Experience Corps

Description

Share the Wisdom of a Lifetime

The Experience Corps program is a senior service program designed to bring the experience, time and wisdom of older adults to improve the academic outcomes of children in Baltimore, Maryland public elementary schools. This program places enough volunteers in a school to make a difference for the entire grade in each of Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade, serving in roles that meet the most important unmet needs, as identified by Principals. These roles include supporting reading abilities, helping operate school libraries and improve attendance, helping children understand alternatives to violence, and parent and community outreach programs. The program is also designed to promote the health of volunteers. Volunteers can choose the roles they would like to serve in. Volunteers who can serve 15 or more hours per week for the school year receive a modest stipend to offset the cost of volunteering; this number of hours maximizes benefits to the children and schools. Volunteers able to contribute 4 or more hours per week are also encouraged. Pre-service and follow-up training sessions provided.