PRINCETON NJ Announcement

GrandPals Program Expands to New Schools and Communities This Fall

Princeton, NJ The Center for Modern Aging Princeton (CMAP) is growing its beloved GrandPals program and inviting new volunteers — ages forty-seven to ninety-three — to join the effort this fall.

GrandPals is a CMAP program in which older adults visit Princeton-area schools to read to children, fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning while building meaningful relationships across generations. As one GrandPal put it, "This is the highlight of my week!"

Beginning in October 2026, GrandPals will expand into kindergarten classrooms at Princeton Nursery School, the YWCA, Princeton Charter School, and the Chinese International School. The program will also continue its longstanding presence in Princeton's municipal schools—Riverside, Littlebrook, Johnson Park, and Community Park—bringing stories, smiles, and connection to children throughout the community.

As part of this expansion, CMAP is especially seeking Chinese-speaking volunteers to serve as GrandPals in new classrooms and communities.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Volunteers are interviewed about their interests and background, then matched with one or two children. GrandPals and their young reading partners spend thirty minutes together once a week, sharing stories during regularly scheduled sessions in the school day. Orientation is provided jointly by CMAP and the Princeton Public Schools, and a GrandPal coordinator offers ongoing communication, support, and problem-solving, remaining on-site during sessions. Volunteers also have the opportunity to share experiences and techniques with fellow GrandPals working in the same session.

No prior teaching experience is required — just enthusiasm for being with young people and a willingness to build a relationship over the school year.

Most GrandPals join the program hoping to make a difference in a child's life. Often, the impact is immediate and profound. Volunteers can expect the joy of sharing stories with a child just discovering the world of learning; the pleasure of building a meaningful relationship with a child who may not have grandparents nearby; a lively, warm environment where teachers and children value their contribution; and the satisfaction of working alongside other volunteers toward a common goal.

The expansion of GrandPals programming for three-year-olds at area nursery schools has been made possible through the generous support of The Burke Foundation.

Those interested in joining the GrandPals family are invited to apply online at https://engage.cmaprinceton.org/grandpals-interest, and to begin spreading love, laughter, and lifelong memories with the children of Princeton.

GrandPals: Where Little Readers Meet Big Hearts

For GrandPal inquiries, please contact:
Ella Leving, Director of AmeriCorps and Volunteer Engagement
Email: eleving@cmaprinceton.org

Phone: 609.751.9699, ext. 121

About CMAP: CMAP, the Center for Modern Aging Princeton (formerly Princeton Senior Resource Center), is a community nonprofit where aging adults and their families find support, guidance, education, and social programs to help them navigate life transitions and continue to be active, healthy, and engaged in the community.