VCU news

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University AmeriCorps, Virginia’s oldest and largest AmeriCorps service group, has provided valuable national service opportunities for more than 900 participants since its launch two decades ago.

VCU AmeriCorps aims to increase literacy and educational achievement for children attending kindergarten through the third grade in Richmond public schools and their families. Every year, VCU AmeriCorps reaches about a thousand students in 10 elementary schools.

In exchange for offering their time and talent to address national education, public safety, human and environmental needs, AmeriCorps participants earn a small living award and receive financial assistance toward their college education or vocational training.

Last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Virginia had been designated an Employer of National Service. He and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe called on alumni of AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps to put their experiences to work in Virginia government.

“To build the new Virginia economy and make this commonwealth a world-class place to live, work and raise a family, we need to attract the best and brightest people to work in state government,” McAuliffe said. “AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni have skills, dedication, a can-do attitude and a commitment to the greater good – and we want more of them to join our team.”  

AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni have skills, dedication, a can-do attitude and a commitment to the greater good – and we want more of them to join our team.

Virginia is the first state in the nation and the largest public sector employer so far to become an Employer of National Service, joining more than 150 companies, nonprofit groups, public agencies, cities and school systems. For alumni of VCU AmeriCorps, the designation could prove useful in helping them land a job.

VCU AmeriCorps is coordinated through the Division of Community Engagement. Catherine W. Howard, Ph.D., vice provost for the division, said the designation will only enhance what is already a rewarding experience.

“VCU AmeriCorps is a valuable experience for our participants, who are working hard to address literacy in the community,” Howard said. “And Virginia’s commitment to being an Employer of National Service is further proof that the skills and experience gained through VCU AmeriCorps are valuable and in demand in the workplace.”

Jenny Callear, who participated in the announcement event, is just the kind of worker the governor is hoping to attract. Callear is both a VCU alumna, earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2009, and a VCU AmeriCorps alumna, having spent two years tutoring students in elementary schools with high numbers of at-risk and low-income students. She is now a state employee, serving as the program director of VCU AmeriCorps.

“I use the skills I learned from AmeriCorps on a daily basis, including leadership, flexibility, communication and working until the job is done,” Callear said.

 

Feature photo at top: VCU AmeriCorps Program Director Jenny Callear (left) and program participants were present when Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Virginia was becoming an Employer of National Service. Photo by Michaele L. White, Virginia governor’s office.  

 

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