VCU Americorps receives Governor's community service and volunteerism award

By Malorie Burkett

Virginia Commonwealth University's AmeriCorps program has received the 2002 Governor's Community Service and Volunteerism Award for Outstanding National Service Program. One of 11 community service and volunteerism awards in the state, the award recognizes the valuable volunteer contributions made by groups, individuals and families in Virginia.

"VCU AmeriCorps is determined to promote and develop socially whole citizens who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and civic engagement," said Franklin R. Wallace Jr., director of VCU AmeriCorps.

Nominated by Dr. Roderick McDavis, provost and vice president for academic affairs, VCU AmeriCorps was selected by a panel of judges from the Virginia Commission for National and Community Service. The judges selected VCU AmeriCorps for its valuable efforts in providing critical support services to children and families in the metro Richmond area.

With seven full-time leaders and 50 part-time members, VCU AmeriCorps was established in 1995 and is sometimes referred to as the domestic Peace Corps. The program's main focus is to help improve the literacy skills of local children and families. VCU AmeriCorps members provide comprehensive reading support to academically struggling elementary school students. Members also enrich family literacy skills and parent involvement at partner schools by providing support to existing services as well as creating new programs to meet specific needs.

VCU AmeriCorps was presented with the 2002 Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Award at an awards banquet in November at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.