Vincentian Collaborative System (VCS) is offering free room and board to six students in a one-year intergenerational residency through LaRoche University, trading no-cost accommodations for their tech-savvy skills.

LaRoche president Sister Candice Introcaso says the program is part of the school’s transition from a college to a university, and she hopes it’s the start of something big in an environment already changing demographically.

“By 2030, almost a quarter of the residents of Pennsylvania will be above 65 years old,” says Introcaso. “When you have that kind of population surrounding you, and you’re an educational institution, it’s incumbent on you to serve that part of our community.”

Nick Vizzoca, president and CEO of Vincentian, says the program combats social isolation for both seniors and students.

Senior business major Ricardo Serrano-Perez, who moved into Terrace Place this month, says he’s already making friends. He’ll be tasked with offering technical assistance and hosting recreational classes using Vincentian’s Alexa and K4Connect smart systems, which allow residents to communicate, text and call one another.

Learn more at 90.5 WESA.

Source: Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Website, posted by Spalding Hurst (manager of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s communications efforts in design and technology in the Office of Mission Advancement).