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Volunteer To Help Kids Become Better Readers

Make a difference by helping elementary kids improve their reading skills. Join AARP Foundation Experience Corps volunteer program for older adults.


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Student Tamaris Taylor works with Experience Corps volunteer Elizabeth "Marie" Brooks in Buffalo, New York.

About Experience Corps

AARP Foundation Experience Corps is a volunteer program that trains people over 50 to tutor students to become better readers by the end of third grade. Not only is the program proven to improve students’ reading skills, but it also builds critical social and emotional skills they need for successful learning now — and later in life. Currently, the Experience Corps program operates in 18 communities across the United States. 

So far, Experience Corps volunteer tutors have helped thousands of elementary students across America. During the 2022-2023 school year, 1,302 senior volunteers helped 3,256 kids to become better readers before the end of their third-grade year. Learn more about volunteering with Experience Corps.

Why It Matters

Did you know that a child’s likelihood of graduating high school can be reasonably predicted by their reading level at the end of third grade? 

In fact, children who can't read at grade level by fourth grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school, putting them on a path to poverty later in life. But older adults, like you, are helping turn that statistic around.

It’s not just the students who succeed through Experience Corps. Our volunteers report feeling a renewed sense of purpose and satisfaction by contributing in a meaningful way to their communities.

In addition, studies conducted by Experience Corps show that: 

●      98% of volunteer tutors reported that Experience Corps helped them stay physically and mentally active, and build digital and workforce skills.

●      96% reported feeling better about themselves.

●      More than 85% felt their lives had improved because of their involvement with Experience Corps.

View the current locations of Experience Corps programs.

How You Can Help

Experience Corps is a unique volunteer opportunity for older adults. Not only will you stay active while learning new skills, but you’ll also know you’re making a meaningful difference in children’s lives. Best of all, training and ongoing support are provided.

We’re actively looking for volunteers! Sign up to volunteer with Experience Corps.

AARP Foundation Experience Corps is an AmeriCorps National, Volunteer Generation Fund and VISTA grantee and receives funds through their AmeriCorps National and Volunteer Generation Fund programs. Additional support is provided by the Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Program.

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Help Kids Become Great Readers

Helping someone learn to read is an amazing feeling. Experience Corps makes it easy to start giving back, with training and ongoing support when you’re in the classroom.