"It's like a job. You have goals. You see results" -Yuriy, Experience Corps Member

What is the tutoring like?
Experience Corps members read to and help students to read aloud, work in the classroom during literacy/reading times, and act as a mentor in the student's life. Members work with students individually and in small groups, either in the classroom and or in a quiet space nearby the classroom. Each day's duties may differ and you will be scheduled based on the number of hours you commit to serve, your availability and the needs of the teachers.



How is Experience Corps different from all the other tutoring programs around?
Our program is unique in that most of our tutors are age 55 or older so they bring a wealth of work and life experience, skills and abilities with them. Our tutors serve in teams and for a larger number of hours a week than other programs, so we have a greater presence and impact on the setting. Our tutors serve as older-adult role models and mentors for the students in the schools. We provide training before the tutors begin as well as monthly team meetings and periodic training throughout the year.



Do I need to have experience teaching or working with children?
Not at all. We only ask that you love to read, enjoy being with children, and have patience, an open mind and dedication.



I have many years experience as a teacher. Do I need to go through the training before becoming a tutor?
Yes. It is important for everyone who will become an Experience Corps member to learn what our program and school system expects of tutors. The training also includes other topics particular to Experience Corps and is also a wonderful chance to get to know other members!



How long do these positions last?
Experience Corps members are asked to commit to the program for at least one full year. Members enrolled in AmeriCorps may receive a stipend for up to two years.



How does it benefit me?
You will get to know other wonderful, caring older adults. You will become important to the school and the children. You will learn new things. You will know that you are making a difference. You will have fun!



What are the steps I need to take to become a tutor with Generations Incorporated

1. You will fill out our application form and provide 2 references.


2. You will be interviewed.


3. You will participate in a background check.


4. You will complete our training.


5. You will fill out paperwork including a service agreement and forms required to receive a stipend (if provided).

I understand that there is a stipend available. How does that work?
As a service program, we offer a small stipend during the program year. In order to receive a stipend, you must commit to completing either 8 or 12 hours of service a week starting in October through the end of May. The number of hours per day you need to tutor will depend on your commitment, your own schedule and the school's schedule. For most people, it works out to 3-4 hours a day. Those who receive a stipend are also required to attend additional meetings, events and trainings provided by Generations Incorporated. You also may serve as an Experience Corps member serving 1-7 hours a week without receiving a stipend.



What type of previous experience do Experience Corps members need?
Members do not need to have any specific experience to participate. Experience Corps seeks to build on the unique strengths and talents of each member. The program provides many opportunities for ongoing learning and skills development, including pre-service training (in topics critical to successful service with children), team meetings, monthly in-service training, lectures, field trips, conferences, and reflection.



What impact does Experience Corps have?
Experience Corps makes a significant impact on students, schools, community organizations and members.

For students

Higher test scores: According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, third graders working with Experience Corps members scored significantly higher on the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program than children in the control schools.

Self-confidence: Teachers report that students who work with Experience Corps members gain in self-confidence and make significant progress in reading and academic achievement.

Committed, caring adults: Experience Corps members provide a consistent adult presence for children, boosting their success inside and outside of the classroom. Research tells us that children need ongoing, secure relationships with adults in their families, schools and communities.

For schools

Classroom Behavior: In schools with Experience Corps, referrals to the principal for classroom misbehavior decreased by half; referrals in the other schools remained about the same.

Learning Environment: Research from the Center for American Progress finds that Experience Corps makes "a significant difference building a positive environment for learning, helps students achieve," and serves as "a cost effective way to improve the quality of education and supplement overworked teachers." >> more

Teachers and Principals: Teachers and principals report high satisfaction with the Experience Corps program. Three out of four teachers report dramatic improvements in student behavior, readiness to learn and respect for older adults. >>more


For Experience Corps members

Health and well-being: Experience Corps members show significant increases in cognitive ability, physical activity, and strength compared to a control group

Social connections: Experience Corps members report social gains, including a significant decrease in time spent watching TV and a significant increase in the number of people they feel they could turn to for help. And, Experience Corps makes communities stronger. As Robert Putnam, Harvard professor and author of Bowling Alone and Better Together, says, "Experience Corps illustrates the extraordinary power and subtlety of social networks to enable people to improve their lives."

Please visit the Experience Corps Impact Page for additional information.

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How is Experience Corps managed?
The national office of Experience Corps, located in Washington, D.C., coordinates a network of local affiliates around the country. The national office provides support, assistance and training to these affiliates. Local projects are coordinated by an agency in each community. Some of the current local partners are universities, community-based organizations, and local projects of local projects.

Experience Corps is a former program of Civic Ventures, which is leading the call to engage millions of baby boomers as a vital workforce for change.

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What are the core program elements that make Experience Corps unique?
There are many wonderful programs, both locally and nationally, that involve older adults in helping to meet community needs. Experience Corps is a distinct model and approach that is defined by these six elements:

Focus on outcomes

High member commitment

Rigorous member training

Team-based approach

Critical mass of members

Leadership development

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How is Experience Corps funded?
Experience Corps draws on a variety of funding sources to ensure that the program is not overly dependent on any one funding stream and is sustainable over time. Current funding sources include the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps); private foundations; state and local public and private funds; and in-kind donations.

Learn about how you can support Experience Corps.

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Where is Experience Corps located?
Experience Corps projects are located in [[CITIES_COUNT]] cities throughout the United States: [[CITIES_LIST]]

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What is the future of the Experience Corps program?
Experience Corps continuously adds new members, new school sites, new cities, and new opportunities for civic action and leadership. While Experience Corps is currently focused on tutoring and mentoring in public schools, future projects may focus on other avenues for engaging many more individuals in vital public and community service.

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I have questions.
Call Katie Klister, Director of Volunteer Management at 617-399-4700 or email volunteerinfo [at] generationsinc.org

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