What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is an organization engaged in performing national service. Within the AmeriCorps network, there are three main programs: AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps NCCC, and AmeriCorps VISTA. Each contain their own unique methods for performing civic engagement. By becoming a member, you will commit to serving the community through supporting the academic achievement of others, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and much more.
The efforts you will contribute not only help those in your community, but also everyone in the country. AmeriCorps plays an honorable role in helping families and individuals across the U.S. live a more prosperous life. It is a rewarding experience for its members as well. Each member can expect the following benefits for their service:
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Student loan deferment
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Skills and training
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Living allowance
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Limited health benefit options
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Education award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, vocational training, or to pay back student loans
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A-State $2,000 Scholarship (Limited)
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Career opportunities with leading employers from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors
What is The Neighborhood Redwolves Program?
To address the decline in the Arkansas college-going rate and prepare students for successful secondary transitions, the Neighborhood Red Wolves Community Engagement Program will engage 28 AmeriCorps members who will tutor and mentor students in Northeast Arkansas. 14 AmeriCorps Members will serve as Literacy Tutors and 14 AmeriCorps Members will serve as Post Secondary Readiness members.
Neighborhood Red Wolves Community Engagement is housed in the Division of Diversity & Community Engagement Programs include:
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Literacy Tutors will tutor children in local elementary schools in grades K-3. Literacy Tutors must commit to serve 300 hours over the course of the 43-week program. Literacy AmeriCorps members will be responsible for increasing overall academic performance of 140 elementary school students in the subject of reading/literacy to ensure Arkansas students read proficiently by the end of third grade.
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Post-Secondary Readiness Mentors members will commit to serve 300 hours over the course of the program for 43 weeks. These members will provide college planning, post-secondary goal setting, and personal skill development to high school students. Post-Secondary Readiness Mentors are minimum-time AmeriCorps members providing direct service to high school students.
Post-Secondary Readiness Mentors
The AmeriCorps program will utilize a student-centered approach that incorporates evidence informed interventions and focuses on individual student needs. Members will serve as mentors to provide individualized support that is often limited in school settings, will support college planning, post-secondary goal setting, and personal skill development with students at a local high school. Training will be provided based upon strategies used by the successful Arkansas College and Career Coach Program, where full-time coaches provide support to students in grades 7-12 as they plan and prepare for life after high school. Fourteen Post-Secondary Readiness Members will serve local public high schools during the school year to mentor students in grades 10-12 and deliver a range of services intended to create student awareness about post-secondary pathways.
Requirements:
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Must be U.S. citizens, U.S. national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States.
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Must have completed 12 hours or more in a course of study at a college or university or college graduate.
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Must complete 300 hours of service (10 hours a week).
Literacy Tutors and Post-Secondary Readiness Mentors applications are accepted prior to the beginning of each grant cycle with the interviews and selection process continuing until all positions are filled.
There are a number of AmeriCorps Program Benefits including:
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Will receive a “living allowance” of $2,146 during 43 weeks of service.
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Will receive an education award from AmeriCorps of $1,374.50 with program completion.
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If you are an undergraduate student at A-State, become eligible to receive a renewable $2,000/year A-State Scholarship (Limited).
If you are interested in any of the opportunities offered by The Neighborhood Redwolves Community Engagement Program, apply below:
If you have any additional questions, please contact:
Dr. Brenda A. Randle, Director
Neighborhood Redwolves Community Engagement Program
brandle@astate.edu | (870) 972-3081
Learn More at:
EngageAR.org | AmeriCorps.gov | AmeriCorps.gov/VISTA | AmeriCorps.gov/NCCC
