Staff Reports | Community Updates
The City of Phoenix is seeking literacy tutors to help elementary school students improve reading skills.
The literacy rate among Phoenix third-graders has fallen to 27%, its lowest level in several years. To address the challenge, the city is encouraging Phoenix residents ages 50 and older to become volunteer tutors through the AARP Foundation Experience Corps program, according to a press release.
“One of the things I enjoy most about being an Experience Corps volunteer is watching students gain confidence as their reading skills improve,” said Chuck Emmert, a seasoned Experience Corps volunteer. “Sometimes the progress comes in small steps, but over time you can really see the difference. It’s rewarding to know that spending a little time each week with a student can help build skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond.”
In-person and virtual information sessions are available from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 10; Wednesday, June 24; Wednesday, July 8; Wednesday, July 22; Wednesday, Aug. 12; and Wednesday, Aug. 26. After attending an information session, volunteers will be assigned to a Phoenix-area school during the 2026-27 school year, where they will tutor students twice per week.
During the 2025-26 school year, 81 volunteers served in 15 Phoenix schools. Since the start of the program, more than 90% of students who received one-on-one literacy coaching through Experience Corps have shown gains in critical literacy skills, according to a press release.
“What makes Experience Corps so valuable is that everyone benefits. Students receive extra one-on-one attention and encouragement, teachers gain another partner in the classroom, and volunteers have an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to their community. It’s a simple idea, but it can have a lasting impact on a child’s future,” Mr. Emmert said.
