Utilizing senior citizens to teach cultural awareness in an inclusive classroom setting

Extension is presented with an additional pool of senior volunteers as the population of older adults increases. Addressing a community need for cultural awareness programs for at-risk youth, a program was designed to engage senior citizen volunteers and at-risk youth in a chile ristra making project. The senior volunteers were taught the history and art of making chile ristras and in turn taught an inclusive classroom of fourth grade students. The techniques utilized by the volunteer coordinators can be used to teach a variety of cultural experiences in classroom settings using senior volunteers. As a result of the program, a continuing partnership was developed with Extension, the local school system, and the senior citizen center as collaborators