In May 2024, Pranaya Rishi, a junior at Irvington High School had an idea while volunteering at a memory care center. Inspired by the need for meaningful interaction between seniors and students, she founded Nxt Gen Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors with memory challenges
The mission was simple yet important: to create connections that bring joy, foster understanding, and most importantly, encourage cognitive engagement.
Pranaya Rishi—president and founder—along with vice president Lissa Lu, a sophomore at American High School, lead this student-driven initiative with the goal of fostering intergenerational relationships. “We wanted seniors to feel valued and connected while giving students an opportunity to make a real impact,” Rishi said.
Since its inception, Nxt Gen Alliance has been helping people through innovative programs and heartfelt engagement. One of the highlights has been storytelling sessions where students create and read personalized books to seniors.
Each student writes their own story, incorporating sensory elements such as textured materials, scents and vivid illustrations to spark memory recall. These books are then read aloud in one-on-one sessions, where students engage seniors with questions weaved into stories, designed to encourage cognitive activity and reminiscence.
With over fifteen volunteer-made books, the group is building their own collection to start donating to memory care centers near them.
“Through Nxt Gen Alliance, I’ve witnessed firsthand how sensory books can spark joy and
connection for seniors with neurodegenerative conditions,” says Pranaya Rishi. “It’s incredible to see how something as simple as touch and color can transcend memory loss and foster moments of genuine engagement. This discovery has inspired us to reimagine how we connect with older generations, reminding us that innovation and empathy can go hand in hand.”
In addition to storytelling, the alliance has organized creative activities to connect with seniors during the holiday season. These included a non-toxic clay event where participants shaped keepsakes, hand turkeys with feathers for Thanksgiving and ornament painting for Christmas. Nxt Gen Alliance sold the ornaments at the Ohlone Small Business Fair, raising funds to support future initiatives.
Fundraising has played a crucial role in supporting these programs. A fundraiser at Mission Peak recently raised $200, which will go toward expanding the organization’s materials.
The alliance places a strong emphasis on equipping its volunteers with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact. With over twenty high school volunteers and fifteen officers, the organization conducts workshops focused on communication techniques, sensitivity training and program-specific guidance.
Specialized sessions also guide volunteers in creating sensory books that resonate with seniors. Recently, the initiative expanded to include twelve middle school volunteers, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the program while also fostering deeper understanding and empathy both with seniors, and people in different age groups working to a common goal.
Nxt Gen Alliance’s vision extends beyond local impact. The organization aspires to create a model for intergenerational engagement that can inspire others. Community members are encouraged to support the mission by volunteering, donating or sponsoring events. To learn more or get involved, visit nxtgenally.org.
