Pat Quinn, Governor
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Pat Quinn, Governor |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Illinois Department on Aging Works with Local Colleges SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) director Charles D. Johnson today commended 21 community college presidents who will host local discussions across the state, during November and December, to target solutions for two economic challenges: reduce dropout rates and promote healthy lifestyles through intergenerational partnerships. The discussions are the next step following the recent Summit on Aging and Education held in September. The first discussion is tomorrow November 6 at Highland Community College, in Freeport. For more information, log on to http://www.solit.siu.edu/GenServeGen. The recent summit and subsequent local discussions are examples of efforts IDoA has coordinated as part of a yearlong campaign 2010: Year of the Engaged Older Adult. The campaign serves as a component of a project developed with the National Governors Association called Generations Serving Generations. Illinois was one of 14 states selected to participate. Director Johnson has led the statewide initiative working with a core leadership team of individuals representing education, aging, business, foundations, retirees and policy-makers. The focus is to improve the health and lives of older adults and increase their involvement in service, learning and work. “Research shows that everyone benefits when generations interact, for example children and older adults. These local discussions on how to enhance learning opportunities and decrease drop-out rates for Illinois students is truly important. Just one engaged older adult can make a difference to a child and the community at large,” said Director Johnson. “We know that having older adults in the classroom positively impacts students’ lives and academic performance,” said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch. “This initiative is an exciting opportunity to build more bridges across generations to support student achievement and lifelong healthy habits. It couldn’t come at a better time as we launch more efforts to improve the rigor and relevance of education in schools across Illinois.” Hosting these discussions at the local level allows participants the opportunity to share good ideas, best practices and stimulate new thinking. Although similar ideas may come up at several of the local discussions held across the state, there are probably many ideas that work for each region. “We’re pleased to partner with the state to host these discussions to share ideas that will strengthen communication and promote an intergenerational exchange,” said Geoff Obrzut, president and CEO, Illinois Community College Board. Schedule of Local Discussions November 6 November 8 November 10 November 12 November 15 November 16 November 17 November 19 November 22 November 23 November 30 December 2
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