ASU Lodestar Center's Experience Matters program receives nearly $300,000 to support AmeriCorps service with Phoenix youth
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation has received nearly $300,000 in funding and projected local match support for the Experience Matters AmeriCorps program, expanding its work with school-aged children through the Phoenix Afterschool Center.
The funding includes a $162,499 AmeriCorps state-side grant through the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, along with projected local match support of $136,507. It will support Experience Matters AmeriCorps members as they serve students in out-of-school programs across Phoenix.
The Experience Matters AmeriCorps program partners with the Phoenix Afterschool Center, known as PAC, run through the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. AmeriCorps members serving as academic mentors with PAC support children in primary grades at schools and community centers throughout Phoenix, providing age-appropriate activities that help students learn, build confidence and stay engaged during the public school year.
“Our ongoing partnership with the Arizona Governor’s Office, AmeriCorps and the City of Phoenix affirms the fact that serving to advance the public good can achieve positive results,” said Dr. Robert Ashcraft, executive director of ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation and Saguaro Professor of Civic Enterprise. “We are encouraged that through our Experience Matters program, service-minded Arizonans are putting their talents to work where they can make a demonstrable difference in the lives of Phoenix children,” Ashcraft added.
The award strengthens the ASU Lodestar Center's commitment to connecting community talent with meaningful service opportunities. Experience Matters, a program of the ASU Lodestar Center, connects the skills and talents of individuals with social-benefit organizations to enhance their capacity to solve community problems. Members earn a stipend and education award for their service; the education award can be gifted to children or grandchildren, if the member is 55 or older.
Filling a community need
This work comes at a time when many Arizona students continue to need academic, emotional and social support following the disruption of the pandemic. Serving 12 hours a week during the school year, Experience Matters AmeriCorps members have an opportunity to help students succeed in school and life by supporting children during critical afterschool hours. Along with reading and homework assignments, members also support students with creative writing projects to develop creativity and improve writing skills.
The growing program has now served more than 260 students across 14 Title I schools, including 116 children during the 2025-26 academic year. Of the students served last year, 37% measurably improved their academic engagement and social emotional skills.
"One first grader, after finally catching on to how to read, got so excited that he could read and asked, ‘Can I read everyday?’" said Experience Matters AmeriCorps member Marva Walters.
Returning program member Steven Chambers said, “I noticed that a few students that I've worked with last year have improved a lot this year when it comes to reading. They don't ask for assistance as much, and they volunteer to help other students with assignments if I'm occupied.”
The Experience Matters AmeriCorps program also facilitated eight career days for students. Professionals from various fields presented to the students and introduced them to new career paths.
About the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation
Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation educates, empowers and connects nonprofit leaders to accelerate social impact. Housed within ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and its School of Community Resources and Development, the ASU Lodestar Center believes that the quality of life in communities is enriched with impactful philanthropy and effective nonprofit leadership. Since 1999, the ASU Lodestar Center has provided education, research, practical tools and convenings for nonprofit professionals, philanthropists and volunteers who seek to solve problems and realize their communities’ highest aspirations.
About Experience Matters
Experience Matters connects the skills and talents of individuals with social-benefit organizations to enhance their capacity to solve community problems. Experience Matters offers year-long Fellowships, short-term Service by Design assignments and AmeriCorps national service programs, building a network focused on sustainable outcomes for the betterment of the community. Founded in 2011, the organization became a program of the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation in 2022. Experience Matters has now impacted over 600 nonprofits, with more than 1,200 projects completed by matched volunteers.
Contact
Phil Bencomo, Manager of Strategic Communications | ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation | [email protected] | 602-496-1059
This publication was made possible by the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF) through the AmeriCorps grant number 24AFDAZ0010026. The views, opinions, or policies expressed belong solely to the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of GOYFF or the AmeriCorps federal agency.
Experience Matters AmeriCorps