Americorps offers supprt, scholarship path
Sarah Evans
A program based on service is rising in popularity for MCC students. AmeriCorps is a program open for students to join and commit themselves to their community.Katherine Coleman, AmeriCorps coordinator at MCC Dobson campus, helps students understand what the program is all about.
“It’s about going out and giving of your time to serve in your own local community,” Coleman said.
AmeriCorps is a nationally known and revered program with many participants all over America, including the members who went out to New Orleans to help after hurricane Katrina hit. MCC offers a branch of AmeriCorps that is state-based.
“There is both the national program, and the state (Arizona) program. (The state program) is focused on where you live, helping out your own community. With us being attached to Mesa Community College we’re trying to find students to go out and help with service sites just right around here in Mesa, and (Tempe and Phoenix), ” Coleman said.
The requirements to join AmeriCorps are not stringent; applicants only need to be 17 or older with a high school diploma and a clean record. Nery Ralon, MCC student and AmeriCorps member, explained that there are several benefits to being a component of the program.
“There’s a lot of selfless reasons (to do service). It’s a great way to (apply) for scholarships. (After joining AmeriCorps) I have a resume of 10 different things I’ve done,” Ralon stated.
Community service through AmeriCorps can be done anywhere it is needed.
“I’ve done an internship for a Congressman. I’ve been a mentor for at risk children. I’ve been a camp counselor. I’ve been a volunteer at plenty of summits where I got to meet (many)great people,” Ralon said.
There are a few different term lengths available to fit all kinds of schedules starting with 375 hour term all the way to a 900 hour term. All completed AmeriCorps terms are awarded with scholarship money.
Anyone interested in getting involved for AmeriCorps, can find out more information at the Center for Service Learning at the MCC campuses.
