Temple University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) has received a multi-year grant from the William Penn Foundation to launch Guiding Generations, a community-based initiative housed within CREATE—the Center for Reimagining Excellence, Access and Transformation in Education.

Committed to expanding access to resources and opportunities that support the healthy development and academic success of young Philadelphians, the William Penn Foundation Board of Directors approved a $456,499 grant that will directly support intergenerational education and engagement for grandfamilies and kinship caregivers in North Philadelphia over 24 months.

"We are thrilled that our efforts in community uplift have been honored by the William Penn Foundation," said Monika Williams Shealey, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. "This funded initiative builds on the College's long-standing commitment to family engagement and community-based support systems and deepens our investment in intergenerational care models that are responsive, inclusive and grounded in equity."  

Guiding Generations prepares caregivers to be confident, informed and effective partners in their children's education while simultaneously strengthening family relationships and enhancing child development through enrichment experiences.

In collaboration with partners such as The Education Advocates Reaching Today's Hardworking Students, Inc. (The E.A.R.T.H.S.) and its program PARENT POWER, along with other Temple University initiatives, Guiding Generations will offer 30 hours of educational support for caregivers, enrichment activities for children and respite events for families.

"Our team is excited and proud to collaborate with The E.A.R.T.H.S. for the support of 90 grandparents and kinship caregivers and their children ages five to eight over the next two years," shared Juliet Curci, assistant dean of college access and persistence and director of CREATE. "We greatly appreciate the William Penn Foundation's support for this project and the families we will serve."

Guiding Generations reflects CEHD's belief in education as a catalyst for community resilience and transformation. With the generous backing of the William Penn Foundation, this initiative will continue to deepen relationships and build capacity among families who serve as the first and most impactful educators in children's lives.