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60 oriented on AmeriCorps duties, privileges
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Posted on Aug 26 2008
Sixty students from across the CNMI have gathered at the Pacific Islands Club for the last three days to prepare for their upcoming year as AmeriCorps volunteers.
During the last two days, Public School System students have taken part in interactive presentations, including teaching reading, writing and vocabulary; brain research; and how to tutor.
“It’s going awesome,” CNMI/PSS AmeriCorps Program Director Geri Willis said. “It’s a great opportunity for students.”
The program received additional funding to increase the number of students who can become members from 45 to 60 this year, Willis said.
“It’s just growing tremendously,” she added.
Past AmeriCorps members shared their experiences at the orientation.
“I try to inspire [other students] to be a part of the program,” said Nisha Shrestha, who is beginning her second year as a volunteer.
She said she encourages high school juniors and seniors to take part in the program because it helps everyone grow—the younger students as well as the high school students.
Last year, the 45 members volunteered approximately 30,000 hours, tutored more than 5,200 students, and brought up the reading levels for those students as high as three grade levels in one year, Willis said.
Two new site supervisors — Hopwood Jr. high principal Christine Tudela-Masga and Hopwood counselor Vanessa Mobel — will be new site supervisors. They will also be starting up an AmeriCorps club.
GTC Elementary site supervisor Katelyn Deleon Guerrero presented a lesson on reading and how the members can teach younger students to read.
“I joined just for the experience,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to work with high school students.”
AmeriCorps Program members are part of the Corporation for National and Community Service. They are paid a monthly stipend, and after the successful completion of 900 hours of community service, they are eligible for an Education Award worth $2,362.50. Members of the community can also volunteer for the organization.
