Pepperdine University

Since 1972, Pepperdine University Has Successfully Sponsored the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP). FGP Is an Innovative, Multigenerational Volunteer Program That Pairs Elderly Citizens With At-risk Youth From Impoverished, Underserved Communities Within the Greater Los Angeles (LA) Area. Through a Symbiotic Model, FGP Simultaneously Provides Companionship for Elderly Volunteers and Mentorship to Youth With Special Needs and Difficult Circumstances. FGP Primarily Focuses on Educational Improvement, Working to Promote School Readiness and Success in Youth (K-12). FGP Purposefully Targets Populations in Highly Impoverished Neighborhoods of South Central La. More Than 38% of La County Residents Live in Economic Hardship, While 18% Live Below the Federal Poverty Line ($28,290 Annually for a Family of Four). Comparatively, Within FGP'S Primary Service Area, a Startling 52% of Families Live Below the Federal Poverty Level. Under Conditions of Significant Poverty, Children Experience Enhanced Risk of Developmental Delays, Especially in the Critical Areas of Language, Literacy, and Emotional Regulation. Through Its Innovative Structure, FGP Works to Mitigate Educational Challenges and Risks for Vulnerable Youth by Providing a Source of Mentorship and Support From Its Foster Grandparents. in Order to Continue Its Important Work Through the Foster Grandparent Program, Pepperdine Is Requesting Support From the Corporation for National and Community Service to Increase Its Capacity and, Consequently, Its Impact. Pepperdine Is Well Equipped to Take on 64 Volunteers, Given Its Current Status as the Host Institution for Volunteers Who Were Displaced Following the Closing of a Jumpstart Program. Accordingly, Pepperdine Has Established Relationships With Seven of New Volunteer Stations, and Is Well Prepared to Add an Additional 8 Volunteers to the Current 58 Who Have Joined Our Robust Team of 104 Volunteers. Quick Success in Placement and Transition Has Bolstered the Impact of the FGP at Pepperdine University, and Continues to Make Unprecedented Strides in Student Outcomes. in Order to Continue to Improve Educational Outcomes for High-risk Youth, Pepperdine's FGP Will Further Increase Its Impact in the Los Angeles Community by Permanently Adding an Additional 64 Volunteers to Its Existing 104 Senior Citizens (FGP Volunteers) Who Are Paired With Youth From the Following Targeted Groups: 1) Head Start Programs for Young Children Ages 3-5; 2) Specialized Educational Programs for Disadvantaged And/or Disabled Youth; 3) K-12 Students Needing Additional Assistance in Language Development and Literacy; and 4) Vulnerable Youth Needing Adult Support While Parents Are Being Treated for Substance Abuse And/or Mental Health Issues. the Foster Grandparents Will Facilitate a Wide Array of Educational and Developmental Activities With Their Youth Partners Including: Assisting in Head Start and K-12 Classrooms, Reading, Tutoring, Mentoring, Socializing (playing Educational Games, Reading, Talking, Walking, Listening, and Sharing Meals), and Supporting Youth Whose Parents Are Receiving Rehabilitative Treatment. Anticipated Outcomes of the Three-year Grant and Addition of 64 Volunteers Include Increased School Readiness, Enhanced Language and Literacy Skills, Improved Classroom Participation, Heightened Academic Engagement, and Greater Social and Behavioral Skills for Participating Youth.