We’re pleased to announce that we’ve received $379,800 in AmeriCorps funding through Serve Washington and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). With this grant, 25 AmeriCorps members will serve students at risk of dropout through Communities In Schools of Federal Way, Puyallup, Lakewood, Whatcom-Skagit and Spokane County. During the 2019-20 school year, members will partner with CIS to connect students with needed resources and clear roadblocks to their academic and personal success.
Leah Shearer, AmeriCorps member with CIS of Whatcom-Skagit, recently served kids at LaVenture Middle School in Mount Vernon. At LaVenture, she provided one-to-one case management, helping students set personal goals and improve their attendance, behavior, and coursework. She also partnered with local organizations to bring resources into schools: clothing donations for middle school graduates, therapy dog visits during stressful test weeks, and a community Bookmobile to bring books to kids with limited reading opportunities.
“It has been such a journey watching these students grow in leaps and bounds, continually working to do better, get back up, and try again and again in the areas they want to improve,” says Leah. “I feel as though the students I work with have taught me more about resilience and determination through their own actions, and for that I am so grateful.”
We’re also thankful to Serve Washington and CNCS for their continued partnership with CIS affiliates in Washington. This year’s AmeriCorps members are going to #GetThingsDone for kids!
About AmeriCorps
This funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering and service. This year marks the 25th anniversary of AmeriCorps. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than 1 million Americans have served their country through the national service program. Organizations are currently recruiting for AmeriCorps members to begin service this fall. Those interested in serving can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/Join
AmeriCorps Opportunities with Communities In Schools
Are you an AmeriCorps member looking to make a meaningful impact for students? Head to Service Year for service opportunities across our statewide affiliate network.