Matching Older Adults' Assets and Interests with Afterschool Needs

About this grant

Many nonprofit leaders are becoming aware of the older-adult population as an untapped resource. Specifically, with life experience, discretionary time and connections to neighborhoods, individuals over 55 can fill a variety of afterschool needs such as providing help with homework, mentoring students, assisting paid staff, coordinating enrichment activities and leading teams of volunteers. Experience Corp. is currently involved in efforts to engage people over 55 in addressing social problems.Funding will enable Experience Corp. to conduct further research to determine the roles older adults can play in afterschool programs, particularly those serving high-need urban and rural communities. A series of research and advisory activities will determine what older adults are willing to do during afterschool time; whether their interests and abilities match what is needed by afterschool programs; and what messages and incentives would attract older adults to apply their talents to these programs.Civic Ventures is dedicated to expanding the social contributions of older Americans by creating new institutions, building the field of older adult service; and changing public attitudes about the role of older Americans in society. Experience Corp. is a signature program of Civic Ventures.