10,000 grant from the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) Academic Alliance Seed Fund for the STEM through Design project, which focuses on digital media workshops for Native American middle school girls.
5. Research project grants in Humanities-, Arts-, and Design-based disciplines (HAD research grants) of $9,302 and $9,312 for projects related to Artificial Intelligence in early design processes and the study of Computer Aided Design and its effect on design ideation, respectively.

These grants showcase the credibility of our work and the potential for future financial sustainability. As we continue to deliver successful projects and demonstrate our impact, it is likely that we will attract additional funding from various sources, further contributing to our financial sustainability.