The House Education Committee on Wednesday passed State Rep. Chuck Goodrich’s (R-Noblesville) legislation that would provide opportunities for local senior citizens to share their life experiences and skills with students while improving school safety.
Goodrich
According to Goodrich, three school corporations would implement a pilot mentorship program developed by the Department of Education for students and volunteers ages 55 and over. Administrators would be able to determine how best to utilize participants in the program based on the needs of their school.
“Many of our senior citizens want to support their community and they consistently tell me they wish there was more they could do to assist our youth,” Goodrich said. “This pilot program is just one way they can get involved, offer support to students by creating positive relationships and helping them develop important life skills.”
Goodrich said the United Way of Central Indiana, Indiana Urban School Association and the Military Veterans Coalition of Indiana all support this pilot program.
“The seniors can also be a great asset for at-risk youth,” Goodrich said. “Apart from their teachers, a student may not have much interaction with adults in a safe, judgement-free environment. These volunteers could reach out to a struggling student and assist them with their problem or get them in touch with the right resources.”
Volunteers could receive a tax deduction of $50 for each day served and schools chosen to participate in the program would receive a safety grant to assist with the costs of implementation and other related expenses.
Adult participants would need to be approved through a criminal background check and a child protection index check.
House Bill 1224 now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.
State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) represents House District 29, which includes portions of Hamilton County.