On Thursday, August 13, 2026, Collège de Maisonneuve in Montreal introduced a new initiative that lets its students meet an elderly community member for a symbolic charge of 25 cents. The program pairs enrolled students with an older mentor, offering a brief consultation during which learners can pose personal or academic questions and receive advice drawn from the mentor’s life experience.
The college describes the arrangement as a way to bridge generational gaps and to provide students with practical perspectives that extend beyond the classroom. By paying a nominal fee, participants demonstrate a willingness to engage while the low cost underscores the program’s emphasis on accessibility rather than profit.
Students who wish to take part schedule a session through the college’s student services office. Each meeting is limited to a short timeframe, allowing the mentor to address a few topics before the session concludes. The 25‑cent payment is collected at the start of the appointment and serves as a token of commitment rather than a commercial transaction.
Collège de Maisonneuve frames the effort as part of a broader commitment to community involvement and lifelong learning. By inviting an elder to share insights, the college hopes to enrich the student experience and foster mutual respect across ages. The initiative also offers the mentor an opportunity to remain active in the community and to contribute knowledge to younger generations. The program is set to continue throughout the academic year, with the college monitoring participation and feedback to assess its impact on student development.