Establishes an intergenerational educational and mentoring service program to provide assistance to students in elementary schools

1 Co-sponsor

• Owen H. Johnson

Title of bill

An act to amend the elder law, in relation to establishing an intergenerational educational and mentoring service program

Purpose or general idea of the bill

Establish a statewide intergenerational educational and mentoring service program to tap the expertise, experience and knowledge of older adults and encourage their volunteerism in schools.

Summary of provisions

Amends the elder law by adding a new Article IV to read intergenerational educational and mentoring service program. Section 301 contains definitions. Section 302 establishes local intergenerational educational and mentoring service programs. Section 303 outlines the duties of the director. Section 304 details grant funding, based on appropriations. Section 305 describes the reporting requirements.

Justification

Many older New Yorkers who retire do not wish to sit idle. Many are looking to continue to work in some capacity, or to find volunteer opportunities that are meaningful. This legislation provides a mechanism to do a number of things. First, it provides an opportunity for older adults to work directly with children helping them in school to increase their ability to learn and by being mentors. Second, it provides the classrooms with additional help. Third, it provides children with an opportunity to be close to and learn from older adults, who have a lifetimes worth of knowledge and experience and the desire to be engaged with the children in a volunteer capacity. Fourth, it provides an opportunity for children who may need extra help or are struggling in schools to gain one-on-one attention and extra help, providing them with increased self-esteem and the ability to learn and excel. And finally, bridging the generations provides a benefit to the older adult and to the child. The older adult stays connected in the community and less likely to want to move out of state. The older adult is able to give back to the community in a meaningful way. The child has exposure to older people and can learn from them, interact with them and have a better understanding of being older.

Legislative history

S.3059 - 2007: Referred to Aging, Reported and Committed to Finance S.3059A - 2008: Referred to Aging, Reported and Committed to Finance

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

One hundred and eightieth day after it shall have become law.