Collège de Maisonneuve in Montreal launched a new initiative on Thursday, August 13, that lets its students meet with elder mentors for a symbolic charge of 25 cents per session. The program is designed to give students a dedicated space to seek advice, share concerns, and listen to the experiences of older community members.
The offering is presented as a listening session, where a student can sit down with an assigned senior and discuss topics of personal or academic interest. The nominal fee of a quarter is intended to underscore the low‑cost, high‑value nature of the exchange while covering basic administrative expenses. Participation is open to any enrolled student at the college who wishes to engage in the dialogue.
Organizers describe the arrangement as a two‑way benefit: students gain perspective from a generation that has faced different social and economic conditions, while seniors receive the opportunity to contribute their knowledge and stay connected with younger residents of the city. The program operates on the campus and follows a schedule that matches student availability with the volunteer seniors’ time slots.
The college has not disclosed the exact number of mentors involved, but the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen intergenerational ties within the Montreal community. By keeping the cost at 25 cents, the college aims to remove financial barriers and encourage widespread participation. The sessions are expected to run throughout the academic quarter, with the possibility of extension based on demand and feedback.
The launch comes as part of a growing trend in educational institutions to incorporate community‑based mentorship and mental‑wellness resources into student services. Collège de Maisonneuve hopes the program will foster meaningful connections and provide a supportive outlet for students navigating the pressures of college life.