For Immediate Release
December 15, 2025
Generations United Recognizes 31 Exemplary Programs Connecting Younger and Older People
WASHINGTON, DC (December 15, 2025) – Generations United has awarded 31 outstanding intergenerational programs the prestigious Intergenerational Program Certification, recognizing their success in fostering meaningful connections between younger and older generations. These programs exemplify innovation and effectiveness in strengthening intergenerational relationships. They join a stellar group of 86 designees who have earned their Intergenerational Program Certification since the initiative began over a decade ago.
“We are excited to recognize the continued expansion of high-quality intergenerational programs across the country and to celebrate this year’s newly designated Programs of Designation and Programs of Merit,” said Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director of Generations United. “This recognition reflects a strong commitment to intentional, effective intergenerational practice. As the only nationally recognized certification of its kind in the United States, the Intergenerational Program Certification sets a high bar, and earning this distinction is a meaningful achievement.”
Recognizing Excellence in Intergenerational Programs
This year, 20 programs received the distinguished Program of Distinction designation, which signifies the highest standards of intergenerational effectiveness, sustainability, and measurable outcomes.
2025 Program of Distinction Designees:
- All Ears Friendship Bench Program
- Benevilla
- Beyond the Bell
- Conversations to Remember
- Dumas Wesley Community Center
- Empowering the Ages
- Empowering Readers OC
- Friend to Friend Program
- Intergenerational Bridges
- Kinder Village
- New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra
- nTechQuity Community Learning
- Partners in Rhyme
- Perfect Pair
- Tea @ 3 Intergenerational Friendship Community
- Tech Skills for Older Adults
- Teeniors
- The Intergenerational Schools
- The Pillars of Lakeville
- Towerlight Senior Living and Childcare Campus
In addition, 11 programs earned the Program of Merit designation, recognizing their commitment to intergenerational best practices and ongoing efforts to achieve exemplary status.
2025 Program of Merit Designees:
- Charles City Foster Grandparent Program
- Cool, Comms, Collected
- Cultivating Intergenerational Connections and Learning Opportunities
- Empowering Children Bay Area
- Joint Family
- Love, Peace & Games: Play It Forward
- Memories4Generations
- Odindi Youth Action Village
- San Diego Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program
- Senior Teen Joy
- The Best Day of My Life So Far
About the Intergenerational Program Certification
Launched in 2010, Generations United’s Intergenerational Program Certification recognizes excellence while celebrating the diversity of intergenerational programs. An independent panel of experts evaluates designees based on evidence-based standards, including participant preparation, staff training, partner engagement, and use of evaluation data.
Intergenerational programs foster cooperation, interaction, and meaningful relationships between people of different generations, allowing them to share talents and resources while strengthening their communities.
To learn more about the Intergenerational Program Certification and past recipients, visit www.gu.org.
###
About Generations United:
For more than three decades, Generations United’s mission has been to improve the lives of children, youth, and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs for the enduring benefit of all. As the leading advocate for intergenerational initiatives, Generations United sparks cooperation across ages, harnessing the vibrancy and productivity that emerge when people of all ages come together. Learn more at www.gu.org.