Across Ages

Grades: 6-8

Contact: Andrea S. Taylor
Temple University, Center for Intergenerational Learning
1601 N. Broad Street, USB 206
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215/204-6970
Fax: 215/204-6733

The Across Ages program is a research-based mentoring initiative in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that successfully improved adolescents' social competence and enhanced their ability to resist alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. The unique and highly effective feature of Across Ages is the pairing of older adults with middle-school children to provide the children with positive, nurturing role models.

Across Ages can be implemented by a school or school district or by other organizations serving youth and their families, provided the local community has an adequate number of concerned residents age 55 and older. The initial program paired sixth graders in three North Philadelphia middle schools with elderly residents of the city.

Successful replication of the Across Ages model involves the following activities:

  • Elders mentoring youth;
  • Youth performing community service;
  • Youth learning problem-solving and resistance skills; and
  • Parental involvement.

    Across Ages has been found to improve school attendance and bonding to school, adults, and community; Increase knowledge about and negative attitudes toward alcohol and tobacco use and enhance ability to respond appropriately to situations involving drug use.

    Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Model Program, 1999  (PDF)