WASHINGTON–With older adults remaining at a higher risk for severe illness and isolation as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community has announced the launch of the 2021 We Care grant program. Retired Educator Associations (REAs) may apply immediately. REAs who are approved for the program will be granted up to $5,000 to strengthen their own virtual member engagement and recruitment of 50+ educators.

“With public health recommendations still in place across the nation, retired educators often remain physically isolated to protect their health and safety. But, they aren’t alone,” said Al Campos, NRTA Director. “The grants will help empower the REAs to continue engaging virtually with some 850,000 retired educators at a time when they need us most,” Campos said. 

In 2020:

• 27 REAs participated in the We Care grant program, engaging more than 500,000 educators.
• REA virtual engagement resulted in membership spikes in many states.
• Many REAs invested in infrastructure to better virtually engage members and educators.
• REA leaders effectively delivered critical information on safety and well-being strategies.

The 2021 We Care grant program provides even more support to REAs.The program has expanded and enhanced with additional opportunities to strengthen virtual retired educator engagement during these difficult times. This year's program will promote AARP's latest COVID-19 campaign to provide the public information while encouraging REAs to share local vaccination information.

###

About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community
NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community empowers America’s educator community to champion their financial and health security through advocacy, collaboration, information and advancing volunteer engagement. Founded in 1947 by retired educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, NRTA supports the nationwide network of Retired Educator Associations that represent the interests of more than 850,00 retired school personnel age 50+, including 51 state affiliates and more than 2,700 local units. More information is available here or @NRTAUSA on social media.