The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) was awarded $333,933 by AmeriCorps, the federal agency leading the nation’s volunteering and service efforts. The funds will be used to continue the support of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program as it strives to improve K-12 students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Southern Virginia. Open interviews for multiple AmeriCorps positions will be held at IALR on Aug. 11-12 from 12-4 p.m.; there is no appointment necessary.
Dan River Year AmeriCorps members and staff gather at IALR for a ceremony to celebrate outgoing members’ completion of the year-long service program. Members were presented with awards and enjoyed a presentation and luncheon as appreciation for their efforts to build K-12 STEM capacity.
AmeriCorps awarded competitive funding to programs across the nation, five of which exist within Virginia. Of the five awarded grants, Dan River Year AmeriCorps represents the only nonmetro program awarded outside of Northern Virginia. This achievement serves as recognition of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program’s high quality and its partners’ leadership, success, and commitment to serving the Dan River Region. For the past 20 years, IALR has served Southern Virginia and has acted as the lead agency for the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program since 2015.
With 14 service sites spanning Southern Virginia, including Pittsylvania County, Halifax County, and the cities of Martinsville and Danville, Dan River Year AmeriCorps connects individuals with opportunities to advance their careers and education while providing service to their community. IALR and the Danville Regional Foundation provide support and leverage for Dan River Year AmeriCorps as it continues its vision of addressing the region’s literacy challenges through building STEM capacity. Having served over 15,000 hours, Dan River Year AmeriCorps members work diligently to combat these issues and meet the critical needs of the community.
AmeriCorps members have opportunities to provide services that support education, disaster services, health, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity and service to veterans and military families. For their service, members receive a stipend and financial awards for education as well as professional development and leadership skills. Those interested in receiving more information or becoming involved with Dan River Year AmeriCorps may visit www.ialr.org/americorps or contact Dana Silicki at dana.silicki@ialr.org or (434) 766-6729. The open interviews on Thursday and Friday will fill positions in Danville, Martinsville and Pittsylvania, Henry and Halifax counties for Community Health Educators, STEM/Literacy Tutors and STEM/Literacy Educators.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps works to foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. Placing more than 250,000 members and volunteers annually, AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans to serve their communities through extensive efforts across the nation. As the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, AmeriCorps empowers millions to serve in a variety of capacities. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
