Photo courtesy of city of Tempe
The city of Tempe is calling on community members to make a lasting impact in the lives of young students by becoming volunteer tutors. Through the AARP Foundation Experience Corps program, individuals are offered a chance to guide and improve the reading skills of school children, thereby shaping their academic and personal futures.
The program requires no special qualifications, just a willingness to dedicate time and provide encouragement to young learners. This initiative is part of the city’s broader efforts to support early education and engage families in the learning process.
To facilitate the involvement of interested volunteers, the city has organized a series of in-person information sessions, with the first scheduled for January 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the Ironwood Room of the Tempe Public Library, located at 3500 S. Rural Rd. Additional sessions will take place on January 19, February 2 and 23, March 8 and 29, and April 12 and 26. Attendance at one of these sessions is required for those interested in volunteering, and no prior registration is necessary.
The program currently boasts 115 tutors actively engaged in improving literacy at 17 schools across the city. The impact of these one-on-one tutoring sessions has been profound, with numerous parents expressing deep gratitude for the improvement seen in their children’s reading abilities. One parent shared, “This program has helped my child read a lot better and understand what she is reading. Thank you much for helping my daughter with her reading.”
Experience Corps, a segment of the city’s Community Health and Human Services Department, is part of Tempe’s commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for young children and ensuring their successful transition through school. For more information about the program and other educational initiatives, interested individuals can visit tempe.gov/education. This volunteer opportunity not only aids in the development of young students but also enriches the lives of those who choose to give their time and effort to this noble cause.
