For more than 11 years, the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program, operated by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), has been a driving force for positive change in Southern Virginia. The program connects passionate individuals with opportunities to serve in schools, neighborhoods and community organizations, meeting local needs while creating pathways for personal and professional growth.

What started as a STEM tutoring initiative has evolved into a multi-faceted program that addresses education, health and wellness. Today, AmeriCorps members serve across three core focus areas:

  • STEM and Literacy Education
  • Youth Mental Health
  • Community Health Outreach

What Service Looks like

Dan River Year AmeriCorps offers flexible service terms during the academic year and summer, allowing members to choose roles that fit their interests and schedules. Academic-year positions typically involve 9–12 months of service, while summer terms provide short, impactful opportunities to support out-of-school programs and STEM camps.

Members serve in a variety of settings:

  • Classrooms and after-school programs, helping students strengthen reading, math, and science skills.
  • Community sites, leading health workshops and connecting residents to resources.
  • Behavioral health organizations and schools, supporting youth mental health initiatives and prevention programs.

“Literally everything that I wanted to do but never thought I could do, AmeriCorps opened the door for me to do that.” – Mitzi Coles, a four-term member

Benefits Beyond Service

AmeriCorps members don’t just give back—they gain valuable tools for the future. Every term includes:

  • A living allowance based on their service term
  • A Segal Education Award (up to $5,176.50) upon successful completion, which can be used for tuition or student loan repayment
  • Mileage reimbursement for non-host site travel
  • Training and mentorship from IALR staff and site supervisors
  • Opportunities to earn certifications in education, public health or youth development

These benefits help members build skills, pursue education and prepare for careers in fields such as teaching, counseling and community health.

“Finding hands-on work like this without a degree is basically unheard of. We’re taking what we’re learning in class and watching it be applied in the real world.” – Allie Cole, 2025-2026 Youth Mental Health Specialist

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“Working with students this summer has been a privilege, and witnessing their growth and curiosity has been incredibly rewarding. From this experience, I am reminded of the power of education and the importance of inspiring the next generation of innovators. Thank you, AmeriCorps, for providing me with this incredible opportunity to serve and make a difference in the lives of young learners. My time here has been nothing short of life-changing, and I will cherish it always.”  – Luis Tovar, Dan River Year AmeriCorps, Summer 2023. 

Opportunities for Summer 2026

The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program also mobilizes members for 10-week terms during the summer.

Summer 2026 positions will be posted in the spring of 2026. These members serve at out-of-school sites and help run summer STEM camps hosted at IALR, providing hands-on learning experiences that strengthen literacy, math and STEM skills.

Potential sites include:

  • IALR (supporting summer STEM Camps)
  • Danville Science Center
  • Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge (Martinsville)

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