PARTNERSHIPS:  Grand Times Intergenerational Program

n

Purposes:

• To encourage connections between high school students and senior citizens/retired persons in the community.
• To use the strength and interests of older adults in mentoring/assisting high school students in academic and social endeavors.
• To develop the leadership and service skills of high school students through their interactions with older adults.
• To provide  senior citizens/retired persons with the opportunity to contribute their time, knowledge, wisdom and skills to the school and general community.

Description:

District 113's Grand Times Intergenerational project seeks to:

• Match senior citizens and/or retirees in partnerships with Deerfield and Highland Park High School students and faculty.

• Create situations in which individuals of  different generations learn more about each other

We endeavor to match volunteer individuals' skills to specific tasks that school faculty might wish to undertake, but which would not be possible without such partnerships.

The process involves:

• GRAND TIMES screening interviews

• Matching of volunteers with faculty

• On-site training by the faculty.

We believe that helping senior citizens/retired persons to connect in meaningful and helpful ways with the student population enhances a caring community.

For more information on the GRAND TIMES PROGRAM

Activities:

Currently volunteers work in a variety of capacities in both schools such as hosting college visiting personnel in the College and Career Resource Center, mentoring students in the Academic Assistance Program, assisting in the science and social studies classrooms, and volunteering in the Early Bird Assistance program.

• How to Volunteer

• Faculty Requests for Volunteer Help