$630K grant to fund UOG AmeriCorps community service program
$630K grant to fund UOG AmeriCorps community service program
$630K grant to fund UOG AmeriCorps community service program
10/3/2019
More than a half-million dollars recently awarded to the University of Guam will be used to support what is becoming known as the “we” generation of students. The funding — a $630,000 grant for the University’s AmeriCorps Volunteer Center — will fund opportunities for students to make a difference for people in the community while developing their professional and team-building skills.
AmeriCorps is a national community service program in which volunteers address community needs, including preparing for natural disasters, taking care of the environment, and mentoring youth. The AmeriCorps programs in Guam are overseen by the Serve Guam Commission, which sub-granted the funding from the Corporation for National & Community Service to the UOG program.
The grant will fund the volunteer program through December 2020 by way of monthly stipends for the members over a 12-month service period and a $3,400 education award for student loans or college tuition once they complete 900 volunteer hours.
One focus of the program will be education. Members will mentor and guide students in all six of Guam’s public high schools in their options after high school and help them apply to college.
Under another initiative of the UOG program, AmeriCorps members will be creating a “Green Campaign” to educate the community on sustainable practices and how to make more eco-conscious decisions.
“What’s unique about this current grant is that it creates opportunities for students to make a difference not just on campus, but out in the community,” said Charlene B. Masiwemai, program director of the UOG AmeriCorps Volunteer Center. “They will be exposed to an array of service projects focusing on youth and college students, but also on the aging population over the age of 65.”
“AmeriCorps members are provided with professional development training that prepares them for the workforce,” Masiwemai said. “They also have the opportunity to perfect their team-building skills because AmeriCorps is such a large program and missions and service projects are always done in big groups.”
Apply to be an AmeriCorps member
Applications for the 2020 program will be announced by the UOG Human Resources Office and will be accepted between June and August. At that time, interested applicants can apply at the AmeriCorps Volunteer Center, located in the old Kubre classroom or through the UOG Human Resources Office.
Students can also apply at www.serveguam.com.
The program also accepts volunteers to assist the program’s efforts every second Saturday of the month.