For a fourth consecutive year, the City of Roswell has been awarded an AmeriCorps grant to support local youth in select area elementary schools. This year’s grant for up to $77,099 will be used by the City and nonprofit partner STAR House Foundation to continue a collaboration in support of enhanced after-school programming. The program builds literacy proficiency as well as provides homework support, assistance with STEM activities, and health and wellness programming.

To meet these goals, the City of Roswell and its nonprofit partner had to recruit 24 new AmeriCorps members in national service at the local level. These individuals will serve with after-school leadership and staff to provide additional instruction and academic support to participating students four days a week during the school year. Among the benefits AmeriCorps members will receive is a biweekly living allowance of $150. In addition, upon successful completion of service, the members are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,311.11 and may be recognized by over 600 Employers of National Service.

“Not surprisingly, this year’s effort is expected to look different,” said Megan Boynton, City of Roswell grant project coordinator. “Our partners at STAR House are working hard, alongside the school district, to determine how best they may serve students safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we know the need for support remains.”

In addition to providing academic support to students, AmeriCorps members are also expected to engage participants’ parents through meetings and information sessions, enlist additional volunteers to help STAR House where possible, and serve the larger community on nationally recognized days of service.

A core program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 75,000 Americans to meet community needs in areas such as education, the environment, public safety, and health. AmeriCorps works with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and its Commission for Service and Volunteerism to afford service opportunities statewide.

The City of Roswell was the first organization to receive AmeriCorps State funding in the North Fulton area and contributes additional funds annually to facilitate its project. For 2020, the City will contribute up to an additional $43,282.