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MEMBER PROFILE
Still Forming
Bonds
Raul Castaneda, classroom aide turned Experience Corps member (and award winner), San Francisco

I joined Experience Corps because: When I retired years ago, I was looking for something to do. I saw an Experience Corps flyer at the library, and I called the organization. It's been a great experience working in the schools because I'm a bilingual tutor.

The best part of being an Experience Corps member is : The immediate result I see every day when I work with the children one-on-one.

I like to tell the story about: I have a student this year from Mexico. This last year I've been working with her one-on-one for 45 minutes every day, and she's more open and has friends. Also, last year, I worked with a third-grade boy. He had to go back to Mexico, and I visited him, bringing him letters from his old classmates. I want to visit him every year.

I'm sticking with Experience Corps because: I've learned the last three years that a strong base in elementary school is important for moving from elementary to middle school -- you have to have a strong curriculum.

Read about Raul's recent award!

Program impact

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Program impact
Triple Win
For Students
For Students
Higher test scores and gains in reading achievement.
"Research shows that Experience Corps tutors can increase student reading skills. That’s great news for the many people of all ages who want to respond to President Obama’s call to service and want to know that their efforts make a significant difference."
– Jean Grossman, Princeton University
For Schools
For Students
A reduction in suspension rates and principal referrals.
"We had no suspensions this year of K-3 students as a result of Experience Corps. The volunteers caught a lot of situations early, which made the difference. Plus, the program has made a difference in reading comprehension, language, and vocabulary. It allows teachers to individualize instruction better and meet the specialized needs of children."
– Jackie Waters-Scofield, principal
Guilford Elementary/Middle, Baltimore
For Members
For Students
Improved physical, mental and social well-being
"Giving back to your community may slow the aging process in ways that lead to a higher quality of life in older adults."
– Linda P. Fried, M.D., Mailman School of Public Health,
Columbia University, New York
New Annie E. Casey Foundation Study on Third-Grade Reading Proficiency Supports Experience Corps's Work!  >  
Request for Proposals: National Experience Corps Program Database [PDF]  >  
We're in U.S. News & World Report!  >  
Experience Corps Publishes Letter to the Editor in Education Week!   >  
Experience Corps Featured as "High-Impact Volunteer & National Service Program" in Timely New Book on Volunteerism.  >  
Lester Speaks at the Center for American Progress on National Service  >  
Experience Corps Featured in New Book on Volunteerism!  >  
Experience Corps Bay Area Earns Excellence in Nonprofit Volunteer Management Award!  >  
Experience Corps Washington, DC Member Featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy Web Series  >  
Experience Corps Cleveland Member Wins Most Treasured Volunteer Award  >  

Celebrating People in Action!
"In the 21st century, the best anti-poverty program around is a world-class education. And in this country, the success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential."

-President Obama, "State of the Union," January 27, 2010
"Together, we can continue our commitment to education innovation by investing in Experience Corps, a program that helps elementary students by increasing the number of older adult tutors and mentors in the classroom. Independent research shows that Experience Corps works: Third-grade reading and math scores are rising and students feel safer at school."

-Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, State of the City Speech, February 22, 2010