AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program

Become a Foster Grandparent

Change a Child's Life. Enrich Your Own.

A caring adult can change the course of a child's future.

The City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs' Foster Grandparent Program connects compassionate adults age 55 and older with children who need extra academic support, encouragement, and a trusted mentor. By spending time with a child in a classroom, you'll help build confidence, improve learning, and create meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime.

Your experience, patience, and kindness can make all the difference.

Why Volunteer?

As a Foster Grandparent, you'll:

• Mentor and encourage children one-on-one
• Help students improve academically and socially
• Support teachers in the classroom
• Share your life experiences and wisdom
• Stay active, engaged, and connected to your community
• Experience the joy of knowing you've made a lasting impact

You don't need teaching experience, just a caring heart and a desire to help children succeed.

Who Can Become a Foster Grandparent?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are 55 years of age or older
• Can serve an average of 20 hours per week
• Successfully pass a criminal history background check
• Have a passion for helping children learn and grow

Volunteer Benefits

We value our volunteers and provide:

• Comprehensive pre-service orientation and ongoing monthly training
• Supplemental accident and liability insurance while serving
• Mileage reimbursement
• Annual volunteer recognition and appreciation events
• A tax-free hourly stipend of $4 for eligible volunteers
• A supportive team dedicated to your success

The Difference You Make

For Children

Receive encouragement, individualized attention, and a caring role model who helps them build confidence, improve academically, and develop socially and emotionally.

For Teachers

Gain valuable classroom support through one-on-one mentoring and tutoring, allowing teachers to better meet the needs of every student.

For You

Discover renewed purpose, build meaningful relationships, stay active, and leave a lasting legacy by investing in the next generation.

Every Child Deserves Someone Who Believes in Them.

Become a Foster Grandparent and help shape brighter futures, one child, one classroom, one smile at a time.

Volunteer today and make a difference where it matters most.

The Foster Grandparent Program connects caring adults age 55 and older with children who need extra support to succeed in school and in life. Working alongside teachers and educational professionals, our volunteers provide one-on-one mentoring, encouragement, and individualized attention that helps children build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and reach their full potential.

Foster Grandparents serve in Albuquerque Public Schools, state charter schools, City of Albuquerque Child Development Centers, YDI Head Start programs, and other community organizations throughout Albuquerque. Together, our volunteers serve in more than 20 schools, early childhood programs, and childcare centers across the city.

Every day, Foster Grandparents make a meaningful difference by helping children:

• Improve reading, writing, math, and early literacy skills
• Build self-confidence and self-esteem
• Develop positive social and emotional skills
• Strengthen communication and problem-solving abilities
• Learn healthy classroom behaviors and routines
• Receive encouragement from a caring, trusted adult role model

Many of the children we serve benefit from the extra time, patience, and individualized support that a Foster Grandparent provides. Through consistent encouragement and meaningful relationships, our volunteers help children feel valued, capable, and ready to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.

Together, we are building stronger students, stronger schools, and a stronger Albuquerque, one child, one volunteer, and one relationship at a time.