Program Benefits
Through decades of program evaluation and research, we have identified the following benefits for students, teachers, volunteers and the community
Student Benefits
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Increase in self-esteem
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Increase in knowledge, skills, and learning
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Increase in understanding and appreciation of aging and older people
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Decrease in the stereotypes of aging and older adults
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New, positive connections and meaningful relationships with older people
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Addition of supportive, positive role models
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Additional support for students requiring extra attention
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Increase in historical perspective
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Increased sense of connection with the community
Teacher Benefits
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Increased time to teach
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Freedom to provide one-on-one attention to students who need it
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Increased support in the realization of their professional goals
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Enhancement to their lesson plan or curriculum
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Increased respect, understanding, and appreciation for their job
Volunteer Benefits
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Increased satisfaction and purpose
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Enhanced self-esteem.
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Addition of new, positive meaningful relationships with children and professionals within the community.
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An understanding and acceptance of today’s youth.
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Opportunities to transfer knowledge, skills, and values to the next generation.
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A reduction in the sense of isolation
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An increase in the stimulation of mental capacities
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An increase in the connections within the community
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Rekindling the joy of learning and living
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Continued involvement in the community creating alliances with those who have children in the schools and those who do not
Community Benefits
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The creation of bonds between older adults and students
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Dispelling stereotypes that seniors may have of the younger generation, and vice versa, creating a feeling of comfort between generations
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Local partnerships between families, schools, businesses, community, and religious groups which has been proven to raise student achievement, and create and sustain safe communities
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Increase in opportunities for youth and older adults to both give and receive support
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Prevention of unnatural age segregation, which increases community awareness about issues that affect both young and old
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Facilitation of community collaboration, pooling of resources, and encouraging cooperative problem solving
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Promoting an appreciation for rich cultural heritage, traditions, and stories

