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Intergenerational education is gaining steam in America. An article that appeared in the Christian Science Monitor this summer told about how Grandparent University was experiencing its third annual event on the campus of the University of Wisconsin as 116 grandparents and 130 grandchildren, ages 7-14, came from 15 states to the week-long program.

As more and more American families find themselves separated by miles and or busy schedules, organized intergenerational activities are gaining popularity. This year's classes at Grandparents University included archaeology, biotechnology, fine arts, veterinary medicine, food science and adventure learning. Professors who participated were experienced and interested in teaching children and adults.

For some grandparents, Grandparents University offered a chance to pass along family lore. Other grandparents experienced the atmosphere of Grandparents University as an opportunity to show their grandkids that lifetime learning is what keeps every person interested in life as lifelong learners.

Some grandparents and their grandkids chose to live on campus in dorms during the week while others chose nearby hotels. Additionally, special outings were made available to participants to go off campus to visit cultural, historical and recreational locations near the university.

Paula Bonner, president of the Wisconsin Alumni Association which sponsors Grandparent University through its Family Living Programs commented, "There's so much wisdom, so much oral history in our older adults."

Can America's kids of character possibly benefit from the budding Grandparent University experiences happening at University of Wisconsin and other universities? My answer is, yes, absolutely. Grandparents University is a potentially fertile ground for the sharing of character values between grandparents with their grandchildren. As cultural and spiritual historians, America's grandparents are a significant resource in helping America to shape its kids of character.

Experiences like Grandparent University offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the heart of character education on our university campuses throughout America.

More about Grandparents University.