Learn more about this 2026 Madison Trust Project.
Generations @ Madison: An Intergenerational Hub for Learning & Engagement
Presenters
Dr. Nick Swartz | swartznj@jmu.edu Dean, School of Professional & Continuing Education
Rae Vaughn | vaughnrm@jmu.edu Director, Youth Programs, School of Professional & Continuing Education Dr. Amanda Kellogg | kellogao@jmu.edu Director, Professional Development, School of Professional & Continuing Education
Abstract
Generations @ Madison will serve as a transformative intergenerational hub where individuals of all ages—youth, adults, and seniors—come together to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the broader community. Building on the established portfolio of the School of Professional & Continuing Education (SPCE)—including youth programs, the Adult Degree Program, non-credit professional development, the Lifelong Learning Institute, and the Faculty Emeriti Association—this initiative will expand JMU’s leadership in lifelong and intergenerational learning. The hub will create meaningful opportunities for cross-generational engagement, faculty and student research, and experiential learning, all while advancing JMU’s mission of preparing educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.
Project
In today’s rapidly evolving world, meaningful interaction across generations is more important than ever. Communities thrive when individuals of all ages collaborate and learn from one another, yet such opportunities are increasingly rare as families become more geographically dispersed and generational silos deepen. While JMU already excels in providing rich educational experiences for youth, adult, and lifelong learners, there is currently no dedicated space or initiative that intentionally connects these groups. Generations @ Madison will fill this gap by creating an environment where people of all ages can learn together, share knowledge, and form relationships that enhance personal growth and community well-being. It will also serve as a platform for research on the impacts of intergenerational interaction—spanning education, health, and community development—positioning JMU as a national leader in this emerging field.
Vision and Core Components The mission of Generations @ Madison is to create a dynamic and inclusive
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environment that fosters learning, collaboration, and innovation across generations. The hub will focus on three primary areas: intergenerational programming, research opportunities, and JMU student experiences. 1. Intergenerational Programming Generations @ Madison will offer innovative programs that bring together youth, adults, and seniors to explore shared interests and tackle community challenges. Examples include arts and storytelling workshops, technology mentoring (where younger participants help older adults build digital skills), community gardening, and civic engagement initiatives addressing local issues. These programs will cultivate empathy, shared understanding, and mutual respect—key components of community resilience. 2. Research Opportunities The hub will serve as a living laboratory for JMU faculty and students interested in studying intergenerational learning and communication. Interdisciplinary research projects could explore topics such as aging well, social inclusion, health and wellness, and the role of education in bridging generational divides. Faculty will have opportunities to publish and present findings, while students will gain valuable applied research experience that strengthens their academic and professional development. 3. JMU Student Experiences The initiative will create hands-on learning opportunities for JMU students through internships, research assistantships, and volunteer positions. Students will help design and facilitate programs, conduct research, and engage directly with participants across generations. These experiences will provide students with transferable skills in leadership, communication, and program management. Annual Theme Model Each year, SPCE will introduce a unifying theme to guide programming, partnerships, and research across its portfolio. Year One (2026): Mental Health and Well-Being. Programming will highlight cross-generational approaches to emotional resilience and wellness. A signature initiative, Headstrong: Empowering You to Be the Best Version of Yourself , will engage rising 7th–9th graders in developing lifelong skills for emotional health and self-confidence in a supportive environment led by experienced professionals and youth mentors. Complementary programming will connect this focus across adult and lifelong learning audiences. Year Two (2027): Technology. The second-year theme will explore how different generations experience and adapt to technological change, creating opportunities for mutual mentoring and skill-sharing between younger and older learners.
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Impact and Outcomes Generations @ Madison will have a far-reaching impact on JMU, the local community, and the field of intergenerational learning. Expected outcomes include: • Enhanced Community Engagement: Strengthening bonds between JMU and the community through inclusive, cross-generational programming. • Research Advancement: Generating new scholarship on intergenerational learning, aging, and social connection. • Student Development: Providing transformative experiences that equip JMU students with the skills to lead and collaborate across generations. • Community Well-Being: Promoting mental, social, and emotional health by fostering relationships and shared purpose among participants of all ages. Strategic Alignment with JMU’s Mission Generations @ Madison aligns directly with JMU’s mission of preparing educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives. The initiative promotes community engagement, lifelong learning, and social connectedness—core elements of JMU’s vision. By intentionally bridging generations, the hub will serve as a beacon of innovation, inclusivity, and community partnership, reflecting SPCE’s role as JMU’s front door for engagement and lifelong learning. Sustainability and Long-Term Vision The long-term success of Generations @ Madison will be sustained through a blend of revenue-generating programs, external partnerships, and philanthropic support. Initial Madison Trust funding will catalyze the launch of the first programming year, after which SPCE will pursue grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations to expand and sustain operations. Ultimately, SPCE envisions establishing a dedicated physical home for Generations @ Madison within the Ice House in downtown Harrisonburg—a vibrant, accessible space designed to host events, workshops, and community gatherings. This anchor location will symbolize JMU’s enduring commitment to lifelong learning and intergenerational connection, serving as a living embodiment of the university’s values in action. The creation of Generations @ Madison will position JMU as a pioneer in intergenerational learning, offering unique opportunities for collaboration, research, and community engagement. By bringing together individuals from diverse age groups, the intergenerational hub will foster connections that enhance the quality of life for participants while providing valuable research and learning opportunities for faculty and students. We invite the Madison Trust to join us in this innovative endeavor, investing in a project that will have lasting impacts on JMU and the broader community. Call to Action We ask the Madison Trust to consider funding Generations @ Madison, allowing us to bring this vision to life and continue JMU’s tradition of leadership in education, community engagement, and innovation.
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Benefit to JMU
Generations @ Madison will advance JMU’s mission and strategic priorities by strengthening its identity as a university for learners of all ages. By intentionally connecting youth, adult, and senior learners, the project will position JMU as a leader in intergenerational education and lifelong learning—areas that are increasingly critical to workforce development, community engagement, and social well-being. The hub will create new pathways for faculty research, student experiential learning, and community partnerships that extend JMU’s reach beyond traditional boundaries. Faculty will gain opportunities for applied scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration; students will develop practical skills and civic awareness through meaningful engagement with diverse age groups; and community members will experience JMU as a lifelong partner in education and personal growth. In addition, Generations @ Madison will strengthen JMU’s reputation for innovation, inclusivity, and public service—key differentiators in higher education today. By fostering collaboration across generations, the hub will not only enrich the lives of participants but also reinforce JMU’s role as a catalyst for learning, connection, and community impact across the Commonwealth and beyond.
Projected Budget
Personnel:
$10,000
Other:
$15,000
Total:
$25,000
We are requesting $25,000 from the Madison Trust to support the launch of Generations @ Madison. Funds will be allocated as follows:
$10,000 – Faculty Fellowship. Each year, one JMU faculty member will receive a rotating fellowship to work with SPCE on thematic intergenerational programming and research. The fellowship will provide a stipend for one academic year, allowing the faculty fellow to dedicate meaningful time to advancing the hub’s mission. $15,000 – Youth Mental Health Camp (Headstrong). This funding will fully support program development, staffing, materials, marketing, and scholarships to ensure broad participation and impact during the inaugural themed year focused on mental health and well-being.
With partial funding, we would not be able to send as many participants to the weeklong mental health camp.
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Project Team
The Intergenerational Hub will be led by Dr. Nick Swartz, Dean of the School of Professional & Continuing Education (SPCE), whose leadership experience and proven record of building innovative, community-based programs ensure the project’s strategic direction and success. He will be supported by a team representing youth programs and the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), each bringing deep expertise in serving distinct populations across the lifespan. • Rae Vaughn, Director of Youth Programs, will oversee youth engagement components, ensuring alignment with JMU’s youth safety policies and SPCE’s experiential learning framework. • Dr. Amanda Kellogg, Director of Professional Development, will lead program design and engagement for adult learners and oversee professional development integration. • Katie Overfield-Zook, Director of the Lifelong Learning Institute, brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, community engagement, and program innovation for adult and senior learners. • Dr. Sarah MacDonald, Associate Dean of SPCE, will coordinate university partnerships and faculty involvement. • Daniel Robinson, Director of the Adult Degree Program, will lead the development of Together, this team’s depth of experience in education, community partnerships, and program development positions SPCE for immediate success in piloting and scaling the Intergenerational Hub. Their collective commitment to JMU’s mission of preparing educated and enlightened citizens ensures this initiative will be both meaningful and sustainable.
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