IALR September 2023 Newsletter
AmeriCorps Open Interviews
Do you want to contribute to the long-term success of your community? Are you looking for a service opportunity where you can make a difference? The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is hosting open interviews for STEM/Literacy tutors and community health educators for the Dan River Year AmeriCorps and REACH AmeriCorps programs on September 25.
- No appointment needed during the following time slots: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. The interviews are in room 216 at IALR, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA 24540.
- Stipends range from $3,600 – $11,500. Segal Education Awards are also available.
- Multiple positions available in Danville and Pittsylvania County.
We are looking to fill the following positions:
- Community Health Educator
- STEM/Literacy School Tutor
- STEM/Literacy Educators for After-School Sites
Send your resume and any questions to americorps@ialr.org or call 434.766.6631
Dan River Year AmeriCorps
The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program is seeking In-School and Out-of-School Tutors who can provide direct and indirect support to site(s) during school and after school and for family STEM activities. Members will focus on building and introducing curriculum and activities for students, helping prepare them for middle school by improving their literacy, math and/or STEM skills.
Members will provide direct service to students attending Pittsylvania County Public Schools and Danville Public Schools. All members will receive tutor training prior to placement. Tutors will spend a minimum of 90 minutes a week working with each individual student and/or small groups for a minimum of 10 weeks during the school year. Additionally, members may also work with groups during the school year, aiding in their reading or math classes. Members will also provide support with hands-on activities to generate interest in STEM and deepen STEM knowledge.
REACH AmeriCorps
The REACH AmeriCorps program is seeking community health educators to serve approximately 25 hours a week over nine months (September 2023-August 2024) in Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County, N.C. REACH AmeriCorps members will conduct workshops over 40 weeks in targeted census tracts in Danville City, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County. Workshops will be based on specific population health topics, addressing areas of high need and chronic health issues. Members will serve approximately 25 hours/week.
Members will receive training and mentoring from IALR staff and site representatives.
AmeriCorps Open Interviews
Do you want to contribute to the long-term success of your community? Are you looking for a service opportunity where you can make a difference? The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is hosting open interviews for STEM/Literacy tutors and community health educators for the Dan River Year AmeriCorps and REACH AmeriCorps programs on September 18.
- No appointment needed during the following time slots: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. The interviews are in room 216 at IALR, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA 24540.
- Stipends range from $3,600 – $11,500. Segal Education Awards are also available.
- Multiple positions available in Danville and Pittsylvania County.
We are looking to fill the following positions:
- Community Health Educator
- STEM/Literacy School Tutor
- STEM/Literacy Educators for After-School Sites
Send your resume and any questions to americorps@ialr.org or call 434.766.6631
Dan River Year AmeriCorps
The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program is seeking In-School and Out-of-School Tutors who can provide direct and indirect support to site(s) during school and after school and for family STEM activities. Members will focus on building and introducing curriculum and activities for students, helping prepare them for middle school by improving their literacy, math and/or STEM skills.
Members will provide direct service to students attending Pittsylvania County Public Schools and Danville Public Schools. All members will receive tutor training prior to placement. Tutors will spend a minimum of 90 minutes a week working with each individual student and/or small groups for a minimum of 10 weeks during the school year. Additionally, members may also work with groups during the school year, aiding in their reading or math classes. Members will also provide support with hands-on activities to generate interest in STEM and deepen STEM knowledge.
REACH AmeriCorps
The REACH AmeriCorps program is seeking community health educators to serve approximately 25 hours a week over nine months (September 2023-August 2024) in Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County, N.C. REACH AmeriCorps members will conduct workshops over 40 weeks in targeted census tracts in Danville City, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County. Workshops will be based on specific population health topics, addressing areas of high need and chronic health issues. Members will serve approximately 25 hours/week.
Members will receive training and mentoring from IALR staff and site representatives.
AmeriCorps Open Interviews
Do you want to contribute to the long-term success of your community? Are you looking for a service opportunity where you can make a difference? The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is hosting open interviews for STEM/Literacy tutors and community health educators for the Dan River Year AmeriCorps and REACH AmeriCorps programs on September 15.
- No appointment needed during the following time slots: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. The interviews are in room 216 at IALR, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA 24540.
- Stipends range from $3,600 – $11,500. Segal Education Awards are also available.
- Multiple positions available in Danville and Pittsylvania County.
We are looking to fill the following positions:
- Community Health Educator
- STEM/Literacy School Tutor
- STEM/Literacy Educators for After-School Sites
Send your resume and any questions to americorps@ialr.org or call 434.766.6631
Dan River Year AmeriCorps
The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program is seeking In-School and Out-of-School Tutors who can provide direct and indirect support to site(s) during school and after school and for family STEM activities. Members will focus on building and introducing curriculum and activities for students, helping prepare them for middle school by improving their literacy, math and/or STEM skills.
Members will provide direct service to students attending Pittsylvania County Public Schools and Danville Public Schools. All members will receive tutor training prior to placement. Tutors will spend a minimum of 90 minutes a week working with each individual student and/or small groups for a minimum of 10 weeks during the school year. Additionally, members may also work with groups during the school year, aiding in their reading or math classes. Members will also provide support with hands-on activities to generate interest in STEM and deepen STEM knowledge.
REACH AmeriCorps
The REACH AmeriCorps program is seeking community health educators to serve approximately 25 hours a week over nine months (September 2023-August 2024) in Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County, N.C. REACH AmeriCorps members will conduct workshops over 40 weeks in targeted census tracts in Danville City, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County. Workshops will be based on specific population health topics, addressing areas of high need and chronic health issues. Members will serve approximately 25 hours/week.
Members will receive training and mentoring from IALR staff and site representatives.
AmeriCorps Open Interviews
Do you want to contribute to the long-term success of your community? Are you looking for a service opportunity where you can make a difference? The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is hosting open interviews for STEM/Literacy tutors and community health educators for the Dan River Year AmeriCorps and REACH AmeriCorps programs on September 7.
- No appointment needed during the following time slots: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. The interviews are in room 216 at IALR, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA 24540.
- Stipends range from $3,600 – $11,500. Segal Education Awards are also available.
- Multiple positions available in Danville and Pittsylvania County.
We are looking to fill the following positions:
- Community Health Educator
- STEM/Literacy School Tutor
- STEM/Literacy Educators for After-School Sites
Send your resume and any questions to americorps@ialr.org or call 434.766.6631
Dan River Year AmeriCorps
The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program is seeking In-School and Out-of-School Tutors who can provide direct and indirect support to site(s) during school and after school and for family STEM activities. Members will focus on building and introducing curriculum and activities for students, helping prepare them for middle school by improving their literacy, math and/or STEM skills.
Members will provide direct service to students attending Pittsylvania County Public Schools and Danville Public Schools. All members will receive tutor training prior to placement. Tutors will spend a minimum of 90 minutes a week working with each individual student and/or small groups for a minimum of 10 weeks during the school year. Additionally, members may also work with groups during the school year, aiding in their reading or math classes. Members will also provide support with hands-on activities to generate interest in STEM and deepen STEM knowledge.
REACH AmeriCorps
The REACH AmeriCorps program is seeking community health educators to serve approximately 25 hours a week over nine months (September 2023-August 2024) in Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County, N.C. REACH AmeriCorps members will conduct workshops over 40 weeks in targeted census tracts in Danville City, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County. Workshops will be based on specific population health topics, addressing areas of high need and chronic health issues. Members will serve approximately 25 hours/week.
Members will receive training and mentoring from IALR staff and site representatives.
IALR August 2023 Newsletter
IALR Shares Partnerships, Progress and Transformation in Annual Report
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has published its 2021-2022 annual report, which highlights innovative and collaborative partnerships across departments that are transforming the economy of Southern Virginia.
“Significant economic growth has resulted due to robust partnerships across the region. IALR stands ready to serve as Virginia’s go-to partner for education and workforce development, business and economic growth, and a globally competitive business ecosystem.” – IALR President Telly Tucker.
One of the pivotal moments of the report period is the creation and adoption of the new IALR Strategic Plan, which will guide IALR’s work and efforts for the next five years. With input from key stakeholders, the plan establishes strategic goals to outline how IALR can best capitalize on its unique strengths to impact the region.
Just some of the new initiatives and programs launched, announced or expanded during FY 21 and FY 22:
- Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM)
- Center for Manufacturing Advancement
- GO TEC Training Lab at IALR and expansion into other regions of Virginia
- GO Virginia Region 3 Bridge to Recovery
- Megabytes updated menu and ordering process
- Next generation of Work (NOW) teamships
- ODU Manufacturing Engineering Technology Major, with IALR as a Satellite Campus
- Registered Apprenticeships
- Quest Certification of Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill
- REACH Partnership and REACH AmeriCorps
- Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center
- Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning
The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) framework is spreading into schools across the Commonwealth. The GO TEC program is just one component of the newly developed and proven EmPOWER system – an employer-driven model to systematically connect students to careers through career awareness, exposure, and engagement and experience. Future and current members of the workforce, as well as businesses, find joint benefits in problem-solving teamships, apprenticeships, externships and internships, mock interview days and more.
While striving to promote a diversified economy by serving a variety of industries, much of IALR’s impact in 2021-2022 was in the manufacturing sector. Expanding the existing middle-school-through-college workforce development pipelines, the new Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is a rapid adult-learner model that prepares talent for jobs in the defense industrial base. ATDM launched in 2020 and is already proving successful and showing what modern public-private partnerships should look like. In addition, IALR partnered with the Commonwealth of Virginia and Danville Regional Foundation to construct the Center for Manufacturing Advancement, a new destination for manufacturers ready to optimize and scale and home to the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
Through the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, a joint project with Virginia Tech, IALR has established itself as a global leader in the CEA industry. The presence of the innovative research and state-of-the-art equipment are already making an impact on Southern Virginia. Thanks to best-in-class resources, including lab spaces and staff, the Applied Research team provided 30 companies with applied research and testing services like analytical chemistry, polymer testing and more.
In partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) and many other economic development organizations, IALR is proud to champion the area while working with local, regional and state partners. In FY 21 and 22, the Southern Virginia region saw $498 million in announced capital investment and 1,288 new jobs. IALR contributed to economic success by serving as a temporary home for growing businesses by providing critical testing services and lab space to innovative companies across industries. The Bridge to Recovery Program connected companies with suppliers and helped businesses become more resilient post-pandemic.
The Institute Conference Center hosted a variety of events geared toward the growth of industry sectors and Southern Virginia, including trainings and economic development activities. Numerous companies, including anchor and growing employers held successful job fairs, connecting community members with quality employment. An extensive renovation of the main building and a relaunch of Megabytes, IALR’s on-site café, have allowed the Institute Conference Center to provide even better service for the 20,800 guests who visited.
IALR Awarded $230,000 Grant to Continue Public Health AmeriCorps Program
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) was awarded a grant of $230,000 from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. The grant will fund the continued impact of the Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health (REACH) AmeriCorps program, which has provided public health workshops and educational opportunities in concert with the REACH Partnership since 2022.
“We are so excited to see the positive and tangible impact that our REACH AmeriCorps members will continue making on health outcomes of individuals, families and the community as a whole,” said Dana Silicki, Advanced Learning Program Manager at IALR. “This grant will allow REACH AmeriCorps to continue serving the Dan River Region by addressing health and education needs.”
“The REACH partnership is committed to addressing systemic barriers to physical and mental health services for at-risk populations, and health education outreach offered by the REACH AmeriCorps program is a key part of that,” said Dr. Cassandra Shelton, REACH Program Manager. “The continued funding of REACH AmeriCorps will allow us to effectively and systematically improve health education and access.”
The REACH AmeriCorps program is dedicated to expanding capacity for public health service by providing direct outreach and education service in the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County (NC). Members provide individualized support, addressing the region’s most pressing physical and mental health challenges through a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) lens.
IALR is recruiting 15 part-time REACH Community Health Educators, who will conduct community health workshops over nine months in targeted census tracts in the Dan River Region. Workshops will be based on specific population health topics, addressing areas of high need and chronic health issues. Members will serve approximately 25 hours per week.
In conjunction with the REACH AmeriCorps program, The REACH Partnership, an effort supported by The Health Collaborative of the Dan River Region, deploys Community Health Workers and Community Paramedics – referred to as coordinated care teams – to assist with an individual’s physical and mental health needs and connect clients to community resources, addressing the myriad social determinants of health. The REACH Partnership includes the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (lead and fiscal agent), Virginia Cooperative Extension, Piedmont Access to Community Health Services, Gateway Health, Sovah Health Danville, Compassion Healthcare, the Danville Life Saving Crew, Caswell County EMS, Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services and Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The Partnership efforts are funded by a $6.3 million grant from the Danville Regional Foundation.
AmeriCorps State and National, a federal-state partnership with a central role for Governor-appointed State Service Commissions, develops and implements state-specific national service programs. These grants allow organizations to recruit, train and supervise AmeriCorps members who are providing services to support education, disaster services, health, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity and service to veterans and military families.
AmeriCorps State and National engages more than 65,000 Americans in intensive service each year. AmeriCorps members in the AmeriCorps State and National program receive a modest living allowance. At the successful completion of each service term, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs. Members who are age 55+ when they begin service may gift their Segal Education Award to immediate family members.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
Family Literacy Night
Dan River Year AmeriCorps, Danville Project Literacy, AmeriCorps, and REACH AmeriCorps present Family Literacy Night on Thursday, March 2, to coincide with Dr. Seuss’s birthday and National Read Across America Day! This event will feature 29 stations where students can complete a hands-on activity based on a book.
In addition to activities, 300 books will be given to the children who attend. Dollar and Scotter, mascots from URW Community FCU and Danville Otterbots, will be present to meet and pose for photos. URW Credit Union will also give away the book Just Saving My Money. And finally, Storytime from Rachel Timm of the Pittsylvania County Public Library will take place at 6:00 p.m.!
Please come out for fun activities, chances to win prizes and great snacks!
IALR Awarded Federal Grant for AmeriCorps Program, Holding Open Interviews for Multiple Positions
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.
IALR April 2022 Newsletter
IALR Awarded $203,558 to Build Public Health AmeriCorps
Funding will support 15 AmeriCorps members to meet public health needs of local community and help rebuild the nation’s public health sector
(L-R) Stephen Coles, Angel Lea and Chaquita Chappell of Piedmont Access to Health Services (PATHS) help serve the community at a COVID vaccine event. PATHS is one of several partners that will work with new Public Health AmeriCorps members as part of Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health (REACH), organized by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) announced today that it has received a Public Health AmeriCorps grant of $203,558 from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. The grant will expand IALR’s presence in the Dan River Region, where IALR has been providing services for Southern Virginia since 2002. IALR has also served as the lead agency for the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program since 2015, with members serving over 15,000 hours focusing on building the region’s science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and literacy capacity.
“As one of five Virginia Public Health AmeriCorps recipients and the only one serving a primarily rural population, we are excited to be able to again partner with AmeriCorps to provide much-needed services for our community,” said Dana Silicki, IALR Program Manager.
Public Health AmeriCorps, a partnership between AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, supports the recruitment, training and development of a new generation of public health leaders. Supported by a five-year, $400 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act, Public Health AmeriCorps will help meet public health needs of local communities by providing surge capacity and support while also creating pathways to public health-related careers.
“Integrating REACH AmeriCorps into the REACH Partnership will greatly expand the number of community members we can serve,” said Dr. Cassandra Shelton, REACH Program Manager.
“The REACH Partnership aims to improve overall health and address barriers to health care by: providing a coordinated care team, connecting individuals to community resources, providing health education, coordinating communication among health care providers, and helping individuals develop skills to better manage their own health.”
With this new funding, IALR will leverage the skills and experience of REACH AmeriCorps members in the Dan River Region to expand capacity for public health service by providing direct outreach and education service in the City of Danville (Va.), Pittsylvania County (Va.) and Caswell County (N.C.). These AmeriCorps members will be responsible for serving 960 individuals, increasing their health knowledge and healthy behaviors through education, outreach, referrals and COVID response.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, AmeriCorps has established aid networks, supported vaccination efforts and provided food and resources to those in need,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “Public Health AmeriCorps is a first of its kind response to the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social determinants of health. These new AmeriCorps members will add capacity to strained public health systems and build a career pathway for future public health leaders from underserved communities.”
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a REACH AmeriCorps service member, please contact Dana Silicki at dana.silicki@ialr.org or 434-766-6729.
IALR January 2022 Newsletter
IALR June 2021 Newsletter
IALR February 2021 Newsletter
IALR September 2020 Newsletter
IALR Seeking 10 AmeriCorps Members to Mentor Students in STEM, Reading
Opportunities include stipend, educational award, professional development
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is seeking to fill 10 remaining member slots for its Dan River Year AmeriCorps program, which fosters a year of community service consisting of mentoring students in STEM-related areas and coaching literacy skills. Service sites include two positions at Danville Public Schools, three at the Danville Science Center, two at Gretna Middle School, two at Halifax Middle School and one at Martinsville Middle School.
“Our AmeriCorps program is a unique opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their resume, build relationships and add new skills while giving back to the community,” said Dr. Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning at IALR. “Not only do service members enjoy helping students, but they also receive professional development, a stipend and an educational award.”
Supported by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service, IALR and the Danville Regional Foundation, the regional Dan River Year AmeriCorps program is designed to build the area’s capacity for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by addressing literacy challenges. The available STEM/Literacy Tutor and Coach positions work with students to enhance their STEM and literacy skills, as well as to help with related service projects. For their service, AmeriCorps members receive a stipend as well as a Segal Education Award to pay for college or to repay student loans.
Twenty positions were recently filled across the Southern Virginia footprint spanning Pittsylvania County, Halifax County and the cities of Danville and Martinsville. There are 10 open slots. To view the list of current openings and to apply for member positions, candidates should visit bit.ly/DRYpositions. For more information, those interested may contact Dana Silicki at Dana.Silicki@ialr.org or (434) 766-6729.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, and leads the nation’s volunteering and service efforts. The Virginia Department of Social Services, through the Office on Volunteerism and Community Services, oversees the Dan River Year program and provides support. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.
Dan River Year AmeriCorps member Trina Holiness-Morris writes thoughtful notes to be inserted in stimulus care packages for seniors in residential care to help stimulate their brain activity and provide them cheer during a time of quarantine. She and other AmeriCorps members filled the packages with playing cards or a game, a stamped greeting card to send to a relative or friend, a large-pieced puzzle, an adult coloring book with colored pencils, a marigold plant kit, a large-print word search or Sudoku, and a canvas with paint and a brush.
IALR Awarded Federal Grant to Extend AmeriCorps Program, Seeking Applicants for Positions
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) was one of only five organizations in Virginia to be awarded federal competitive funding by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in support of continuing its Dan River Year (DRY) AmeriCorps program. IALR is seeking applicants for 34 service member positions to start Sept. 1.
“The diligent efforts of IALR staff members Dana Silicki, Jessica Beebe and Audia Harris have helped position our Dan River Year AmeriCorps program as a leading exemplar throughout the state and nation,” said Dr. Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning at IALR. “Thanks to the Corporation for National and Community Service and other partners, we are excited to continue the program’s benefits. Not only do service members enjoy mentoring students, but they also receive professional development, a stipend and an educational award.”
In what the CNCS termed as a “highly competitive year,” the federal agency funded $227,615 for IALR’s DRY program and $93,957 for educational award investment. The funds are intended to help recipients “respond to the most critical issues facing communities in the U.S.”
IALR and the Danville Regional Foundation have also supported the existing DRY program at IALR. This regional 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 in service positions within community organizations; service sites span the Southern Virginia footprint, including Pittsylvania County, Halifax County and the cities of Danville and Martinsville.
According to the CNCS, “a growing body of research shows that service has an effect on more than just the communities served, but also on the members themselves. AmeriCorps alumni credit their year of service for developing leadership skills that bridges divides, solves problems, and opens doors to opportunities that advance their careers and education. In addition, research shows that alumni gain skills and are exposed to experiences that communities and employers find valuable.”
“For more than two decades, Americans have answered the call to serve by pledging to ‘get things done’ as AmeriCorps members. Through their dedication and sacrifice, I know our nation is in good hands,” said Chester Spellman, director of AmeriCorps. “I congratulate all the 2020 grant recipients, who will make service possible for a new class of AmeriCorps members and salute all our AmeriCorps members – past, present, and future. Their service will help to create a brighter tomorrow.”
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 view the list of current openings and to apply for member positions, candidates should visit bit.ly/americorpsopps. For more information, those interested may contact Dana Silicki at Dana.Silicki@ialr.org or (434) 766-6729.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, and leads the nation’s volunteering and service efforts. The Virginia Department of Social Services, through the Office on Volunteerism and Community Services, oversees the DRY program and provides support. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
The 2019-2020 AmeriCorps members gathered for a week of orientation at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research at the start of the program last September. They received training on relationship building, tutoring strategies and more.
AmeriCorps Members Help Serve Hundreds with Drives and Service Hours
Community service program helps address food and water needs and seniors’ mental well-being
In the past month, 24 AmeriCorps members have served hundreds of families, children and seniors across Danville, Pittsylvania County and South Boston during the COVID-19 public health crisis, and they continue to do so. This service-based group has provided a natural conduit for support of essential needs like food, water and mental wellness, as well as expanded manpower for the nonprofit and community partners who champion these resources.
“As the AmeriCorps pledge states, our members strive to ‘get things done,’ and we are so appreciative of their can-do attitude and enthusiasm, especially during these challenging times,’” said Dr. Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), which administers the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program across Southern Virginia. “These members usually serve at schools and other community sites that are currently closed; however, with careful planning and creativity, we have been delighted to offer new, meaningful and safe ways for them to continue to serve and positively impact our region.”
Five AmeriCorps members served for several days at God’s Storehouse packing food bags in support of the Malcom Huckabee Backpack Program that helps feed children when out of school. They continue to support God’s Storehouse with other initiatives, including the Urban Farm and at-home projects to help build the organization’s food capacity now that both food donations and needs have risen.
Ten members have also volunteered on a continual, regular basis with Pittsylvania County Schools to help pack and deliver lunches to families who come to the schools for weekly pick-ups. They have partnered with the Chatham Rotary and other local groups to organize more than 200 lunches at each middle school every week.
Bertina Wilson, an AmeriCorps member who normally serves at Bonner Middle School, organized a water drive and delivered hundreds of bottles of water to Danville communities in need. Paige Warren, who normally serves with the Danville Church-Based Tutorial Program, coordinated food packs for children and the elderly in the Seeland Crossing community in Danville.
Eight AmeriCorps members packed 75 “Stimulus Care Packages” for seniors and delivered them to Chatham Health and Rehabilitation Center and to Sentara Woodview in South Boston. To help stimulate the minds of seniors during this time of social distancing and restricted visits, bags were filled with the following items: playing cards, board games, puzzles or activity books, “thinking of you” greeting cards with stamped envelopes, art supplies and adult coloring books.
Dan River Year AmeriCorps member Trina Holiness-Morris writes friendly, encouraging messages to senior residents of Chatham Health and Rehabilitation Center and Sentara Woodview in South Boston. The notes were included in Senior Stimulus Care Packages along with playing cards, board games, activity books, art supplies and more to keep them engaged and occupied during this time of restricted visits.
IALR’s Dan River Year AmeriCorps program is designed to address literacy challenges and engage youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Members usually serve as mentors, coaches and tutors for students during the school year and during summer educational or enrichment programs. They receive a stipend and Segal Education Award for their service. AmeriCorps leads the nation’s volunteering and service efforts and is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.
