Share the Love of Reading

Students who don’t learn to read by fourth grade are far less likely to graduate from high school, and in D.C. public schools, only two-thirds of students are graduating.

That’s why AARP DC is recruiting volunteers for Experience Corps, an AARP Foundation program that promotes literacy among children in kindergarten through third grade.

In a 2009 study, schoolchildren who worked with Experience Corps tutors in three cities improved critical literacy skills 60 percent more than their peers. The program enriches volunteers’ lives as well because they know they are helping children develop skills that can lead to a better future.

Volunteers must be 50 or older and have at least a high school education. Bilingual volunteers (Spanish/English) are especially needed. Training begins in July. For details, call 202-434-6349 or email dcexperiencecorps@aarp.org.