IALR was one of only five organizations in Virginia to be awarded federal funding by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in support of continuing its Dan River Year (DRY) AmeriCorps program. The funds are intended to help recipients “respond to the most critical issues facing communities in the U.S.” IALR is now seeking applicants for 34 service member positions to start September 1.
“The diligent efforts of IALR staff members Dana Silicki, Jessica Beebe and Audia Harris have helped position our DRY AmeriCorps program as a leading exemplar throughout the state and nation,” said Dr. Julie Brown, IALR Director of Advanced Learning. “Thanks to the CNCS and other partners, we are excited to continue the program’s benefits.”
In what the CNCS termed as a “highly competitive year,” the agency funded $227,615 for IALR’s DRY program and $93,957 for educational award investment. IALR and the Danville Regional Foundation have also supported the existing DRY program. The program is designed to build the area’s capacity for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by addressing literacy challenges. Many DRY members are placed in middle schools to coach students and combat this issue, and others are placed within community organizations.
Additionally, the project not only benefits the communities served but also the members themselves. AmeriCorps alumni credit their year of service for developing leadership skills that bridge divides, solve problems, and open doors to opportunities that advance their careers and education.
For their service, AmeriCorps members receive a stipend as well as a Segal Education Award of up to $6,000 to pay for college or to repay student loans. To apply, candidates should submit resumes to Dana.Silicki@ialr.org. For more information, contact Silicki via email or at 434.766.6729.
AmeriCorps members gathered for a week of orientation at the start of the program last September where they received training on relationship building, tutoring strategies and more.
