RSVP and U of M Extension Receive “Lifetime of Learning” Grant
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the University of Minnesota Extension Service have received a $19,088 grant through the Corporation for National Service Programs of National Significance to develop and implement a pilot project in Polk, Pennington and Kittson counties in northwest Minnesota.
The project, “Lifetime of Learning,” will target new and existing retirees in a joint effort involving RSVP, the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC), U of M Extension, the Northwest Area Agency on Aging, Minnesota Humanities Commission, and Americorps VISTA.
Based on the individual interests of these retiree volunteers, the program will provide them with curriculum training and organizational support in four areas: Internet literacy, personal financial management, heritage building, and/or readers’ theater. Following recruitment and training, volunteers will offer workshops or performances to schools, senior centers, youth groups, low-income families, and other community settings.
Grant applications were extremely competitive with eleven proposals coming from Minnesota alone. According to Deanna Patenaude, RSVP Director based at UMC, “What’s especially exciting about this grant is that it will help us develop meaningful volunteer opportunities for an increasing pool of younger, skilled retirees. We want to create a program that will not only interest this segment of our population, but also address community needs."
“Lifetime of Learning” will also develop the volunteers’ leadership skills, through stipended County Senior Leaders. Funding and approval for a VISTA worker have also been received, and the grant will provide funding for a half-time community program assistant. As a continuing grant, it will be received annually, providing longevity for the program.
Deb Zak, Northwest District Director for U of M Extension, commented, "This grant builds on the successful partnership that has been created to enhance the educational opportunities for the growing population of retirees in northwest Minnesota. The 'Lifetime of Learning' project demonstrates the commitment that the University of Minnesota has to delivering educational programs to individuals across the lifespan. Extension is proud to be a partner in this innovative program."
“We are also extremely proud that we can take part in this collaborative project,” said UMC Chancellor Donald Sargeant. “The grant will help support important educational programs for older adults in our rural part of the state, which is consistent with the University’s outreach mission.”
Deanna Patenaude and Jan Hively from U of M Continuing Education’s Vital Aging Initiative, were responsible for writing and submitting the grant proposal. Extension educators will also be involved in the development of the project, and they include Mary Jenkins, Kittson County, Glenice Johnson, Pennington County, and Barbara Oseth, Polk County.
“This is truly wonderful,” added Barbara J. Muesing, Director of Outreach at UMC. “Especially significant is the message of collaboration involving UMC, the U of M Vital Aging Initiative, the College of Continuing Education, U of M Extension, and countless other partners interested in lifelong learning.”
Posted 05/10/2001
Contact: Andrew Svec,
218-281-8435