Western launches inaugural Grandparents 'U’ program in Poulsbo

Western Washington University’s Youth Programs today launched its first session of Grandparents "U," consisting of six pairs of grandparents and their grandchildren, at the Western Washington University Center at Olympic College in Poulsbo.

Based on a signature Western program in Bellingham, the Kitsap offering of Grandparents "U” is a unique intergenerational program that gives youth ages 7-14 an opportunity to work side-by-side with a grandparent. The two-day summer program facilitates a strong bonding experience for grandparents and their grandchildren as they enjoy hands-on enrichment in a college atmosphere. With two course offerings, participants had the opportunity to explore intertidal marine life and invertebrates in Liberty Bay as well as discover the ecology of owls through pellet dissection and Google Earth habitat exploration.

“We are excited to be collaborating with Olympic College in the sharing of a program that will create memories for Kitsap County participants,” said Diana Bakkom, assistant director of Summer Programs at Western. “We look forward to continuing this collaboration and building upon our Youth Program offerings on the peninsulas.”

Western Youth Programs’ course offerings are taught by Western faculty with rich backgrounds in various fields of study. Through Western Youth Programs, students have been inspired for over three decades to explore their educational and creative passions in a safe and lively college atmosphere. In addition to personal growth, Western Youth Programs encourages youth of all ages to consider higher education as a possibility for their own future.

For more information about Grandparents "U,” visit www.wwu.edu/grandparentsu, email youth@wwu.edu or call 360-650-3308.