LearningWorks Seeks AmeriCorps team members to empower southern Maine students

LearningWorks has received a $497,646 AmeriCorps grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The grant will support 101 AmeriCorps members who will provide tutoring, mentoring, and extracurricular enrichment for students who are not yet meeting literacy and math benchmarks.  In the 2017-2018 school year, AIMS HIGH provided individual and small group support to 550 students. We championed even more learners through afterschool activities and whole-classroom support. Our members have provided over 20,000 hours of direct service.

This grant will fund LearningWorks' AIMS HIGH program to recruit, train, and support AmeriCorps members at five elementary schools with School Turnaround initiatives that include Windham Primary School, among others. Each school's team of AmeriCorps members will provide critical support to these school communities by working directly with students during the 2018-2019 school year.

"AmeriCorps members are an indispensable source of positive impact and energy in our communities and nation," said Heather Davis, executive director of LearningWorks and a former AmeriCorps Member. "We're thrilled that the Corporation for National and Community Service has recognized the value of AmeriCorps members serving with LearningWorks in Southern Maine schools for the sixth straight year." 

Our members also see the importance of the work as it plays a positive role in both their communities and their own lives. Paula Webster, third-year member at Windham Primary School said, “I have had a post-retirement dream to volunteer at a school for a very long time. Both of my daughters attended Windham Primary School, and AIMS HIGH allows me to give back to a school that offered so much to my family.” 

In addition to the grant funding, CNCS will make available $221,000 in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the LearningWorks AmeriCorps members to pay higher education costs or student loans. The grant will generate an additional $400,470 in local matching support and other outside resources from businesses, foundations, and other organizations.

AIMS HIGH is actively seeking AmeriCorps members both locally and nationally to join their team and empower Southern Maine students. Full-time members earn $13,732 annual living allowance, $6,095 education award, and health insurance. Half-time members serve 25 hours per week and earn a $5,500 living allowance and $3,047 education award. Minimum-time members serve 7 hours per week and receive a $1,290 education award. AmeriCorps members over the age of 55 can gift their education award to their children or grandchildren. To apply, email aimshigh@learningworks.me or call (207) 517-3137.