Proclamation signing is held via teleconference
For the first time in the CNMI, a proclamation signing was held via teleconference in an effort to bring together all three islands in witnessing the event as one.
Board of Education chair Lucia Blanco-Maratita said, “We have entered the age of technology. It’s great to use technology in this way. I think it’s a way to open doors, especially for us here, to share our resources as best we can.”
Lt. Gov. Tim P. Villagomez jested that, if the Executive Branch, the Public School System, and the Legislature were to use the same format, “we can solve all your problems.”
Villagomez proclaimed the week of May 11-18 as CNMI National AmeriCorps Week at Saipan Southern High School via teleconference with Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
The CNMI AmeriCorps program is federally funded through a grant written by the Public School System and received from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
The CNMI AmeriCorps recruits students from public and private schools who, under the guidance of site supervisors within PSS, serve as tutors for 1st to 8th grade in all public schools throughout Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. The students also provide service learning activities for the community.
According to CNMI/PSS AmeriCorps director Geri Willis, the CNMI members and volunteers “have touched many lives within the CNMI as evidenced by teachers, parents, students and community member testimonials.”
“There are numerous stories about the impact the AmeriCorps members/volunteers are making within the CNMI on a daily basis that ensures a brighter future for the youth they tutor,” she said.
Thirty-eight members of the first CNMI Americorps program recently completed their year of service, which qualifies them to an Education Award of $2,362.50 each.
The members are part of the Corporation for National and Community Service. They are paid a monthly stipend and upon successful completion of 900 hours of service within a year.
Their Education Award can be used to attend qualified institutions of higher education, training or to repay qualified student loans.
The Americorps Program was established by former president Bill Clinton when the National and Community Service Act of 1993 was signed into law, creating both the AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service.
