What began as a small community service project has grown into something far less technical — and far more meaningful.

Every Friday during the academic year, a group of Chapman students walks into the Orange Senior Center, sits beside a senior citizen with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and starts helping.

The program began in 2017 when Chapman student Jacob Pace (’20) launched a tech tutoring initiative for local seniors. Eight years later, members of Beta Theta Pi fraternity continue the weekly tradition, offering one-on-one help to older adults navigating an increasingly digital world.

But students and seniors say the program is about far more than troubleshooting devices.

Kamy Merrit, Director of Operations & Programming at the Orange Senior Center, has watched the program grow over the years. Seniors come in with a wide range of needs — setting up email, renewing DMV registrations online, ordering groceries through Instacart, or accessing medical portals.

“Living in a technology-driven society — even going to the doctor and accessing medical records requires basic skills,” Merritt said. “This allows them to do many things on their own. It gives them that freedom.”

Over time, something unexpected happened.

“It’s turned into more than just a class,” Merritt said. “It’s almost like a grandparent-grandchild relationship.”

For senior psychology major Lyle Diaz, who helps coordinate the effort for Beta Theta Pi, the weekly visits have become one of the most meaningful parts of his Chapman experience.

“You get caught up in school and everything else,” Diaz said. “To come here for an hour and help someone right in front of you and see how happy it makes them — it’s a feeling you get addicted to.”

Students and seniors often catch up about school, vacations, and family. Diaz recalled being invited to help a couple set up their home computer.

“They made me dinner and packed food for my roommates,” he said with a laugh. “They really do fill that emptiness when you start to miss home.”

For seniors, the help — and the companionship — matter just as much.

“I always depend on them if I have questions,” said Orange resident Lelita Oliveros. “They’re very helpful, very patient, and respectful.”

As Merritt notes, the program’s consistency is what makes it special.

“They show up every Friday,” she said. “We really appreciate the love and care they have for our seniors.”

Eight years after it began, the program continues to bridge generations — one conversation at a time.