United Way of Greater Atlanta was recently awarded a $100,000 grant to launch the AARP Foundation Experience Corps program in DeKalb County. The evidence-based literacy program improves the reading skills of children, enriches the lives of volunteer tutors and strengthens schools in local communities. Partnering with DeKalb County Human Services and the DeKalb County School District, United Way is currently recruiting volunteers for AARP Foundation Experience Corps through September 20. The program will launch October 21.

 “Two-thirds of Georgia’s third graders do not currently meet third grade reading standards. Third grade is a critical turning point where children need to transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Within United Way of Greater Atlanta’s 13-county service area, a number of communities face significant challenges with early childhood literacy,” says United Way of Greater Atlanta’s President and CEO Milton J. Little, Jr. “The AARP Foundation grant will help us train volunteers in DeKalb County to help children become great readers by the end of third grade.”

AARP Foundation Experience Corps matches volunteers age 50 and over with students in kindergarten through third grade to help them improve their reading skills. The program offers both one-to-one and small group tutoring assistance. The Experience Corps model is a proven intervention with measurable benefits for students, as well as positive mental and physical health benefits for volunteers who participate. By helping young students become better readers, Experience Corps seeks to ensure a lasting legacy of strong futures, supported schools and empowered volunteers.

United Way was selected because of the organization’s strong and collaborative relationships with partners across DeKalb County. The program also aligns with United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Child Well-Being Agenda.

The Child Well-Being Agenda centers on the understanding that communities can thrive only if all their children are thriving. United Way’s Child Well-Being index shows that in many communities, children are far from thriving. One of the most critical measures is third-grade reading.

“In DeKalb’s 30058 zip code, the score for third graders reading at grade level is 21.1 – well below the regional average of 44.9,” says Little. “Programs like the AARP Foundation Experience Corps will help accelerate progress in communities in DeKalb County that need it most.”