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AARP Foundation Experience Corps
The literacy rate for Phoenix third-graders has dropped to 27 percent, which is the lowest it has been in several years. A solution to this literacy crisis, is calling on Phoenix residents ages 50+ to become a volunteer tutor through the AARP Foundation Experience Corps program.
Did You Know?
Only 27% of Phoenix third graders are reading at grade level, yet adults age 50 and older can help change that. By volunteering as a literacy tutor with AARP Experience Corps Phoenix, you can help students build the confidence and reading skills they need to succeed. Your time, experience, and encouragement can shape a brighter future for a child and for our community.
Through AARP Foundation Experience Corps Phoenix, trained volunteer tutors (age 50+) work directly with young readers to help them become proficient by the end of third grade. The program taps into the talent and passion of older Arizonans to ensure every child has the chance to thrive in school and in life.
And it’s making a real difference:
• 99% of students receiving one‑on‑one tutoring show significant improvement in key literacy skills.
• Teachers report increased participation, better attendance, and fewer classroom disruptions thanks to tutor support.
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.
If you'd like to make a meaningful impact, build community, and support young readers, we invite you to join us.
"One of the things I enjoy most about being an Experience Corps volunteer is watching students gain confidence as their reading skills improve,” said Chuck Emmert, a seasoned Experience Corps volunteer. “Sometimes the progress comes in small steps, but over time you can really see the difference. It's rewarding to know that spending a little time each week with a student can help build skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond."
Your Help Is Needed
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 the school year
- Participate in a two-day training session, along with ongoing training throughout the school year
- Attend monthly meetings
- Successfully pass a background check
To learn about volunteering with the City of Phoenix AARP Foundation Experience Corps program, please email ecphx@phoenix.gov or call 602-256-4388 TTY 711.
Become a Volunteer Literacy Tutor
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Register for an Information Session
Information sessions for prospective literacy tutors are available yearly from May through August, in-person and online. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, please register to attend an information session.