Overview
The Foster Grandparent Program engages older Americans in service to youth/students within schools and educational settings. Foster Grandparents are under the supervision of teachers/other school professionals such as principals. Seniors 55 years or older perform one-on-one service with young people. Income-eligible senior volunteers in the Foster Grandparent program receive a modest stipend to help offset the costs of volunteering. Some examples of volunteer activities include the following:
- Helping preschool children prepare for elementary school
- Tutoring elementary, middle, or high school students in schools for academic success (i.e. help with reading, writing, math, etc.)
- Reading a story to a second-grade class
- Helping a kindergarten student practice penmanship and writing their name
- Providing emotional support to children