Introduction

High quality after-school programs serve a critical need in today’s society. They support working families, improve students’ academic performance, boost children’s social and problem-solving skills, increase school attendance and graduation rates, and, according to a survey of police chiefs, are the most effective way to reduce juvenile crime. And more kids need them every day.

As we find the funds and the facilities to meet the need for more high quality after-school programs, people will turn to the human resource side of the equation. Who will we find to staff these programs?

In two words, older adults. Older adults are our nation’s only growing natural resource. The need for staffing and volunteers in after-school programs offers a great opportunity to tap that resource, to begin to see that the aging of America represents enormous potential for good.

I’m biased, of course. As a leader of Experience Corps, I have the chance to see older adults in action in after-school settings. I see their commitment to children, education, and community. I see their patience and drive, their talents and character, their desire to give back and their need to pass on their lifetime of experience. I see the potential of older adults to make a great contribution to the after-school world.

This publication is designed to help you see that potential, too. The tool kit is a practical, hands-on resource for providers of after-school services who are interested in older adults as volunteers or staff, and for senior service organizations interested in partnering with after-school programs. I encourage you to read it, talk about it, and copy from it (with proper attribution). Most important, I encourage you to think about how you can develop and enhance meaningful roles for older adults in after-school programs in your community.

There’s a wave coming. Catch it!

John S. Gomperts, CEO
Experience Corps