Brilliant Detroit and AARP Foundation Experience Corps are partnering to bring an evidence-based program that connects growing young readers with caring adult volunteers who tutor them in literacy. As host of the Experience Corps program, Brilliant Detroit seeks volunteers to become literacy tutors and mentors to students in the first through third grades that are a part of the Brilliant Detroit community and attend its after-school programs.
The goal is to work alongside these students as they grow and help build reading confidence through their literacy journeys.
This will be the AARP Foundation Experience Corps’ first partnership in Michigan and the program will kick off in January 2022 at three Brilliant Detroit locations: Littlefield (12789 Indiana Ave.), Brightmoor (15509 Heyden St.) and Chandler Park (5312 Newport St.). Due to the pandemic, the program will offer virtual tutoring to students through Zoom and, in the future, in-person tutoring as well.
To qualify, volunteers for the program need to be 50 years of age, have earned a high school diploma or GED and must pass a criminal background check. From January to May 2022, volunteers will receive comprehensive training, dedicate time twice weekly for one-on-one sessions with their assigned reading partner and contribute to an environment of love, safety and growth.
The training includes a structured curriculum for early childhood reading growth, support around virtual tutoring and technical assistance for using Zoom. Volunteers will need access to a computer, laptop or tablet, along with reliable internet.
Individuals interested in taking the first step in getting involved in this opportunity are invited to attend one of the program’s virtual informational sessions from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 13-14.
Those interested in attending an informational session or have questions can contact Experience Corp Project Lead Victoria Holsey, available at vholsey@brilliantdetroit.org and (313) 570-3523.