1. AmeriCorps A network of national programs that allow citizens to provide service that addresses critical needs in their communities.

2. AmeriCorps in Oregon • Federal funding for statewide programming comes through Oregon Volunteers www.oregonvolunteers.org • Application and financial support is required from a sponsoring organization. • Funding is in 3 year cycles • Team must include 10 FTE or more

3. Keys to Successful Program • Commitment of Sponsor • Organizational Capacity • Address critical need • Strong program design • Clear partnerships • Ability to recruit, train and support AmeriCorps members

4. Parameters • AmeriCorps members expand or enhance existing services • Cannot displace existing staff • Cannot perform administrative tasks • Cannot be involved with federally prohibited activities • Are not employees of sponsor, or program. They are “participants.”

5. AmeriCorps Basics • “Member” not employee • “Living allowance” not salary • “Service” not employment • “Select” not hire

6. AmeriCorps Basics • Full time members = 1700 hours in a 12 month period • Perform direct hands-on service • Fund raising limited to project specific – no operating funds • Members receive training hours • No upper age limit (17+) • Eligibility: Age + citizenship

7. Partnerships for Student Achievement • The mission of Partnerships for Student Achievement (PSA) is to increase student academic achievement in Washington County Schools. • The PSA AmeriCorps Team will improve academic achievement through: • tutoring, • mentoring, • extended school day activities, • parent involvement programs and • volunteer generation.

8. Relationships

9. Relationships: Sponsor • The Forest Grove School District • Host District • Administrative Support • Space • Training & Resources • Payroll & Accounting

10. Relationships: AmeriCorps program • Partnerships for Student Achievement • Program staff manage program • Identify sites, recruit members, provide training for members and sites • Responsible for financial and progress reporting to federal funders • Provides ongoing support to members • Evaluates program and ensures design continues to meet critical needs • Applies for funding annually

11. Relationships: Host Sites • Individual Partner Schools (K-12) • Any public school in Washington County • Application to PSA for member with individual position description • Assist with recruitment • Site level supervision and mentoring • Training and professional development • Cash and in-kind match

12. Member Activities Members serve full-time and support individual school initiatives through the following activities: • Tutoring • Extended School Day Activities • Parent Outreach • Volunteer Generation

13. Program Design • Individual Placement Model • Site Level Support, Mentorship, and Training • Weekly Program Training • Ongoing Support • Site Visits

14. Benefits for Schools • One-on-one & small group tutoring services • Before and after school programs • Parent outreach activities • Volunteer generation, coordination, training, and recognition • Role models for students • Fresh creative energy

15. Results • Last year alone, 20 PSA members provided tutoring and mentoring services to over 1,300 students. • 99% of those students demonstrated an increase in the area tutored. • Extended School Day activities served over 1,000 students. • Over 60 Parent Outreach activities were completed. • 391 volunteers were recruited serving over 5,300 hours of service to partner schools.

16. Member Benefits Tangible PSA member benefits include the following: • A living allowance of $1,036/month • An AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725 • Forbearance from outstanding student loans • Health Care • 4 Graduate credits from Pacific University’s School of Education – Issues and Trends in Education – PSA only • Childcare

17. And there’s more… The intangible benefits include: • The knowledge that they have made a difference in a young person's life • The satisfaction that comes from serving their community and country • Development of career plans and a professional portfolio of accomplishments • The opportunity to work with education professionals on some of the most pressing problems in education today

18. More information… • AmeriCorps – www.americorps.gov AmeriCorps in Oregon • Oregon Volunteers www.oregonvolunteers.org • Patricia Bollin 503-725-8334 • patricia@oregonvolunteers.org • Partnerships for Student Achievement • Jeri Lerwick 503-359-8110 x4537 • jlerwick@fgsd.k12.or.us