The AARP Foundation Experience Corps seeks Valley volunteers aged 50 and older to help children become proficient readers (photo courtesy of city of Phoenix).
Only an estimated 27 percent of Phoenix third graders are reading at grade level, but Valley adults can help change that. The City of Phoenix Youth and Education Office is looking for committed and passionate individuals aged 50 and older to assist second and third grade students in increasing their reading fluency skills through the AARP Foundation Experience Corps.
Working with AARP Foundation Experience Corps Phoenix, trained volunteer tutors are helping children become proficient readers by the time they finish third grade. Ninety-nine percent of the students who receive one-on-one coaching with AARP Foundation Experience Corps Phoenix have shown significant improvement in critical literacy skills. Teachers report that the tutors make a positive impact on attendance, reducing disruptive behavior and increasing participation.
Experience Corps Phoenix is part of Read On Phoenix, the city’s contribution to Read On Arizona, a statewide collaboration of agencies, foundations, and community partners committed to improving language and literacy outcomes for Arizona children.
To become an Experience Corps Phoenix volunteer tutor, you must be at least 50 years old, possess a high school diploma, and agree to volunteer two days per week, for a total of 5 hours per week throughout a school year; participate in a two-day training session, along with ongoing training throughout the school year; attend monthly meetings; and successfully pass a background check.
To learn about volunteering with the program, email ecphx@phoenix.gov or call 602-256-4388. Find other volunteer opportunities by visiting www.phoenix.gov/volunteer.html.
