STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) that would work to improve school environments by engaging the senior citizen community today passed the House of Representatives unanimously.
House Enrolled Act 1224 would establish the School Intergenerational Safety Pilot Project, a mentorship program that would be tested in three Indiana schools to foster positive relationships between students and volunteers who are at least 55 years of age.
Under the bill, volunteers must be willing to participate in the project for at least two consecutive school years. They would also be required to undergo extensive background checks.
“I am confident this project would help create a positive learning environment for students by ensuring they have trusted adults they can turn to for encouragement and support,” Kruse said. “This program would bring people together and gather best practices to make the School Intergenerational Safety Pilot Project readily available to more schools throughout Indiana in the future.”
HEA 1224 will now move to the governor for consideration.
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For a high-resolution photo of Sen. Kruse, click here.
