Experience Corps has achieved something remarkable: a proven model linking older adults with students in high-risk schools across the United States – and we have evidence that the program works.
The achievement gap continues to undermine the great potential of our nation’s students. Researchers report that Black and Latino students are two to three years behind white students of the same age. Low-income students enter pre-K behind their classmates in basic skills. Experience Corps leverages the capacity of the 78 million boomers to help young students learn to read in classrooms across America.
2,000 tutors receive literacy and mentoring training to serve 20,000 low-income elementary school students who struggle with reading. The service model features measurable outcomes, rigorous training, team approach, and school-community connections.
Students make over 60% more progress in reading comprehension than similar students not served by the program. Experience Corps is beneficial for the older adults’ mental and physical health. EC works for all students. Teachers welcome EC members.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
