Higher Education and Foster Grandparent Programs: Exploring Mutual Benefits

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to highlight ways in which programs within institutions of higher education and Foster Grandparent Programs can interact to their mutual benefit. Given federal and state initiatives to develop linkages between institutions of higher education and community service sites, mutual benefits exist at the program level for both institutions of higher education and Foster Grandparent Programs. At the individual level, mutual benefits exist for both students in academic programs and senior volunteers. We propose that universities and colleges, including community colleges, and various programs within these institutions of higher education can beneficially interface with Foster Grandparent Programs through intergenerational service-learning programming. As such, we suggest ideas for intergenerational service-learning projects across a wide array of disciplines. Personal communication with Foster Grandparent Program directors across the nation is used to provide information and unique case examples in developing linkages between Foster Grandparent Programs and institutions of higher education.