AmeriCorps Senior Programs:

Volunteers mentor youth in school, Head Start, or after-school programs, serving as lunch buddies, Culture Bearers, tutors, assisting students with special needs or who are at an academic, social, or financial disadvantage. The program positively impacts the children, Elders, and teachers involved. Children benefit from individualized tutoring and mentoring while Elders stay active and share knowledge with future generations. As a result, teachers gain valuable classroom support and increased student engagement.

Volunteers assist other seniors who need social engagement and support with daily activities, helping them live independently for as long as possible. This includes visiting with seniors in their home, driving seniors to purchase groceries, helping with internet tasks and more. Many seniors today face isolation and loneliness. Both the volunteer and the senior receiving help benefit from this valuable connection.

What are the benefits?

  • TAX-FREE Stipend (it won't impact any of your other benefits!)
  • Mileage Reimbursement
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
  • Meal Reimbursement
  • Annual Anchorage Conference: All Expenses Paid For
  • Expanded Network (make new friends and be part of your community!)
  • Personal Development (learn new skills and keep your mind fresh!)
  • Admiration and Gratitude from those you Serve

Am I eligible to volunteer?

  • Must be an Alaskan resident (ALL ethnicities welcome, Alaska Native and otherwise)
  • Must be 55 years of age or older (no limit!)
  • Must pass a background check
  • Must volunteer a minimum of 20 hours a MONTH. You set your schedule! NO prior experience required!
Youth Served
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Sites Served
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Current Volunteers
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What do Volunteers, Sites, and Students have to say about the Elder Mentor Program?

“Dear Grandpa, Thank you for helping me and talking to me. You made me feel a lot better. You are very nice and kind and helpful.”

“Grandma helped me learn the letters – X, Z, A and C … and maybe kinda all of them.”
Students Wasilla, AK
"I love being an Elder Mentor. I returned from work and volunteer with children at Head Start here in Kwethluk. It's my favorite place to be. Children are so lovable; they are like little angels growing up. I learned from Elders when I was a child, and now I share my wisdom and knowledge with the next generation, too."
Elder MentorKwethluk, AK
“The students love Grandma. And we have really seen her blossom, too. We weren’t sure how it would go at first, and it’s been wonderful. Grandma seems so much happier, she has purpose after retirement, and gets so involved with the kids. We love her. It’s a fabulous opportunity for us and her both to have her serve in this capacity."
Guidance CounselorKetchikan, AK
"I've always believed that older people have an influence on the lives of younger people. That's why I believe the Elder Mentor Program works. You can share with the next generation some of the things you learned and saw growing up, and at the same time, you also find a way to relate to their generation and their time, too."
Elder MentorFairbanks, AK
“We are doing excellent thanks to our Elder Mentor helping us out. All students are doing well because of Grandma.”
TeacherNew Stuyahok, AK
"It can be intimidating entering a school, not knowing how it might go with the kids, learning new material and familiarizing yourself with your school culture, but it is worth it. I have learned and grown so much, my network has expanded, and I'm building community where I live. My advice is to jump in and start swimming. I have a card from school on my fridge right now that says, "You are wonderful!" I get lots of beautiful cards from the students saying thank you."
Elder MentorAnchorage, AK
"We really appreciate having our Elder Mentor here. She's also a mentor for the TA more than she realizes, not just the kids. She has a way to make suggestions to the staff without overstepping her boundaries. She's not afraid to speak up if she has any questions or concerns. We appreciate her sharing her time and knowledge."
Head Start DirectorKodiak, AK
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