submitted by Achieve Pinal
The AARP Foundation Achieve Pinal reading program needs your help. This volunteer-based tutoring program helps children become better readers. They are seeking volunteers aged 45+. Virtual tutors can be located anywhere in the country. Take a look at all they do.
- AARP Experience Corps Pinal-Casa Grande utilizes proven methods to give second- and third-grade students individual attention teachers are unable to give.
- The program utilizes trained volunteers aged 45 and older.
- Students receive one hour of tutoring weekly, online or in person.
- Tutoring leads to greater student confidence and participation in class.
- Volunteers realize social, emotional, and general health benefits from the program.
- 98% of tutors polled reported increased sense of purpose.
- 85% felt that their lives had been improved.
Strong Student Progress in 22-23
Seventy-three percent of program students progressed an entire grade level in their reading in the 2022-23 school year! They also improved on last year’s score, which was 68%. Nationally for AARP programs 62% of students advance ½ grade level. So, they are over twice as effective as the national AARP average! They attribute this progress to the hard work of their tutors who devoted 4,900 hours this year. They are dedicated, innovative, and hardworking.
Total Students Served
Over three years this program has served 426 students. The one-on-one sessions that these students enjoyed gave them the gift of enhanced reading skills. This gift will improve their lives and give them the opportunity to, in the near future, fill the terrific jobs that are being created in Pinal County. Keep in mind that 3rd graders are only 9 years away from entering the workforce.
Goals
The goal is to offer this program to every school district in Pinal County. When they have done that, they will have created a template that can be used throughout Arizona, and possibly replicated in other parts of the Country.
For more information contact the staff by phone 520.836.6868 or email: pinalcountyaz@apexcorps.org.
