Support UPO's Foster Grandparents Program

On March 26, Excel Academy Public Charter School transformed its halls into a living celebration of legacy, leadership, and womanhood during its annual Museum Night — an evening that beautifully coincided with Women's History Month.

The Washington, DC event served as both a tribute to iconic women in history and a heartfelt recognition of a woman making history in real time — Ms. Muriel “Grandma” Langford of UPO’s Foster Grandparent Program, who was honored as Woman of the Year. Her presence alone embodied the very spirit of the evening: service, resilience, and unwavering commitment to uplifting the next generation.

As families, staff, and community members walked through the “museum,” they were greeted by a remarkable sight — young scholars standing poised and still, transformed into living exhibits. Each student brought to life a trailblazing woman, from Michelle Obama to Bessie Smith, from Simone Biles to Kamala Harris, and many more. Dressed in carefully curated attire, they stood in statue-like form until prompted, then eloquently shared powerful stories, historical facts, and personal reflections about the women they represented.

Among these powerful displays stood a booth that was especially meaningful to the Excel Academy community — Grandma Langford’s. With grace and pride, she shared her own journey of service, including her impact as a Foster Grandparent and her past recognition as UPO’s Volunteer of the Year. Her words resonated deeply, reminding everyone that history is not only found in textbooks, but also in the lives of those who give selflessly every day.

The evening was a bridge between generations. It was a moment where young girls saw themselves reflected in greatness, and where a beloved “Grandma” was celebrated for paving the way with love, wisdom, and dedication.

Congratulations to our Shero, Grandma Muriel Langford — your legacy continues to inspire, and your impact will be felt for generations to come.

To become better classroom mentors for children, our senior volunteers (called “Foster Grandparents”) dive into computer training. Such classes are part of their continual improvement, so they can be the best possible “right hands” to teachers at 34 sites throughout Washington, DC.

These skills are constantly useful in the classroom, even in unexpected ways: When a class was assigned to learn the alphabet in sign language, a Foster Grandparent used her computer to show videos of signing and created cue cards to aid the children’s practice sessions.

The Power of Knowledge

A set of Foster Grandparents committed to the most recent 7-week program, with classes twice a week plus additional training during the Foster Grandparents’ quarterly meeting.

The program had a huge impact, equipping the students with critical digital literacy and AI readiness skills so they can navigate modern technology and use essential online resources. The students come early and stay late to practice — they want to learn!

“I attend so many events and classes with UPO and other organizations. This was the best class that I have attended so far. I learned so much in this class. I am able to use my computer and phone and I even have a personal AI assistant! This class was amazing.”

     -  UPO Foster Grandma Joyce Lyles

Their teachers are from F.L.I.N.T., LLC, which stands for Fostering Love, Integrity, Nurturing, and Trust. What a perfect name for our trainers! The company’s founder and CEO, Samantha Leach, says she was raised by her grandparents so she has a “very special love for seniors.”

What’s next for the students? They will build on what they’ve learned so far. That momentum will help them retain their sparkling new knowledge as they find better ways to help children learn.