Our Mission
Our mission is to amplify the brilliance of older and younger generations through mutually beneficial exchanges of skills and wisdom.
The problem: Those who grew up without computers (analog natives) are now left behind and isolated in a society increasingly dependent on new technology. Despite innate technological literacy, younger generations (digital natives) are struggling with loneliness, finding meaningful employment, and unprecedented mental health afflictions.
The solution: Generation Exchange provides critical technological support/computer skill building to analog natives while creating a dynamic service opportunity for young digital natives who need confidence, connection, and real world experience as they embark on their career journey.
Chapters
Generation Exchange provides a scalable model for establishing chapters that serve thousands of people per year of all ages in local communities. Each Generation Exchange chapter provides educational programs including:
Intergenerational technology workshops. Older adults receive technology training from young adults in return for life advice in this mutually beneficial service opportunity.
Employable skills training. Personalized training in practical skills for those struggling to gain employment.
[Coming soon] Certifications. Certifications provided for technical abilities, leadership, and work experience.
Programs are offered in-person or remotely free to participants. Each participant receives one-to-one or small group attention which is very unusual and produces remarkably effective results. In addition to receiving practical skills, our experience to date shows impressive mental health benefits:
Increased technological/digital/computer literacy
Increased employment opportunities
Enhanced sense of self worth and confidence
Decreased social isolation and loneliness
Increased civic duty and trust in the community
History
Generation Exchange began offering free monthly workshops at CU Boulder in 2018 while Co-founder Matt Isola was still in school. As of January 2023 Generation Exchange has had nearly 2,000 participants through online and in-person workshops. The number of participants per workshop has varied from 20-90 people, and the age of participants has ranged from 13-97 years old. In addition to our existing chapters at CU Boulder, CSU Fort Collins, and University of Denver, we are developing additional chapters in rural and urban university communities around Colorado including Mesa University at Grand Junction, and Colorado Mountain College in Salida.