Small Community Grant Makes Big Impact for New Americans

Sometimes all it takes to make a difference is a little nudge. That’s what happened when AARP Vermont elected to support a small educational program in Burlington serving New American parents and grandparents.  A modest grant from AARP Vermont to Parent University leveraged real progress in reaching a population that was largely ignored. The sponsorship was critical to the program’s success over the past year and helped it reach older adults among the New American population, providing valuable education while engaging them in the school community. This school year, 55 parents, guardians and grandparents graduated from the program having participated in at least 3 classes a week for over 6 months.

Parent University is an after school program that equips parents and grandparents with the skills and knowledge to become partners in their children's education and well-being. An innovative model, the program promotes learning through a holistic approach that takes parent’s challenges, needs and educational goals into account for maximum benefit. Though the program isn't designed solely for New American or multicultural parents, many of them seek out the 10-week classes, explained program manager Ali Dieng. That's because they are new not only to the Burlington School District but to the culture. Both parents and grandparents participate – including many elders who are raising their grandchildren. The cultures represented span the globe and include Angolan, Burmese, Burundi, Guinean, Nepali, Senegalese and Somali Bantu communities. Class sizes vary from six to 14. The classes include nutrition education, first aid/CPR, financial literacy, parenting skills, computer literacy and English language classes. Over 95% of these students reported a higher level of confidence and more engagement with schools and the education of their children and grandchildren.

The program positively impacts the community’s parents and elders not only by teaching valuable skills and knowledge, but also by promoting an inclusive culture. It helps participants feel welcome and valued in the school community empowering them to become a more active partner in their child’s education. Several local organizations help refugee families resettle, find jobs and adapt to life in Vermont, but little support has been available to help them navigate the school system. Those who have little or no education themselves face an even more formidable task.

Committed to supporting positive change and promoting livable communities, AARP Vermont sees this small investment as a way to reach older adults among the immigrant population, explained Kelly Stoddard Poor, community outreach director.  “This is a segment of our community that often does not interact with the larger community – particularly within the schools. This program connects them with their new community through education and builds strong multigenerational and intergenerational connections.” It is one of many small organizations and grassroots groups that AARP Vermont has supported over the years through its Community Action Sponsorship Program.