Our Program
Connect& offers scalable community-based programs to spark meaningful connections between participants and deepen intergenerational bonds. Through innovative perspectives on peer-to-peer education, we strive to create a sustainable facilitation models that can be replicated in diverse environments, fostering lasting change and social cohesion for communities across the country.
The Problem
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The surgeon general has identified loneliness and social isolation as an epidemic that is particularly harmful to younger and older adults nationwide. The ramifications of social isolation and loneliness are far-reaching, encompassing detriments to mental, emotional, and physical health.
The Solution
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Research shows that intergenerational engagement has a positive impact on older adults’ cognitive, social, and health outcomes. Additionally, youth who have meaningful social connections with a non-parent adults gain better life trajectories and become more likely to give back to others as they age. Connect& builds on this evidence and holds that bringing together people of different age groups is conducive to qualitatively different ideas and outcomes.
How It Works
Each intergenerational session is conducted with the powerful Connect& formula which ensures that the connections formed between participants are central to their group solution-finding process.
We start with a warm and open check-in, setting the stage for genuine connections. Our activities drive intergenerational learning around a shared experience, while group reflection reinforces our sense of community, and propels our participants towards strengthening the bonds between generations.
Step 1: Learn
We start by learning something new together - such as painting, line-dancing, cooking, or creating with AI - to spark a shared experience where everyone can equally learn and share from their own lived experiences.
Step 2: Reflect
Throughout the event we engage in meaningful conversation that deepens what we're learning. We close our classes by creating space for participants to reflect on the experiences they've shared and encouraging conversation.
Step 3: Build
We finish our time together by sharing food and creating a space to ask for help when we need it. Looking for someone to brainstorm a big decision with? Need a hand learning how to use your new phone? Find support for this and more within your community.
Storytelling
An interactive intergenerational storytelling session that encourages connections, creativity, and the co-writing of a short story.
Cooking
Focusing on the fixed income realities of seniors and college students, this session challenges participants to identify meals that can satisfy their wallet, health and appetites.
Dancing
By promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and honing body mindfulness, cross-generational dancing can improve participants' connections with their peers and themselves.
Painting
Uncovering the hidden talents of participants across generations, painting promotes unfettered creative expression and self-discovery for artists of all ages.
Single Session Courses
Session Series:
Connect& AI
For our first session series, we've set our sights on AI and its potential to revolutionize communication and amplify unheard voices. The AI-facilitated discussions will foster mutual learning and problem-solving, drawing from shared interests such as technology, digital skills, or hobbies and enabling participants to explore new horizons while building meaningful relationships.
Sessions within this series will include:
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AI Storytelling: Using ChatGPT, partners will write a story that captures the fictional possibilities for their future friendship.
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Art with AI: Using Playground AI, partners will develop a series of artwork that illustrates their similarities.
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Children’s Book through AI: Using everything they've learned from ChatGPT and Playground AI, partners will write a children's story about an unexpected friendship between generations.
Join Our Mission
In our startup phase, as we strive to reach our audience and realize our goal of helping people of all ages across the country, your support is the key to our success. Click below to explore the ways that you can join our efforts as a participant, a leader, or a sponsor to help make our vision a reality.