In September of 2008, Baltimore County Volunteers launched the Experience Corps program in Dundalk, Maryland. Through the program, county residents engage in results-driven intergenerational programs that inspire students and improve schools. Baltimore County is a perfect community for an Experience Corps program as we have a large population of older adults (over 140,000 over the age of 65). Furthermore, the County Executive and County Council are in full support of the launch of the program in four Dundalk schools.
Experience Corps members in Dundalk assist youth through supporting the classroom activities and providing one-on-one attention to students. Through the Experience Corps program, students have been found to have better test scores and improved classroom behaviors.
Older adults bring special gifts to the students that are invaluable. Since many of our members live in the neighborhoods served, it is easy to see the improvements extending beyond the school day and improving local communities. The literacy gains are easy to measure, but the intergenerational relationships and lessons learned are priceless.
