Getting Familiar
The Joint Education Committee
Definition and Goals for P-16+ Service Learning
The Task Force

Links
Illinois Campus Compact
Intergenerational Initiative
Learn and Serve

Resources
Corporation for National Service
Education Commission of the States
National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
Research and Articles
Coming Events

Previous Issues
September 2000

Intergenerational Service Learning

The story of the 20th century was the growth of the world's older population. The story for the 21st Century will be intergenerational service learning. The traditional method of teaching has been lecturing by the teacher and listening by the students. But through intergenerational service learning, generations are connected in mutually beneficial ventures.

In Illinois the concept of P-16+ service learning challenges older adults and students in middle school, high school, and college to give the lower grades a hand. If we can do this, that is, prepare preschoolers for kindergarten, offer help so 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders can read at grade level, do math, and have social skills that come from their involvement with service-learning at their level. The creative problem solving enriches the curriculum and improves the performance of older students.

In the last 15 years, intergenerational programs have been largely single programs targeting one problem, or building relationships, or giving teachers extra hands. This is good. Through the P-16+ service learning we take intergenerational programs to a higher level. They become part of the seamless system of education that links all generations in achieving educational goals, meeting real community needs, and preparing good citizens of all ages.