Foster grandparents, Bastrop students thrive together

Measuring the impact

Funded by AmeriCorps, foster grandparents help students by reading stories, assisting with class projects, and serving as mentors.

Ruffcorn said this has led to significant improvements in student performance.

“Throughout the 2023-24 year, teachers reported 98% of students assigned a volunteer showed academic improvements and/or experienced social-emotional gains,” she said.

Get involved

Volunteers must undergo an application and interview process, including a three-part background check and 20 hours of pre-service training.

Those interested in becoming a foster grandparent, or teachers who would like to request one for their classroom, can reach out to Diane Rouda, Austin-area volunteer services coordinator, by email at [email protected], or by phone at 512-529-1415.

Notable quote

“[The program is for] children who now have a role model and resource from a different generation, families who appreciate the support from a ‘grandparent’ volunteer, and more specifically, the volunteers who spend part of their day in the classroom engaged, active and making a difference,” Rouda said. “The impact they have on these children spans generations and can last a lifetime.”