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AARP Foundation Experience Corps is a community-based volunteer program that empowers people over 50 to serve as tutors to help students become better readers by the end of third grade. It is a proven “triple win,” helping students succeed, older adults thrive, and communities grow stronger.

The program ensures volunteer success through extensive training, peer networks, and ongoing evaluation. Experience Corps employs a structured, evidence-based model that improves the overall reading ability of students by building their fluency, accuracy, and comprehension skills.

We focus on outcomes, inspiring volunteers to disrupt the cycle of poverty by making a lasting difference in the lives of America’s most vulnerable children.

Highlights from the 2023 National Meeting

The annual AARP Foundation Experience Corps National Meeting offers learning opportunities for program staff and volunteers, creates awareness of program impact, builds our community of early literacy enthusiasts, and recognizes the year’s outstanding work.

 

On June 21-23, we welcomed more than 300 attendees, both in-person and virtually, to our 2023 National Meeting. We’re excited to share here recordings from Day 1 of our convening, which featured fireside chats as well as panels with leading experts in literacy, volunteerism, and philanthropy. 

View Meeting Highlights

Advancing Sustainable Solutions

New Report: Positive Social-Emotional Learning Outcomes

Findings from the Experience Corps Social-Emotional Learning Evaluation were compelling, with students seeing statistically significant improvements in social-emotional learning.

Service Makes a Difference

AARP Foundation’s Experience Corp program is funded by an $ 1,249,130 grant from AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps and U.S. Department of Justice funding provide 16% of the support for Experience Corps, with AARP Foundation and non-governmental sources providing 84% ($9,077,599) of support.  

Meet Calvin Leonard: Experience Corps Volunteer

Read how Calvin Leonard finds satisfaction in tutoring young students.

'Take on Today' Podcast Discusses How Older Adults Can Help Young Children Learn to Read

In this 'Take on Today' episode, you'll hear from Mioshi Moses, Vice President of the program, as she breaks down how the program empowers older adults as well as a volunteer who shares his story and experience as a mentor.

Get Involved

Become a Program Partner

General inquiries can be submitted to ExperienceCorps@aarp.org. Upon receiving an inquiry, our director of Field Services will contact the you and provide you with an initial information packet.

Volunteer

AARP Foundation Experience Corps is looking for adults 50 years and older interested in tutoring K-3 students who are struggling to read.

Donate

Donate to AARP Foundation Experience Corps. Your generous support will bring experience to life.