BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Foster Grandparent Program is partnering with the Lucy Brock Child Development Lab to provide intergenerational mentorship and support to local children. The program is seeking local volunteers to assist with the initiative.
A subprogram of Appalachian Senior Programs (ASP), the Foster Grandparent Program recruits volunteers to assist children in need of academic attention by providing one-on-one classroom assistance. They work on specific academic goals outlined in Individual Education Plans identified by teachers, often in the areas of reading ability and comprehension, for around twenty hours per week.
The program—celebrating its 45th anniversary this year—was established in 1980 under the sponsorship of New River Mental Health. The program came under the sponsorship of App State's Department of Sociology in 2003, given its focus on gerontology and its success with community-based programs.
Since 2020, Department of Sociology professor Dr. Amy Dellinger Page has served as the executive director of ASP. Tammy Taylor serves as the director of the Foster Grandparent Program, and Sherry Lambert serves as the program assistant.
As a new school year begins, the Foster Grandparent Program is hoping to recruit new volunteers to work with children enrolled in App State's Lucy Brock Child Development Lab. Housed in the Reich College of Education, Lucy Brock is a full-day North Carolina licensed program that serves children from birth through five years of age. Like the Foster Grandparent Program, Lucy Brock is celebrating a big anniversary—it's 85th—in 2025.
“Intergenerational relationships are incredibly important for everyone involved,” explained Dr. Page. “This partnership is a great example of how the university can share resources and help our community. Children benefit from the one-on-one structured attention and support. Our senior volunteers receive a small stipend and make positive and meaningful contributions to their community through their service.”
Foster Grandparent Program volunteers must be aged 55 or older, have reliable transportation, and complete an application with three non-family references. Participants must also complete a criminal history and sex offender registry check, paid for by the program. Qualifying volunteers may receive a small stipend, as well as meal and travel reimbursement.
For more information and to complete the volunteer interest form, visit seniorprograms.appstate.edu/programs/foster-grandparents.
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About Appalachian Senior Programs
Appalachian Senior Programs (ASP), sponsored by Appalachian State University, assists children and the senior population of a five-county area in northwestern North Carolina through the grant-funded Foster Grandparent program and Senior Companion program. Consisting of volunteers, ages fifty-five and older, ASP enhances the social-emotional and academic skills of children who need one-on-one assistance, and provides companionship and assistance for older adults who do not qualify for other assistance. Learn more at seniorprograms.appstate.edu.
About Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory
The Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory (LBCDL) at Appalachian State University, operated by the Reich College of Education’s Department of Child Development, Literacy and Special Education, serves as a professional development site for individuals planning to work with young children. As a university lab intended to provide the highest quality education and care for regional children, the program staff model evidence-based practices in the field of early childhood education and apply innovative approaches that contribute to new definitions of recommended practice. Learn more at lucybrock.appstate.edu.
Written by Lauren Gibbs
Edited by Dr. Amy Dellinger Page
August 13, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
A Foster Grandparent Program volunteer assists a child with reading.
The Foster Grandparent Program recruits volunteers to assist children in need of academic attention by providing one-on-one classroom assistance