Intergenerational Program Database

The Legacy Project addresses multiple emerging issues that are impacting the Cambodian refugee community. These issues include major health and language disparities among the elders and the education disparities among the youth. The core goal of the program is to bridge the generation gap between refugee Elders and Cambodian-American high school aged youth. Elders share personal photos before, during, and after the war. Youth will hear first-hand accounts of the genocide, life in refugee camps, and the resettlement into inner-city Philadelphia. Youth share their own family photos to continue the story and share struggles youth face today with the elders. Both groups share their war stories and learn about each other’s needs. Past events have included an advocacy trip to Washington DC, the creation of a photo-story exhibition and creation of a cookbook.

Village at Penn State residents are partnered with students to learn and practice using Skype. Large group workshops and one-on-one sessions are held as desired by the residents. Students prepare handouts and assist Village residents in placing and receiving calls. Students are also available for follow-up and support assistance.

This annual event which began in 1985 brings seniors for The Upper Merion Senior Service Center to Upper Merion Area Middle School to compete in a spelling bee. The day also includes a luncheon in which seniors and students get to know each other.

Volunteer teens of SeniorLink work to bridge the generational divide by teaching computer and internet skills at senior homes in their community, or simply by interacting with seniors through games, puzzles, or old fashioned conversation. SeniorLink seeks to ensure that any resident feels motivated, active, and mentally stimulated. In addition to this exchange, SeniorLink benefits people and communities in which they interact in many ways. The nonprofit organization has boosted the community spirit, recycled old computers, connected generations, and motivated more people to get involved in their communities.

Generations on Line is dedicated to enhancing communication among generations by promoting Internet access and literacy to elders. Generation to generation is an intergenerational oral history on the PC training program. After school classes of 9 and 10-year old students, under a teacher's supervision ask questions about the past, in four categories: Origins and History; Inventions and Transportation; Sports and Entertainment; and "When you were my age." The responses by seniors are manually filtered each day; the teacher guidelines and categories are based on Fourth grade studies. The children involved with the program to date have been enormously interested. They are guided by a well developed curriculum to first think about older people, discuss their impressions, perceptions, and biases.

The organization upgraded the entire building with WI Fi, resident computers and IPads. The IPAD -ICAN program was initiated by a contribution from a family member to enhance the technology within the organization for residents, family members, visitors, volunteers and activities. The kids from the Day Care Center and other younger volunteers have been teaching residents the use of the IPads -and the use of communication applications - connecting with Family.

A preschool classroom located on the grounds of an assisted living community. It allows children and residents to interact frequently.

The intergenerational approach to learning benefits both children and The Commons residents alike. The program integrates reading activities, music and student celebrations. The program provides a unique atmosphere for learning, caring and cooperation. The program is a collaborative effort between the United Methodist Home of Enid, The Enid Public School System EPS and CDSA/Smart Start Northwest Oklahoma.

At Grace Living Centers, elders can mingle with children, many of whom come to Grace for tutoring after school, or, as in the case of Grace - Jenks, have Pre-K and Kindergarten classes at the center.

The Avon Child Care Center has been serving the community since 1985. We were one of the first daycare centers in Ohio to have an intergenerational program. Intergenerational Child Care is based on the premise that it is natural for children to encounter people of all ages as they grow and to participate in activities with them.