After realizing there was a serious demand among older adults to get connected to the latest technology, CU-麻豆影院 students Josh Chen and Anthony Levy launched Technology Bridges, or .
The eight-week program is a self-guided curriculum where clients meet one-on-one with 鈥渢ech mentors," who are trained CU-麻豆影院 student volunteers. Using what is called the mentor-mentor program, student volunteers assess the needs and goals of each participant and create a course for each individual.听
"The goal of tBridges is to bring people from different generations together, so that they can give to each other, learn from each other and gain a new perspective," said Chen, a senior studying leadership, human resources, communication and management. 鈥淚f I had to stress anything, it鈥檚 that we really get to know each individual first and then try to teach them."
Tech mentors are not just teaching seniors how to use technology, but are working to build relationships with the senior community in and around 麻豆影院, according to Levy.
"Older adults and kids from my generation generally don't hang out, and this is a problem," Levy said. "Older adults and my generation have so much to give to and to learn from each other. I'm passionate about creating avenues for people from different generations to connect."听
Chen also feels that it鈥檚 important to connect older generations with younger ones, but realized it can be difficult to do so because starting conversations among the two, where both sides relate, can be challenging. For Chen and Levy, technology seemed like the perfect way to bridge that gap.
鈥淲e want to increase awareness that anybody can do this and we invest in our mentors to prepare them with career development and success so that people get where they are going long after they leave us,鈥� Chen said.
Chen and Levy took advantage of (SOFO), an office in the University Memorial Center that supports student life at CU through student groups, to get tBridges up and running.
TBridges also will be presenting at this year鈥檚 about age discrimination in the business world and how companies can help avoid this perception.
Although tBridges currently operates as a non-profit, it is in a transition stage with the possibility of turning to a traditional business model and even expanding.
鈥淚 think I鈥檝e always been intrigued by cool ideas and how to bring them to life," Chen said. "It鈥檚 come from both a natural desire to make the world a better place and a childlike curiosity.鈥澨�
Chen, who describes himself as a social entrepreneur -- he's more concerned about making a positive impact in the world, as opposed to striking it rich -- advises other students interested in pursuing something entrepreneurial to take advantage of their current situation in one of the nation's leading entrepreneurial locations.
鈥淪urround yourself with lots of people that challenge you to think differently," he said. "You are the company you keep, and be open to hearing new and even slightly unusual ideas.鈥�
Technology Bridges is seeking new student volunteers, for more information visit or contact Chen.
Have an idea? More information about entrepreneurship opportunities on campus:
