In an impactful response to the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted
education nationwide, the National Partnership for Student Success
celebrates its second anniversary this July. The initiative, a
collaborative effort between AmeriCorps, the US Department of
Education, and the Johns Hopkins Everyone Graduates Center, was
launched in July 2022. It marks a key part of the strategy to
mitigate the pandemic's educational disruptions, revealing and
addressing the inequitable challenges and disproportionate impacts
on communities across the country.
The initiative came as a response to President Biden’s appeal
for 250,000 additional supportive adults to be integrated into
schools to counteract the adverse effects of the pandemic on
students' education. Remarkably, within a year of its inception, an
estimated 187,000 additional adults stepped up to support students
in need.
This year's celebration is twofold, highlighting not only the
second year of the NPSS but also the 30th anniversary of
AmeriCorps. Both milestones underscore the enduring commitment to
educational support and community service in the United States.
Two AmeriCorps members bestowed with the President’s Volunteer
Service Lifetime Achievement award. These individuals have notably
dedicated over 5,000 hours of service to assisting students in
Boston, Massachusetts, through the AARP Foundation Experience Corps
program partner, Literations.
Making a Difference One Child at a Time
Volunteers play a crucial role in nurturing young minds and
shaping the future. Among these dedicated individuals, Shirley
stands out with her incredible journey of service that spans over
two decades. Shirley’s service journey with Literations started
more than 20 years ago when she saw an advertisement in a community
paper inviting volunteers to read with children. With no
grandchildren of her own, Shirley decided to spend her time after
retirement helping children and families in her community face
challenges such as juggling multiple jobs. Shirley felt a strong
calling to make a difference by supporting these children.
“My commitment to volunteering was cemented when I met a child
who struggled to read and lacked basic alphabet knowledge but
displayed remarkable common sense.,” Shirley recalls. Through her
persistence and gentle guidance, she saw the child not only master
the alphabet and spell basic words by year's end but also witnessed
a remarkable transformation in the child's self-esteem and
interpersonal relationships.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shirley’s work has become
even more significant. The disruption in schooling has left many
children facing educational setbacks, missing out on foundational
knowledge crucial for their academic development. Shirley points
out how some students skipped critical years like kindergarten,
entering higher grades without basic skills in reading, shapes, and
colors, which inevitably places them behind their peers.
“National service plays a vital role in bridging these gaps,
providing essential support to help children catch up and succeed
academically. And for older national service members like myself,
volunteering provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It keeps
me actively engaged with my community, and it’s a motivation to
give my best to these students because, through service, you see
firsthand our efforts change lives.”
Connecting with Children to Support Their Growth Beyond
Education
In the South End of Boston, Mass., AmeriCorps member Bill has
served more than 10,935 hours so far, helping students become
proficient readers. More than just a tutor, Bill's mentorship of
other volunteers has also been crucial in developing a strong and
effective team. His remarkable dedication and leadership have made
a difference in the community.
Bill's decision to serve with AmeriCorps is rooted in his belief
in the power of personal connection. "I choose to serve with
AmeriCorps because I understand the importance of connecting with
young students who need the support,” he stated. His approach goes
beyond the conventional - aiming to connect on a personal level to
tackle literacy challenges effectively.
“I remember a cantankerous boy in a younger grade who couldn't
engage with any of the volunteers in the classroom. So, I decided
to take the ‘Dad’ approach. I took the boy for a walk, away from
the group, to tell him why reading is so important. I explained
that he’d need to know how to read to get his dream job or to
drive. But no matter the examples I shared, the boy did not relate,
saying, ‘I don’t wanna get a job. I don’t need to learn to
drive.’
“He then said, ‘My dad’s in jail, my older brother’s in jail,
everybody in my family is in jail. So I’m gonna go to jail and
won’t need any of that stuff.’ This was the moment I realized that
literacy effort is not just teaching these kids to read. It’s about
connecting on a personal level before tackling literacy challenges.
The literacy process won't be effective without developing a
relationship with someone.
“After serving for more than 18 years, enduring relationships
forged through the program are the greatest reward, especially when
I run into these students years later. I once had a young man
taller than me come up and say, ‘Hi, Mr. Bill, remember me? You
read with me six years ago and it was good experience.’
“Tutoring and volunteering are especially crucial today. Many of
the students at my school come from single-parent homes, and the
relationships volunteers build can have lasting impacts. As tutors
and mentors to these students, setting high expectations is
crucial. AmeriCorps members and Experience Corps volunteers provide
trusted support, helping to change mindsets and build confidence in
these children. Because the more supportive relationships a child
has, the more likely they are to believe in their ability to learn
and succeed.”
Bill’s work exemplifies the mission of AmeriCorps and
underscores the importance of literacy, mentorship, and personal
connection in fostering resilient communities and empowering future
generations.
AmeriCorps Takes the Lead in Addressing Educational
Challenges Nationwide
For the past three decades, AmeriCorps has emerged as a pivotal
force in mobilizing manpower to address the most pressing needs in
schools across the United States. With a legacy of commitment,
AmeriCorps, together with AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, has become
synonymous with providing invaluable support to students,
educators, and families grappling with critical educational and
mental health issues.
The organization's impact is widespread, affecting countless
communities with the aid of dedicated volunteers like Shirley and
Bill, who represent hundreds of thousands of members serving as the
much-needed caring adults in school environments and beyond. These
efforts have not only bolstered educational outcomes but have
significantly contributed to addressing mental health challenges
among students.
Learn more about how AmeriCorps, the Department of Education,
and national service partners, like the AARP Foundation, are
helping our students thrive in and out of school across the
country.
- AmeriCorps Seniors awardees
National Service Press Office
AmeriCorps
(202) 766-2848
pressoffice@cns.gov