AmeriCorps Week celebrates tutors and their positive impact

CNMI Public School System AmeriCorps members pose for a photo at a recent classroom management training. (Contributed Photo)

Author’s note: This reporter serves as an AmeriCorps volunteer tutor at Hopwood Junior High School. In this three-part series, he will highlight the success of the AmeriCorps program and its members as a part of AmeriCorps Week.

In its 10th year in the islands the CNMI Public School System’s AmeriCorps program is celebrating its members this week as a part of national AmeriCorps Week. The federally funded program currently manages 45 high school student tutors from public and private schools.

According to AmeriCorps coordinator Victoria Nicholas, members perform a minimum of 675 hours of volunteer service, undergo training in the field of teaching, and receive an education award to assist in furthering their college education after their service. The national AmeriCorps program has existed for two decades.

“The service learning component of our program provides on the job training that directly relates to PSS strategic goals of having college- and career-ready high school graduates,” she said. “Members are also tasked with providing relief and recovery services in the event of disaster.”

Nicholas said the AmeriCorps’ mission is fourfold: getting things done, strengthening community, encouraging responsibility, and expanding opportunity.

In the area of education, she noted that 97 percent of members completed 675 or more hours of service and received close to $70,750 in education awards last year.

Members also lent a helping hand in the aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor.

AmeriCorps members helped serve 18,362 meals with the Salvation Army. They also assisted at United 4 Saipan, Karidat, CARE Distribution Warehouse, and other direct relief organizations.

“The community grows and benefits when our tutors help more students to read at grade level, this will increase the likelihood that they will stay in school, graduate from high school, go on to college, or obtain meaningful jobs, thus becoming active contributors to our island community, Nicholas added.

Hopwood tutor and Marianas High School senior Luigi Alonzo told Saipan Tribune that he got involved in AmeriCorps to make a difference.

“AmeriCorps changed my life dramatically because I got to learn to love each and every one of my students and create an everlasting bond with them,” he said.

For her part, fellow tutor Eloise Lopez said that she took part in the program to make an impact in the community.

She said, “Americorp changed my life because I never knew that I could be worthy as I am with others too. I always thought myself to be doing everything on my own. AmeriCorps gave me hope to work in a team and continue serving others.”

AmeriCorps tutors and their supervisors across the island celebrated the week with various activities on their respective campuses. AmeriCorps week will culminate with a roadside waving this Friday at 4pm at the Microl intersection.

To learn more about the program or how to get involved visit www. cnmipss.org/AmeriCorps.