AARP Experience Corps
Office Location: Volunteers of America-Minnesota, 7625 Metro Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55439
Days/Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Participants are: 50+
Contact: Janet Triplett
Program Phone: 952-945-4164
Email: jtriplett@voamn.org
AARP Experience Corps engages people over age 50 in boosting literacy and academic performance of children in urban schools. More than 2,000 Corps members in 20 cities nationally, serve as tutors and mentors that help teach children to read and develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed in school and in life.
Here in Minnesota, AARP Experience Corps is sponsored by Volunteers of America-Minnesota. AARP Experience Corps tutors work with children in kindergarten through third grade in several Minneapolis and St. Paul schools. AARP Experience Corps members work under the direction of the classroom teacher, providing assistance to students one-on-one, or in small groups. On-going training and support is provided to AARP Experience Corps members, as well as stipends for those who qualify.
The AARP Experience Corps program helps schools become more successful, strengthens ties between these institutions and surrounding neighborhoods, and enhances the well-being of the Experience Corps members in the process.
Literacy
Despite persistent efforts, nearly 40 percent of all American fourth-graders read below the basic level on a national reading test. The percentages are even higher in many urban schools. Studies have shown that reading ability in the third grade is a major predictor of future educational success. Those who are not reading by the end of third grade are far more likely to eventually drop out of school.
Schools
Minneapolis
- Lucy Craft Laney School
- Marcy Open School
- Stonebridge Community School
- Whittier International School
- Lyndale Community School
St. Paul:
- Frost Lake School
- Higher Ground Academy (charter)
- Maxfield School
- Chelsea Heights
- Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary School
Training
Training is provided for AARP Experience Corps members prior to starting service at a school site. Initial training on tutoring beginning readers is provided by the Minnesota Literacy Council. Additional pre- and in-service training covers a variety of topics related to supporting children in schools, including such topics as Behavior Management During Tutoring Sessions, Communicating with Teachers, Understanding School Culture, Learning Disabilities, and Cultural Awareness.
Stipend
AARP Experience Corps members who serve 10 or 15 hours per week are eligible to be enrolled as AmeriCorps members and receive a small stipend and an educational award on completion of 300 to 450 hours of service.