Although many people believe serving with AmeriCorps is something specifically for recent high school and college graduates, they may be surprised to learn it’s not just gen z and millennials who choose to serve. In fact, about half our tutors are over the age of 35! This is distinctly different from the demographics of AmeriCorps overall.
“Our ability to engage and support people of all ages is an asset,” says Kevin Curley, Director of Service Experience. “Whether a recent grad or a retiree, everyone brings their distinct life experience. Service is for everyone!”
Early Career Tutors
For those who are students or recent graduates, service offers an opportunity to give back and explore potential careers.
“My year with Reading Corps was really my gateway to knowing this is something I want to do,” says Kendra, a Reading Corps alumna.
After serving as a tutor, Kendra pursued a graduate degree and licensure in education. Now with a first-grade classroom of her own, she recently celebrated her eleventh year as a public-school teacher!
Parents and Career Changers
Many of our tutors between the ages of 25 and 44 are looking to pivot to a new career or are re-entering the workforce after being a full-time caregiver. After a time working in sales, Joe spent several years as his family’s primary caretaker. When his children’s school shared that they needed tutors, he decided to apply.
“The schedule worked perfectly for our family,” he says. Being on the same schedule as the kids meant Joe’s family didn’t need to worry about childcare after school and on release days. “This was a huge advantage. It really gave me the flexibility to have the best of both worlds – returning to work and time with my kids.”
Retirees and Late-Career Tutors
Service with Reading Corps, Math Corps, or Early Learning Corps is also a great “second act” or passion project. Last year about 800 of our tutors were 55 or older! Our retirees and late-career tutors tell us serving with AmeriCorps provides an opportunity to stay connected to their community as they ease into retirement.
“I wanted to give back after a successful career, says Bob a retired banker and Math Corps alum. “My daughter had gone into teaching, so when I saw the opening for Math Corps, I jumped in,” he says. “It’s neat to learn and do things that were so out of the ordinary from my career. I loved working with grade schoolers so much!”
The Power of Multi Generations
Every day, members from multiple generations work together to create richer learning environments for tutors and students alike. A study conducted in 2023 by CoGenerate found that over 60% of tutors felt serving alongside someone from a different generation “made me a better tutor.” Members of all ages reported that intergenerational peers helped them create stronger relationships with students and understand more deeply people from other generations.
“My intergenerational experience as an AmeriCorps member has challenged my assumptions, broadened my horizons, and deepened my appreciation for people from different generations,” said one tutor interviewed for the survey.
It is worth noting that the age demographics of Reading Corps, Math Corps, and Early Learning Corps are much more varied than what AmeriCorps sees as a whole. When looking at AmeriCorps State and National programs, 94 percent of tutors are under the age of 50. When looking at Reading Corps, Math Corps and Early Learning Corps data, 37% of tutors are 45 and older!
Service for Everyone, Results for Students
The best part of our approach is that it works. Study after study has confirmed that students who receive Reading Corps or Math Corps tutoring make greater gains and faster progress.
Best of all, our programs don’t just work for students: The experience is equally as life-changing for members too. This year, an incredible 98% of all our tutors, regardless of age, reported that service had a positive impact on their lives. And more than 95% of tutors recommend our programs to their peers.
“I would absolutely recommend it,” says Adam, an alum of both Reading Corps and Math Corps who now teaches fifth grade in Duluth, Minnesota. “Even if you don’t become a teacher, you’re always going to look back and say, ‘I got to understand the world a little bit better.’ It gives you such an amazing perspective. It can be transformative.”
We’d like to thank all of our tutors, our partners, and our funders for making this transformative service possible. We can’t wait to see the impact we can make together in 2025!