Empowering Seniors: Portland's Youth and Tech Initiative

Empowering Seniors: Portland's Youth and Tech Initiative

Empowering Seniors: Portland's Youth and Tech Initiative

Tech Oct 22, 2025

In a heartwarming initiative, the Portland-based nonprofit, Your Tech Q, is breaking down digital barriers for older adults. Spearheaded by the passionate 16-year-old Atef Siddiqui, this organization is providing transformative technology literacy workshops, one senior at a time.

A Generous Beginning

The journey began in 2022 with a group of visionary Portland students. Their mission? To offer free digital literacy and technology workshops to communities with a specific focus on older adults. These tech-savvy teens saw a gap and embraced the opportunity to become educators for those who feel left behind in the digital age.

Inspiring Leadership

Atef Siddiqui’s involvement, from a middle schooler tutoring Afghan refugees to leading Your Tech Q, exemplifies dedication. He and his fellow volunteers find immense gratification in the one-on-one interactions and the positive feedback they receive.

“We learn as much from our participants as they learn from us,” Siddiqui notes, highlighting the reciprocal inspiration that fuels the nonprofit’s mission. According to Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB, this collective effort is setting an example on how youth can lead change.

Growth and Expansion

Your Tech Q isn’t stopping at Portland. With chapters in San Diego and Houston, Siddiqui invites young enthusiasts from across the country to join or start chapters, expanding the reach of their empowering mission.

Building a Tech-Savvy Community

These young leaders are not only teaching technology; they’re fostering a sense of community and encouraging lifelong learning among older adults. The written evaluations and joyous interactions speak volumes of the positive impact these sessions have on participants.

The Path Forward

The success of Your Tech Q stands as a testament to the power of youth-led movements. Siddiqui’s hopes for the future of the organization reflect a commitment to nurturing more tech-savvy communities and promoting a culture of learning and growth.

As we look to the future, Your Tech Q’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes all it takes is a group of determined young individuals to change lives and build bridges through technology.

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