AmeriCorps Week Recognizes A-State's Neighborhood Red Wolves Program
JONESBORO – As part of the week-long celebration to be hosted by the Neighborhood Red Wolves Community Engagement Program at Arkansas State University, Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver will present a proclamation declaring AmeriCorps Week in Jonesboro.
The week of March 10-17 is recognized as AmeriCorps Week across the state of Arkansas.
On Wednesday, March 13, representatives from the mayor’s office, program staff, community leaders and members will gather to hear inspiring testimonies of those impacted by the program’s initiatives and a reading of the proclamation.
Site supervisors will speak of dedicated AmeriCorps members who have significantly impacted their programs. Members are helping students successfully make post-secondary decisions, influencing career development, accessing interests and values, establishing a culture that supports literacy and building esteem.
As stated by The Neighborhood Red Wolves Community Engagement Program’s director, Dr. Brenda Randle, “We recognize we could not do this work without the energy, drive and dedication from our AmeriCorps members and the support of our community.”
AmeriCorps engages 200,000 Americans every year in results-driven service opportunities. In Arkansas, more than 11,000 residents have served over 18 million hours and earned education awards totaling more than $36.7 million.
To address the decline in the Arkansas college-going rate and prepare students for successful post-secondary transitions, the Neighborhood Red Wolves Community Engagement Program utilizes both literacy tutors and college readiness mentors, according to Randle.
Literacy tutors tutor children in elementary schools in grades K-3. Literacy tutors must commit to serve 300 hours over the course of a program year. Literacy tutors are 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.
Post-Secondary readiness mentors must also serve 300 hours over the course of a program year. These members provide college planning, post-secondary goal setting, and personal skill development to high school students. Post-Secondary readiness mentors provide direct service to high school students.
The program is based within A-State’s Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement. For more details about serving the community, one may contact Randle, (870) 972-3081 or brandle@AState.edu
This funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, civic engagement, and national service programs like AmeriCorps.
Carl R. Reng Student Union at Arkansas State University
