A student-led nonprofit is working to close the technology gap for older adults in Santa Barbara.

TechIQ for Seniors pairs local students with seniors for free, one-on-one help with the devices and tools that increasingly shape daily life, from smartphones and online safety to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

The organization’s Santa Barbara division is led by Marlow Rogers, a local student who serves as its chief operating officer and chief technology officer.

“Santa Barbara is home, and these are my neighbors,” said Rogers. “A lot of seniors here feel left behind by new technology. Our students sit down with them one-on-one so it feels approachable instead of overwhelming, and so they can stay safe and stay connected with their families.”

What sets the program apart is its individualized approach. Rather than lecturing to a room, TechIQ pairs each senior with a student volunteer who works through their specific questions at their own pace.

The group has partnered with multiple senior living communities across Santa Barbara to host free workshops on topics including online safety, smartphone use and new technologies.

The model also creates a connection between two generations that do not often cross paths. Students gain a chance to serve their community and share what they know, while seniors gain patient, judgment-free help from someone happy to explain things twice.