​Phoenix residents responding to literacy crisis

​​It’s back to school time for children and also for some Phoenix adults, who are donating their time to make a significant impact on early literacy. The city of Phoenix, in partnership with AARP Foundation Experience Corps and Experience Matters, has launched a tutoring program designed to improve literacy skills for Phoenix elementary school students and is seeking volunteers. Apply today! 

Apply to join the program as a tutor  

AARP Foundation Experience Corps is an award winning program that serves children in kindergarten through the third grade. The program taps into the experience and passion of older Americans to ensure that every child has a chance to succeed in school and in life.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 30 percent of Arizona fourth grade students were reading proficiently in 2017. The AARP Foundation Experience Corps program utilizes highly trained volunteer tutors 50 and older to help children become proficient readers by the time they finish third grade. Volunteers receive training and materials and do not need any prior tutoring experience.

The students who receive one-to-one coaching with AARP Foundation Experience Corps tutors have shown greater gains in critical literacy skills. Teachers report that the tutors make a positive impact on attendance, reducing disruptive behavior, and increase participation.  In just 2-1/2 hours, twice a week, one committed adult can change the course of a young life.