Pepperdine University Hosts AmeriCorps CEO, Highlights Decades-Long Partnership With Girls Club of Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, January 8, 2025—Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) welcomed Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, to the Girls Club of Los Angeles (GCLA), celebrating a decades-long partnership with Pepperdine’s Foster Grandparent Program (FGP). The event showcased the transformative work of more than 150 volunteers who serve children and youth across Los Angeles County.
During his visit, Smith met with over 20 Foster Grandparents stationed at GCLA to hear firsthand about their experiences. The FGP pairs seniors with children, providing mentorship, tutoring, and support. This intergenerational model enriches the lives of both volunteers and children, fostering community connections and personal growth.
“We are proud to support the Pepperdine Foster Grandparent Program, which exemplifies AmeriCorps’ mission of fostering unity and service across generations,” Smith said. “This partnership embodies the power of collaboration and commitment to equity and opportunity.”
The event included personal stories from Foster Grandparents, who shared how the program has impacted their lives and the children they serve. These testimonials illustrated the profound, mutual benefits of the program, which fosters academic success and emotional development.
The Girls Club of Los Angeles, established in 1972, has partnered with Pepperdine’s FGP for many years, extending the program’s reach to underserved communities. GCLA provides early education, youth development, and family services to promote self-sufficiency and community engagement.
“Our partnership with AmeriCorps and the Girls Club of Los Angeles is vital to our mission of Purpose, Service, and Leadership,” said Shanetta Weatherspoon, director of the Foster Grandparent Program at Pepperdine. “Together, we empower volunteers and create opportunities that transform lives.”
The Pepperdine Foster Grandparent Program began in 1972 as part of a national initiative launched by AmeriCorps in 1965. It has since grown to serve hundreds of children annually, with volunteers committing between 5 and 40 hours per week. The program provides stipends for transportation, meals, and internet access, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
For more information on Pepperdine’s Foster Grandparent Program, visit the program’s website.¹
¹ Foster Grandparent Program, History and Mission (Pepperdine GSEP, 2025).