Silicon Valley’s seniors get a crash course in AI

Jacob Shaul, a passionate high school student, has turned his love for technology into a mission to teach coding to a diverse audience, including seniors in assisted living facilities. After self-learning coding, he founded Mode to Code in 2024, aiming to make tech education accessible to everyone. From humble beginnings at his former middle school, the initiative has grown to include 16 volunteers, providing free courses to over a thousand students worldwide. Shaul's groundbreaking program has recently expanded to include seniors, inspired by his mother's suggestion to reach out to local assisted living facilities. In just six months, he has partnered with about 20 facilities, offering weekly classes that cover everything from AI applications to basic tech support. Shaul and his team engage with eager seniors, who often surprise him with their tech-savviness and curiosity. The goal is simple yet profound: to bridge the digital divide between generations. Co-leader Aydin Khaleeli, who joined the initiative to help seniors connect with technology, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of equipping older adults with essential skills to navigate the digital landscape. Their curriculum is tailored to be relevant and practical, addressing real-world applications of technology, such as setting up emails or avoiding online scams. With the alarming rise in scams targeting seniors—reportedly costing them $4.9 billion in 2024 alone—Shaul dedicates time to educating his students about identifying and preventing fraud. His classes foster an open dialogue about the vulnerabilities seniors face, encouraging them to seek help and share their experiences. As the population of older adults continues to grow, the demand for technology solutions catering to their needs is on the rise, a sector known as AgeTech. Companies are investing heavily in this area, recognizing the potential to enhance the lives of seniors through technology. Shaul's collaboration with an IT service company, The Smarter Service, highlights this trend, providing additional resources for his students. Despite his ambitions in computer science, Shaul is committed to ensuring Mode to Code thrives beyond his involvement. He believes in the power of face-to-face interaction, which has proven effective in creating a comfortable learning environment. His success lies not just in teaching technology, but in forging connections that empower seniors to embrace the digital world. As seniors like Paulette Aroesty share their newfound tech skills—like using FaceTime to connect with family—Shaul’s initiative proves that technology can bridge generational gaps, fostering community and understanding one lesson at a time.