The New York State Rural Education Advisory Committee conducted an intergenerational project in which rural schools and agencies/facilities serving older persons were brought together to help young children build the reading skills necessary for academic success. Intergenerational programs such as this can help schools reach higher standards while providing meaningful volunteer activities for older persons. This manual aims to assist other schools in creating similar programs. Chapters explain what intergenerational programs are; the importance of focusing on young children and reading; how senior volunteers help support reading in the classroom; other ways intergenerational programs can help students; what teachers can expect from senior volunteers; what senior volunteers can expect from a school and in a classroom; how schools can begin one of these programs; the importance of training and orientation activities; how the program can grow and develop; the resources needed; special issues that may arise; and where to get more information. Appendices present profiles of 23 promising rural programs with contact information, program materials, orientation materials, and 20 selected resources. (TD)