Pepperdine University

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) Is an Intergenerational Program That Closes the Social Support Gaps in the Lives of Valuable Community Members Who Are Retired or Out of the Workforce and Low-income, While Also Providing Direct Support to Meet the Emotional and Educational Needs of Vulnerable Youth in Our Communities. Since 1972, Pepperdine University Has Successfully Sponsored the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), Pairing 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. Within FGP'S Primary Service Area, a Startling 33% of Families Live Below the Federal Poverty Level ($25,750 Annually for a Family of Four in 2019) -- Over Double the Rate in California (11.8%) and the U.s. (12.3%). Moreover, Recent Polling Data Shows That Approximately 56% of La Households Polled Are Facing Financial Hardship Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, With Latino and Black Households Experiencing the Greatest Hardship, 71% and 52% Respectively. 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 Americorps. in Order to Improve Educational Outcomes for High-risk Youth, Pepperdine's FGP Will Pair 168 Senior Citizens (FGP Grandparents) 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 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 Include: Increased School Readiness, Enhanced Language and Literacy Skills, Improved Classroom Participation, Heightened Academic Engagement, and Greater Social and Behavioral Skills for Participating Youth.