NMI AmeriCorps approved for $535K grant

After two successful years of being implemented in the CNMI, the Public School System’s AmeriCorps Program has been given a chance to continue the program for another year.

AmeriCorps CNMI lead coordinator and director Geri Willis said the AmeriCorps Program in the CNMI has once again received federal funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The award amount is $535,605 for school year 2008-2009, with an increase from 45 to 60 members.

“I’m really excited as I just received an e-mail from Corporation of the National and Community Service approving the grant I wrote for the CNMI AmeriCorps Program,” said Willis.

The program has begun accepting applications and forms may be obtained from the AmeriCorps Program center at the Marianas High School Building H.

The CNMI AmeriCorps Program recruits students from public and private schools who will serve as part-time tutors for public school students from Kindergarten to 8th grade on Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. They will be tutoring students in reading and provide service learning activities for the community.

Willis said the members had been “awesome.” She said the impact of the program on reading this past year has “truly been amazing.” She said: “In some cases the tutors have been able to increase reading levels by as much as 3-4 grade levels.”

The purpose of the AmeriCorps program is to promote community service and develop dedicated role models for the local community. Members will be part of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Willis said the members are paid a stipend and upon successful completion of 900 hours of service within a year they also qualify for an Education Award of $2,362.50.

“This award can be used to attend qualified institutions of higher education, training or to repay qualified student loans,” she said, adding that, as an AmeriCorps member, every student has the opportunity to make a lasting impression on the lives of people in the community where they serve.

Selection Criteria

Applicant must submit a personal portfolio to Willis, with evidence that supports/includes the following:

– Application to the AmeriCorps Program

– Copy of your transcript from your high school indicating that you have at least a 2.5 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale.

– Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

– Proof that you are at least 17 years of age at the commencement of AmeriCorps Member service year. Age can be lower for AmeriCorps volunteer. Member must provide proof of citizenship and age, with a driver’s license and passport, or license and birth certificate. Individuals who are in the U.S. under a student, work or tourist visa are NOT eligible to become AmeriCorps members.

– Excellent attendance record provided by your high school.

– Two references. One must be from a teacher.

– Completed Parent Recommendation Form

– One- two page essay on, “Why I Want to Become a Teacher.”

– Any other pieces of information/documents/letters that you’d like to include in the portfolio that you feel would support your selection.

– Police Clearance and Fingerprinting (Due after being selected)

– Health Clearance (due after being selected)

– Proof of Insurance Liability Coverage/Release of Liability Letter (due after being selected)

For questions and clarifications, contact Willis or Remi Sablan at 237-3294. Application portfolio should be turned in to the high school principal or directly to the AmeriCorps Center located at the H Building inside the MHS Campus.