As part of Teen Tech Tutors, Alive Naperville Teen Advisory Board members provide tutoring services to older adults in multiple senior living communities throughout our area
This unique program is supported by a grant through AT&T to fund the Teen Tech Tutors program, an intergenerational initiative where trained teen leaders provide one-on-one technology assistance to older adults throughout the community.
Powered by Alive’s signature Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™ model, Teen Tech Tutors does more than teach technology. The program strengthens digital literacy and access for seniors while cultivating leadership, confidence, and purpose in teens, bridging generational divides through meaningful, human connection.
“Thanks to the generosity of AT&T, our teens will be able to reach even more seniors who are struggling to keep up in today’s digital world,” said Kandice Henning, Founder and CEO of the Alive Center. “This grant allows us to empower teens to take on meaningful leadership roles while providing a vital service that promotes connection, independence, and inclusion for older adults.”
About Teen Tech Tutors
Teen Tech Tutors empowers teens ages 15–18 to assist seniors with essential technology skills, including using smartphones and tablets, video calling, email, telehealth apps, and online safety best practices. Offered at no cost to participants, the program has already helped many older adults feel more confident, capable, and connected in an increasingly digital world.
With support from AT&T, the Alive Center will:
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Expand programming across its Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park locations
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Train additional teen leaders in digital literacy, customer service, and mentorship
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Increase access for underserved seniors in surrounding communities
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Enhance tutoring experiences by utilizing technology and learning tools through AT&T’s Connected Learning resources
Impact Beyond Technology
Teen Tech Tutors directly addresses social isolation, one of the greatest health risks facing older adults today while offering teens real-world leadership experience, professional skill-building, and a strong sense of purpose. In 2024, more than 78% of Alive teens reported increased confidence, and 71% reported improved leadership skills through programs like Teen Tech Tutors.
Through Teen Tech Tutors, Alive teens are not only closing the digital divide, they’re building relationships, strengthening communities, and proving that when teens are trusted to lead, everyone benefits.
During a recent Teen Tech Tutoring session to a local senior living center, teens spent the afternoon helping residents with everyday tech, showing them how to send text messages, navigate apps, and stay connected with family and friends.
What started as a simple tech lesson quickly became something much more meaningful. Through patience, kindness, and genuine connection, our teens are building bridges across generations and making a real difference in the lives of seniors in our community.