Word by World: Bridging the AI Gap for Seniors in the DMV

In an era where artificial intelligence is transforming daily life, two Fairfax students are on a mission to ensure no one, especially seniors, gets left behind. Word by World, a new student-led initiative founded in early 2026, aims to make AI more equitable and accessible. 

The organization was started by Lakshmi Katrapati and Anika Kesarwani, two college students from Fairfax who recognized a growing digital divide in their community. Since launching just two months ago, Word by World has already partnered with seven organizations across the DMV region, with a strong focus on senior centers. The team has reached approximately 200 community members through interactive presentations and workshops.

One striking finding emerged early in their work. During sessions with 170 seniors, the team asked a simple question: “How many of you have heard of AI before today?” Roughly 73% raised their hands to indicate they had never heard of artificial intelligence. This statistic became a powerful motivator for the young founders.

The presentations covered practical topics in plain language: what AI actually is, how to spot AI-generated content, simple ways to protect personal information online, and the positive ways AI can be used in healthcare, communication, and daily life. Sessions were highly interactive, with seniors often sharing their own experiences and asking thoughtful questions. 

Many seniors had important revelations during the workshops. Several realized that phone calls from what sounded like family members in distress could actually be AI-generated voice clones. Others were surprised to learn how easy it is to create fake videos and images, and they immediately connected this to recent news stories they had seen. A number of attendees also discovered that AI tools could help them stay connected with grandchildren or manage health reminders.

The workshops have sparked meaningful conversations and visible relief among attendees. Many seniors expressed surprise at how relevant AI already is to their daily lives and appreciation for learning how to protect themselves from emerging scams. This feedback has reinforced the importance of making tech education patient, respectful, and accessible.

So far, Word by World has collaborated with senior centers and community organizations in Fairfax, Loudoun, and other parts of Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing gratitude for the clear explanations and newfound awareness.

Katrapati and Kesarwani believe that AI literacy is becoming an essential life skill, especially as technology advances rapidly. By starting with seniors, a group often overlooked in tech education, they hope to create a more inclusive digital future.

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand their reach, develop more tailored workshop materials, and potentially create a mentorship component where students and seniors can continue the conversation beyond the initial presentations.

Word by World demonstrates the power of student initiative and intergenerational connection. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, ensuring that knowledge and protection are available to everyone, regardless of age, is not just important. It is necessary.

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