2025 Award Recipient

AaronSmolyar

Project Computer Literacy Education Outreach (CLEO) Initiative

Location Florida

Issue Area Senior Support | Technology

Aaron is a co-founder of the Computer Literacy Education Outreach (CLEO) Initiative, a nonprofit working to make technology a bridge—not a barrier—between generations.

Aaron and two of his peers started a club at their high school to empower senior citizens through tech literacy. They recruited teen volunteers to meet with older adults in local retirement communities and provide guidance on using smartphones, computers, and other digital tools.

In addition to bridging the digital divide, these meetings successfully fostered meaningful connections. Seniors began coming to the high school’s football games in custom t-shirts to cheer on their teen tutors.

The club quickly expanded. When CLEO was featured on several news segments, students in other areas began reaching out to start their own chapters. CLEO now has international reach with 40 chapters across the U.S. and one in Australia, and includes 400 teen volunteers who have connected with thousands of seniors in their communities.

Tikkun olam is simply the mission that each of us is destined to fulfill in our lifetime to bring the world closer to its true potential.

Aaron Smolyar

Two people sit talking at a small table with a plant, paper, and phone; another person sits in the background by framed photos.

Computer Literacy Education Outreach (CLEO) Initiative

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide between generations, connecting high school students with seniors to share essential technology skills.