Iron County’s GenBridge Brings Youth And Wisdom Together

The Iron County School District is inviting older adults to make a lasting difference in the lives of local students through its new GenBridge Program, which focuses on connecting generations through meaningful engagement and shared experiences.

Dr. Lance Hatch, Superintendent for the Iron County School District joined us on the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB, and explained how the idea started. “I came across some research last year about generations. There's been some programs around the county where they have mingled senior citizens with young students. They've studied what happens when you put those two groups together, and it was pretty impressive,” Hatch told us.

The program offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to serve as mentors or guest speakers, helping students build positive relationships with caring adults while learning from their wisdom and life experiences. In turn, participants gain a sense of purpose and connection, enhancing mental health and well-being for everyone involved.

Through GenBridge, students benefit from exposure to new ideas and perspectives, while older adults have a chance to give back to their community in a hands-on way. The program emphasizes fostering relationships that go beyond academics, supporting social and emotional growth for students across the district.

Getting Started To Volunteer Is Easy

The process to get involved is straightforward. Interested individuals can pick up an application at their neighborhood school or at the district office, located at 2077 W. Royal Hunte Drive in Cedar City. Volunteers are required to complete a fingerprint and background check, and once cleared, they will be matched with a local school. As a small thank-you, GenBridge participants are invited to enjoy a free school lunch on the days they volunteer.

The initiative is designed to create lasting bonds between generations while strengthening ties within the community. It represents a collaborative effort to ensure that students have access to supportive role models and that older adults have opportunities to stay active and involved.

Read More: Iron County School Nurses Keeping Kids Healthy

For more information about the GenBridge Program or to sign up, call 435-586-2804 or visit irondistrict.org.

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By sharing their time and experience, volunteers can play a vital role in building bridges that will benefit everyone involved as Dr. Hatch told us, “when you bring those two together, there are benefits to both the older generation and the younger generation."

You can listen to the entire discussion with Dr. Hatch in the podcast below.