Experience Corps, an award-winning national program, engages people over 55 in meeting their communities’ greatest challenges. Today, in 21 cities across the country, 2,000 Experience Corps members tutor and mentor elementary school students, help teachers in the classroom, and lead after-school enrichment activities. Independent research shows that Experience Corps boosts student academic performance, helps schools and youth-serving organizations become more successful, and enhances the well-being of the older adults in the process. 
The Experience Corps site provides the opportunity for Experience Corps members, educators, and families to share their stories about the program. Here’s a sample:
I had a child in my class who had very low self confidence. He listened when he heard me say, “Now you’re cooking,” to children who were doing very well. When the other children heard this they paid more attention to how they did their work. When we test on math and reading and grade their paper they will say to me “Ms. G, am I cooking?” It just warms my heart to know that a little word such as cooking is making a difference in our children’s education Now this child is cooking, too!