AARP Foundation Experience Corps

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.

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.​