Technology Trained by Teens is a nonprofit created last year by Fox Chapel Area High School junior David Feder of Indiana Township.
Students from Fox Chapel Area High School volunteer their time and talents outside school hours to anyone who needs a helping hand navigating the cyber/tech/digital world.
Feder was inspired to do so when his grandmother required his assistance to learn how to set up her new television.
The nonprofit is not affiliated with the school district.
"I wondered, 'How many other people need help learning how to use their television?'" Feder said. "From that day, I knew it was imperative to help offer support to those who need it."
David's sister, Mikayla, a freshman, handles social media for the nonprofit.
"Just take your time, and we're here for a reason: to help," Mikayla said. "There's a need. There's a lot of people that don't feel comfortable reaching out to their family members, and they don't want to bother them."
To date, the volunteers have assisted nearly 100 people with their technology needs.
There is no fee for the service and tipping is not allowed.
Most requests come from senior citizens, but anyone can seek help.
Adam Ferris, a junior from Fox Chapel, decided to volunteer after jokingly running an IT desk to help out family members.
"We just figured there was a better way to solve this," said Ferris, who is particularly interested in computer programming.
"We don't have to always be in person helping," Ferris said.
In addition to the Feders and Ferris, the volunteer roster includes Ben Werner, Andrew Wagner, Aiden Dorneich and Murugan Ayyanar.
Services provided include hourlong personalized seminars to fit the needs of a group or individual, one-on-one technology training sessions (in person or via Zoom) and a technology help hotline.
Summer seminars have been held at several retirement communities: Lighthouse Point Village in Fox Chapel, Hampton Fields Village in Hampton and Harmony at Harts Run in Glenshaw.
Topics covered include smartphone tips, iPhone settings, WhatsApp, Uber and Uber Eats, Amazon, scams and Internet safety, social media such as Facebook, email, texting, basic technology questions, FaceTime and using Apps.
"I won't pretend like we know everything. We use trial and error and Google searches."
Volunteers travel to senior homes and private residences to help people. Sessions at the Cooper-Siegel Community Library and on Zoom also are offered.
Murugan Ayyanar of Aspinwall recalled one session where he helped a senior citizen download a solitaire app.
"We helped her, and she was so happy. It was a great feeling," Ayyanar said. "To see someone so joyful over such a small thing, it's a great feeling in general."
Mikayla Feder said the benefits from volunteering are many, including having nonprofit/volunteering experience on their college application portfolios.
"I want to major in business, specifically marketing, so handling the social media is good experience for me," she said.
"Our end goal for this organization is a bit lofty but we want to close the digital divide. We'd love to have other people join in and volunteer," Ferris said.
Fox Chapel resident Ron Schmeiser, 92, is a retired accountant who needed assistance with his television and cellphone.
"I follow the stock market closely, and he helped me with that on my phone. It was marvelous. They're so smart," Schmeiser said. "Next, I want to order Apple movies, and they will help me. I wanted to pay him them but he wouldn't take it. I have only positive things to say about them."
To volunteer, email technologytrainedbyteens@gmail.com.
To schedule a tech appointment, call 412-204-7490.
©2023 The Valley News-Dispatch (Tarentum, Pa.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
