EVANSVILLE, IN -- Experience Corps will launch its 20th program in May in Evansville, Indiana, the largest city in southern Indiana.  Experience Corps members will tutor and mentor school age students in an after-school program setting.

The Carver Community Organization will host the program; students will receive tutoring at the C.K. Newsome Center. Initial conversations have taken place with potential partners to increase the growth of the program.

 “Experience Corps has the research and results that demonstrate their impact on academic success and behavior, as well as on the health and wellness of the tutors themselves,” said David Wagner, Executive Director of Carver Community Organization. “We look forward to the positive potential of this program for both the students and Experience Corps members.”

 "We've seen the positive effect mentors can have on the lives of children in Evansville.  The problem is we have more kids who want mentors than we have volunteers," said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.  "Experience Corps will help fulfill that need by enlisting a valuable resource in our community- people over the age of 55.  They have a wealth of knowledge and life experience to share with children."

Evansville Experience Corps tutors will be trained to use the Developmental Studies Center’s KidzLit, KidzMath and Science Explorer. These after-school enrichment programs will be used for fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Mentors will work with seventh graders and will be trained in youth development, service projects, and leadership.

“Experience Corps is delighted by the community involvement and support surrounding the launch of Experience Corps in Evansville," said John Gomperts, CEO of Experience Corps.  "Evansville will be the 20th  community in which Experience Corps is operating, and that makes Evansville a real leader in tapping the talent and idealism of older Americans to help  young people succeed.”

Recruitment efforts will begin in May.  Experience Corps members will volunteer weekday afternoons for 2-8 hours a week and may receive a small stipend. Commitment varies from four months to an entire school year. No previous experience is necessary.

For information about getting involved in Evansville Experience Corps, contact Lori Harter, Program Manager, at (812) 402-3170, lharter@carverorg.org.

Since 1995, Experience Corps has opened projects in cities such as Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Baltimore, Tucson, San Francisco and Portland.