AMERICORPS to pick 4 IVCC students
Four students will be the first from IVCC to be selected as members of the Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps. The application deadline for fall 2001 participation is April 30.
Jill Urban Bollis, IVCC's campus coordinator, described AmeriCorps as a community service project "similar to a domestic Peace Corps."
The IVCC students will be tutoring and mentoring of K-2 students as well as working on other projects.
Urban Bollis said the goals are "to increase literacy skills, attain grade level reading, reduce absenteeism, increase the rate of homework completion and quality of work, enhance self-esteem, and promote a positive perception of education."
AmeriCorps members have to complete 900 hours of service and training. In exchange, they receive a stipend, an education award, and a portion of interest on an existing education loan is waived.
Candidates must be at least 17 years old, enrolled at IVCC, have completed high school or a GED, pass a background check, complete a personal interview and attend a pre-service training session. The training is July 29 through Aug. 3 at Rend Lake Resort and Rend Lake College.
"AmeriCorps membership is also an opportunity for members to benefit from career exploration, personal and professional development and numerous training opportunities," Urban Bollis said.
IVCC is one of 14 Illinois college partners in the Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps.
Additional information and applications are available from Urban Bollis at 224-0429.