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AmeriCorps Positions 2015-16

Ozark Foothills Literacy Project Seeks AmeriCorps Members

The Literacy Project serves Fulton, Sharp, Izard and Independence Counties, providing free tutoring for adults who are learning to read and adults who are learning English. The Literacy Project relies on AmeriCorps members and volunteer tutors to provide these services. AmeriCorps is a federal program that encourages community service and education.

The Ozark Foothills Literacy Project has four AmeriCorps positions under the auspices of the Arkansas Reads project. The 2015-16 AmeriCorps year begins October 1, 2015 and ends September 30, 2016. Members serve 20 hours a week in exchange for a stipend of $6,442 per year, and an educational award. AmeriCorps members who complete one year of service receive an award of $2,865 to be used at a school of their choice. Previous Literacy Project AmeriCorps members have attended UACCB, Lyon College, and ASU Jonesboro.

The Literacy Project has participated in the AmeriCorps program since 2009. AmeriCorps, also known as the domestic Peace Corps, engages Americans of all ages in service opportunities each year. Started under President Bill Clinton through the National and Community Service Act in 1994, the AmeriCorps program turned 20 last fall. Each AmeriCorps member dedicates a year of their lives in service to their communities and country. Members serve nationwide with nonprofits and community agencies, where they have the opportunity to teach adults reading and English skills, make neighborhoods safer, teach children how to be healthier, respond to and assist in natural disasters, and other community service initiatives.

In Arkansas, AmeriCorps members have served over 80,000 people. Many of these AmeriCorps members serve with projects like Arkansas Reads, Foster Grandparents, Legal Aid of Arkansas, and Arkansas Future Teacher Initiative. Arkansas has AmeriCorps programs operating in all of its 75 counties. More than $2 million is brought into the state through federal funds.

Responsibilities: As an Arkansas Reads AmeriCorps member, participants serve in the following capacities:

§ Recruit, train & support volunteer tutors to help adults improve basic reading, ESL, and writing skills.

§ Collaborate with community organizations to recruit volunteer tutors and students.

§ Assist with student intake and assessment.

§ Provide one-on-one and small group tutoring services.

Compensation: As stated above, a yearly living allowance of $6,442 is provided, in 24 evenly distributed allotments. Upon successful completion of a one year term of service, members are also eligible to receive a $2,865 education award. This award can be used to pay college or vocational tuition, to pay back a government issued student loan or to buy books for college. An AmeriCorps Member, who is 55+ can transfer their education award to a child or grandchild.

Duration: AmeriCorps members serve 900 volunteer hours (approximately 20 hrs/wk) from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016. A member may serve up to four terms of service (four years) with the Literacy Project's AmeriCorps program.

Other requirements: AmeriCorps is a federal program, and AmeriCorps members are required to have a high school diploma and be either an American citizen or a permanent resident.

Please forward cover letter and resume to lauren@oflp.org by FRIDAY, SEPT. 18. For more information, email lauren@oflp.org or call 870-793-5912.

For more information about the federal AmeriCorps program, please visit americorps.gov.