FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP)

Program Overview

FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) is a school based literacy program that matches adult tutors age 55+ with students in partner elementary schools in Davidson and Williamson Counties in Tennessee. FLIP is the signature program of FiftyForward RSVP, part of the Senior Corps family of programs. Volunteer tutors are matched with 3 to 4 students for 30 minute individual sessions during the school day throughout the school year. FLIP staff recruit, support and recognize the volunteer tutors and provide liaison services to our partner schools. School staff refer students to the program.

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

One of our FLIP volunteer tutors at Longview Elementary in Spring Hill, Tennessee, recently relayed the following heartwarming story:

"A few years ago, I tutored a little boy in the second grade who was not only interested in the books we'd read together, he wanted to know about my preferences, my likes and dislikes. While it is not unusual for a child to have a natural curiosity, this young man was genuinely fascinated with what I found interesting. He told me he was considering starting a "small business", making friendship bracelets for those he cared about. He touched me deeply when he said, "Mrs. Rose Ann, you'd be one of the first people I'd make a bracelet for."

At the end of the school year he asked me what neighborhood I lived in. I realized it was not appropriate to give him my actual address but I gave him a general idea. He said he and his family were moving that summer, he hoped he would bump into me.

Much to my surprise, about six weeks later, while on my morning walk I saw the cutest stand set up at one of the neighborhood corners, akin to the old lemonade stands of summers ago. My little friend had indeed set up a stand to sell his homemade friendship bracelets. He called out to me, motioning for me to come over. I quickly crossed the street to compliment him on his new venture and wish him luck!

He replied "I just had a feeling you'd pass by me, in your car, or somehow. Here… this is one of the first ones I made… of course, no charge to you. You are one of my best friends."

That student did make a considerable amount of academic progress during the school year, but equally as importantly, he seemed to feel supported by his friend who visited with him each week, who supported his dream of having his own bracelet stand. I later learned his parents had doubts about a boy making friendship bracelets. They came around; however, from the beginning, he felt like I understood his creativity.

This is a great illustration of what FLIP means, to both students and volunteers. We obviously rejoice over the academic progress, but the social/emotional growth cannot be understated.