“Once again, PSS has put together a successful grant for a very worthwhile program,” Sablan said.
“60 of our high school seniors will get part-time work as AmeriCorps members, testing their own interest in the teaching profession and also training younger students to be more successful at school.
“So the program provides double benefit.”
The 60 high school seniors provide one-on-one tutoring and mentoring support during and after school, at the Saturday Reading Programs at the elementary schools, and during the summer.
The focus is on helping the younger students who need help with reading proficiency. The AmeriCorps seniors chart their students’ progress in reading vocabulary, reading comprehension, word study skills, thinking and listening skills, and the number of books read.
“This is also a way for these high school seniors to earn money for college,” Congressman Sablan said.
“In addition to the grant dollars to PSS, the Corporation is setting aside funding to pay a $5,350 education award that the AmeriCorps seniors can use to pay for their higher education.”
This year’s grant cycle was highly competitive, according to AmeriCorps. Nearly twice as many grant dollars and AmeriCorps positions were applied for as could be funded.
“PSS should be congratulated for putting together a strong application that succeeded against heavy odds,” said Kilili. “That hard work by PSS administrators creates opportunities for our young people, which they would not otherwise have.”
AmeriCorps, which is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, engages 80,000 people each year in intensive, results-driven service through more than 14,000 nonprofits across the country.
Among other activities, AmeriCorps funds programs that tutor and mentor youth, expand health services, build affordable housing, run after-school programs, support veterans, help communities respond to disasters, and recruit and train volunteers.
“Citizen service is an essential part of the solution to many of the social challenges facing our communities, especially in tough economic times,” said Kilili.
“These AmeriCorps high school seniors members will help strengthen our community as they develop civic and leadership skills that will last them a lifetime.”
