The Experience Corps concept first began in the spring of 1996 as a demonstration grant under the guidance of the Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. As a demonstration grant the Port Arthur EC program (originally known as Seniors for School) was selected (along with New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Portland Oregon) as one of the original five demonstration projects across the country. As an original site since the inception of the program, Experience Corps South East Texas, which began in only two of the PAISD elementary schools in the 1995-96 school year now, due to the great success record as well as the irreplaceable quality of our one on one tutoring, has provided services up to six times as many schools in two districts. Surveys conducted throughout previous school years have shown that the presence of the senior volunteers have made an impact not only on the children’s reading abilities but also on their self esteem and judgment in making wise choices. The support we receive from the community with its in-kind donations and special contributions also have been indisputable to the success of our program. Experience Corps volunteers agree to a one year 15 hour per week commitment, which enables them to receive a non-taxed monthly incentive stipend. This monthly incentive allows them to serve as volunteers without any burdens or extra expenses such as travel to and from their schools as well as to assist in the cost of lunch while away from their homes. EC volunteers receive a once a year 30 plus hour pre-service training as well as bi-monthly 3 hour in-service trainings throughout the school year. The belief behind the Experience Corps model is:
• To empower senior volunteers, ages 50 and older, to serve in leadership positions in their surrounding community schools.
• To promote and utilize the talents and willingness of senior volunteers.
• To maintain and develop a working concept.
• To equip young children with the necessary knowledge of having a close working, individual relationship with seniors.
• To assist the students in developing and using good reading and math skills.
• To encourage parents and guardians to take an active role in their student's education.
