Web Host Earthlink Teams with AARP for GenerationLink

In collaboration with AARP Washington, Ballard High School today will launch an innovative program spearheaded by EarthLink (www.earthlink.net), an Internet service provider, to bring together senior citizens, net-savvy teenagers and the Internet.

GenerationLink is a national classroom-based service-learning program that enlists high school students to teach seniors how to use the Internet. Students will learn valuable lessons about citizenship and community, while seniors will learn how to take advantage of all the Internet has to offer.

"What better way to bring people together than through the Internet," said Dan Greenfield, vice president of corporate communications for EarthLink. "GenerationLink gives us the opportunity to create a dialogue between teens and seniors in a way that enriches the lives of both generations."

"The Internet can connect seniors with family and friends, new resources and information, which encourages seniors to participate with others, develop skills and meet their ever-changing needs and interests. It can also provide a critical linkage that reduces isolation, allowing seniors to remain independent and lead satisfying lives," said AARP Washington State Director Doug Shadel.

Beginning today, GenerationLink will bring 10 senior citizens affiliated with the Ballard Family Center, aged 60 and above, to sit side by side with students at Ballard High School. The students will teach the seniors how to send e-mail, surf the Web and download attachments.

The one-hour class will run for six weeks, with the high school students serving as Internet mentors and teachers for the seniors. EarthLink will award a scholarship to the high school student who best captures the essence of the multigenerational experience in an essay contest following the six-week program.

"Community service is a very important component of Seattle Public Schools' graduation requirements," said Phil Brockman, Principal of Ballard High School.

"Teaching a vital skill like this gives students a sense of accomplishment and furthers their understanding of the seniors' lives and perspectives. There is no doubt that this is an excellent way to build respect for self and others among our youth, and we applaud EarthLink for supporting this partnership."

"As a school district, we realize that our mission is not only to educate the future leaders of our community, but also to prepare better citizens for Seattle, as well as trustworthy and responsible human beings for the world."