April 10, 2003
"AmeriCorps" SEEKS MEN AND WOMEN
TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUNG LIVES
Call 704-432-0001 to volunteer for 12-month program
Charlotte, NC - Thousands of children leave school each day with lots of time on their hands and little to do. The Mecklenburg County AmeriCorps Project (MCAP) is recruiting full-time volunteers who would like to change that - and change a few lives at the same time. The AmeriCorps Project needs 20 members who will commit to 12 months of making a difference in the lives of Mecklenburg County youth.
AmeriCorps is a domestic version of the Peace Corps that may be the "second toughest job you will ever love." AmeriCorps Project members direct out-of-school programs for youth in grades Kindergarten - 8th in Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Centers located in under-served areas. They lead activities in computer skills, gardening, science, health and a host of other subjects tailored to each child's age and grade level. Anyone interested in volunteering can call 704-432-0001 or check the Web site
www.ces.ncsu.edu/mecklenburg.
Each full-time AmeriCorps Project member must make a 12-month commitment, for which he or she will receive a $12,000 living allowance and health and dental insurance. At the end of the term, each member will receive an education voucher from the federal government worth $4,725 toward tuition or student loans. To be considered for the Mecklenburg County AmeriCorps Project, a candidate must:
· Possess a high school diploma or GED.
· Be 18 years or older.
· Commit to 12 months of service.
All new members are trained in Basic School Age Care, Citizenship, Leadership, and Disaster Preparedness. They are also trained as Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, in hopes of involving children and their families in community gardening and beautification projects.
Each AmeriCorps volunteer is allowed two terms of service. The Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension Service and Park & Recreation Department jointly sponsor the Mecklenburg County AmeriCorps Project.