CONNECT at UCLA
CONNECT is a student-led initiative focused on building meaningful intergenerational relationships, supporting older adults, and creating a stronger sense of care and community through service.
Bringing generations together
CONNECT at UCLA is dedicated to building meaningful intergenerational relationships by supporting older adults through companionship, wellness checks, and consistent human connection.
We strive to create a safe, respectful, and engaging environment where students can give back in a meaningful way while helping reduce isolation and improve quality of life for elder individuals in our community.
Real Stories from Our Visits
Mom and Dad LOVE having Lilit and Harry over once a week to visit. This week they even helped Dad assemble his new walker. Mom and Dad don’t always get a lot of connection… so having this program has really made a big difference.
Today they put together my air fryer and showed me how to use it, and my earplugs which are those tiny little things that escaped my fingers. I really appreciate more than you’ll ever know these little acts of kindness.
I love my team from UCLA. The girls are so sweet and helpful and I wanna adopt them as my granddaughters!!!
Janna, thank you for your amazing gift… drawing my childhood home. The drawing means so much to me. Please know I’m very grateful for this gift.
Working with Westside Pacific Villages
CONNECT is proud to build in partnership with Westside Pacific Villages, an organization dedicated to helping older adults remain connected, supported, and engaged in their communities.
This partnership reflects our shared commitment to companionship, wellness, and meaningful intergenerational relationships. Together, we hope to expand opportunities for students to serve while supporting older adults with consistency, care, and respect.
News & Updates
Pilot Program Recap
This past spring quarter, CONNECT ran its pilot program with a small group of students dedicated to reducing social isolation in aging populations, in partnership with Westside Pacific Villages.
Read more →
Applications Opening for Fall 2026
CONNECT is expanding next school year. We'll be accepting applications soon for Fall 2026 — keep an eye out, or fill out our interest form to be notified.
Go to Apply page →The people behind CONNECT
Keira Hundhausen
Keira is a second-year Bioengineering major at UCLA on the pre-medical track. Through her work as an EMT, she witnessed firsthand how many older adults lack consistent social connection, even in moments of vulnerability. These experiences inspired her to start CONNECT as a way to bring genuine companionship and happiness to seniors, while giving students the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Maya Trengove
Maya is a second-year MCDB major with a minor in Bioinformatics at UCLA. As Marketing Director of CONNECT, she is passionate about amplifying the organization’s mission and building awareness around the importance of supporting older adults. With a deep care for the elderly community, she works to create thoughtful outreach and engagement that brings more students into meaningful, connection-driven service.
Summer Wang
Summer is a second-year student at UCLA studying Biology and Statistics, and is on the pre-med track. She's originally from New Jersey, where her family and dog, Champ, live. In her spare time, she loves being outside, snowboarding, and playing pickleball.