Volunteer program involving older adults in schools recognized by governor

A GrandInvolve volunteer works with a student at Parklawn Elementary School. [FCPS]

The GrandInvolve program, in which older adults help young students with academic skills, was recognized with a 2017 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award.

GrandInvolve is in six Fairfax County elementary schools, including Parklawn in Mason District. The program, launched three years ago, plans to expand to all 41 schools in the county receiving Title I funds within the next 10 years.

A Parklawn student gets extra help from a GrandInvolve volunteer. [FCPS]

GrandInvolve volunteers come to school at least once a week for several hours, assisting with reading and math, material preparation, library services, mentoring, and kindergarten readiness.

Each volunteer builds lasting relationships with the students by coming back to the same classroom each time. In addition to helping the students improve their academic success, the children benefit from the invaluable experience of spending time with older adults. The seniors know they are helping the students and enjoy their time with them.

The volunteer awards were announced by Gov. Terry McAuliffe at a ceremony in Richmond, where he said, “We should all strive to follow the examples set by these individuals, organizations, and companies and give back to our own communities, which helps to make Virginia such an extraordinary place to live and work.”