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What is GrandPals?

GrandPals is a community-based intergenerational program that brings older adults and elementary school students together to build relationships through storytelling, conversation, and shared reflection.

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Each week, a small team of GrandPals (adults 55 and older) visits a classroom of students in grades 5 to 8. Through guided discussions, life story prompts, and collaborative activities, students and older adults connect across generations. These weekly sessions build empathy, strengthen communication skills, and foster a sense of purpose and belonging — both for students and GrandPals.

A Simple, Impactful Structure

The GrandPals program typically runs for eight to ten weeks. Each GrandPal is paired with a small group of students for weekly in-class conversations. Over time, students learn about their GrandPal’s life through themes like home, family, learning, work, and travel. The program culminates in students writing and illustrating a story from their GrandPal’s life — a tribute and a gift of gratitude.

Local community organizations such as schools, charities, libraries, residences, or service clubs take the lead in organizing. We support them with training, digital tools, and structured workflows that make implementation simple, safe, and sustainable.

Core Goals

  • Strengthen community through meaningful cross-generational relationships
  • Empower youth with empathy, communication, and storytelling skills
  • Support older adults in contributing their wisdom and staying connected
  • Build local capacity with tools, templates, and workflows that work

Who Makes It Happen?

GrandPals is designed to be locally led and community-powered. Programs can be hosted by:

  • Charities or non-profits
  • Senior-serving organizations
  • Libraries or community hubs
  • Municipalities or service clubs
  • Schools or school boards
  • Churches and faith-based groups

Each site has a designated program coordinator (paid or volunteer) who oversees recruitment, orientation, and weekly implementation. We provide onboarding, resources, and technology to support fidelity and reduce administrative burden.