As a leader in non-institutional care for elders, learning at Charles House is a sought-after experience by students, interns and others exploring or preparing for careers in aging and healthcare. Students from UNC, Duke, NCCU, Durham Tech, Watts School of Nursing and other organizations participate in experiential learning in the Charles House approach to care. In addition, other communities reach out to Charles House as they explore addressing the growing needs of elders in their communities. 

Charles House welcomes APPLES and other interns through the Rebecca and Michael Bradley Program in Learning & Service who work alongside staff and volunteers at the day program and in both eldercare homes.  APPLES Service-Learning is a student-led program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that transforms educational experiences by connecting academic learning and public service.

Throughout the past year, over 100 students from 20 educational programs or institutions have complete nearly 3000 hours of service learning. Some have come as part of an undergraduate semester course in aging or psychology. Others have spent time with Charles House preparing to go onto a clinical graduate program.

These students and interns absorb the unique Charles House approach to working with elders, learning a positive narrative about aging the dispels the negative ideas of aging being dominated by loss, functioning decline and isolation. The Charles House learning experience is encouraging these young people to consider professional careers serving elders.