Wanted: Applicants for Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership Positions

The Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership is accepting applications for 14 service member positions during the 2015-16 service year through Friday, Sept. 18, 2015. AmeriCorps service members will begin serving their terms on October 30, 2015.

The program provides community service positions for individuals interested in addressing specific Grinnell-area education priorities, such as:

• Advancing Grinnell’s Campaign for Grade Level Reading (by helping all Grinnell students to read at grade level by third grade);
• Reducing the Graduate Skills Gap (by preparing high-school graduates with skills needed for employment); and 
• Supporting existing after-school programs (by adding enrichment resources).

"Service members should have an interest in education and community, and have demonstrated an ability to interact well with people from various backgrounds (especially youth)," said Melissa Strovers, program and communications manager in Grinnell College's Community Enhancement and Engagement Office. "Before beginning their service term, team members will go through training to learn about the program's mission, priorities, and individual member obligations."

Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership seeks 11 full-time and 3 quarter-time members for up to 12 months of service. To apply, one must be at least 17 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and successfully complete a criminal history background check.

AmeriCorps members will serve at one of several Grinnell AmeriCorps host sites. Full-time members will complete a minimum of 1,700 service hours during their term of service and quarter-time members will complete a minimum of 450 service hours to successfully complete their terms of service. Service members receive a living allowance, student loan forbearance and, for those who qualify, health coverage and childcare assistance.

Following successful completion of their term, members are eligible for an education award that may be used to repay existing qualified student loans or pay the cost of tuition or books. This award is redeemable up to seven years after their service year.

Applying for the Positions

Grinnell College students can apply for the quarter-time positions listed through PioneerLink.

Other applicants should complete the application packet, which includes detailed service descriptions, benefits, qualifications, and the application form.

Applications are due Sept. 18, 2015, to Community Enhancement & Engagement, 733 Broad Street, Grinnell, Iowa, 50112.

For more information about the Grinnell AmeriCorps Member Service positions, contact Community Enhancement & Engagement, 641-269-3900.