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Dan River Year AmeriCorps Recruiting 31 Members Thanks to AmeriCorps Continuation Grant

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Dan River Year AmeriCorps Recruiting 31 Members Thanks to AmeriCorps Continuation Grant

Dan River Year AmeriCorps Recruiting 31 Members Thanks to AmeriCorps Continuation Grant

The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program is recruiting 31 part-time STEM and Literacy Tutors and Coaches for the 2024-2025 academic year who can build and introduce curriculum and activities for students. These AmeriCorps members will support upper elementary and middle school student gains in literacy, math and social-emotional learning by providing direct service in Pittsylvania County, Danville City and Martinsville City at local elementary and afterschool partner sites.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) administers the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with Serve Virginia and our local educational organizations for our 10th year of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program to meet the needs of our local youth.” – Dana Silicki, Director, STEM, Service and Lifelong Learning, IALR

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 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities. Members work with 4th- and 5th-grade students individually and/or small groups at school sites as well as upper elementary/middle school students at informal learning locations. They focus on building and introducing curriculum and activities for students, helping prepare them for middle school by improving their literacy, math, STEM and/or social-emotional 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 provide support with hands-on activities to generate interest in STEM and deepen STEM knowledge.

Service dates are September 2024-August 2025 and range from five to 30 hours weekly. Stipends range from $4,200 (300 hours) to $13,500 (900 hours). Segal Education Awards for successful service completers range from $1,565 (300 hours) to $3,697 (900 hours). 

This Dan River Year AmeriCorps program is ideal for recent high school graduates or college students seeking a gap year, those entering the education field, career switchers and retirees.

Those who are interested in this meaningful service opportunity can apply in the following ways:

Apply Online

Submit a Resume via Email 

Call with Questions 

IALR is also hosting open interview days for both the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program and the REACH AmeriCorps program every Thursday until July 10. 

IALR was awarded a $231,275 grant from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, to fund this impactful program for its 10th year. AmeriCorps is the largest funder of national service in the country, matching organizations with individuals to address pressing challenges impacting communities.

This funding is part of a record-breaking AmeriCorps grant cycle that Serve Virginia recently announced, which will support 22 organizations across the Commonwealth in meeting the pressing needs in communities in the coming year, for a total investment of $6.7 million.

“Through its unique public-private partnership, AmeriCorps offers a critical mechanism for leveraging federal funding to meet community needs, benefiting communities across Virginia,” said Serve Virginia Director Kathy J. Spangler. As Virginia’s state service commission, Serve Virginia coordinates the annual grant cycle that awards funding.

The Dan River Year program mobilizes AmeriCorps members in a community-supported environment to build capacity in the region, strengthen community involvement and address pressing needs. AmeriCorps members focus on building the region’s STEM and literacy capacity. IALR also administers the public-health-oriented REACH AmeriCorps program, which recently received its own continuation grant from AmeriCorps. 

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 annually engages more than 65,000 Americans in intensive service. 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 aged 55+ when they begin service may gift their Segal Education Award to immediate family members.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) 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, and the cities of Martinsville and Danville. IALR administers the Dan River Year AmeriCorps and REACH Public Health AmeriCorps programs.

Serve Virginia aspires to build a culture of service and volunteerism in all corners of the Commonwealth by inspiring individuals and organizations to engage, connecting them with the resources they need to make a difference and celebrating the tremendous impacts we make together. Learn more at ServeVirginia.org.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, 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.

Spots Available in Three July Summer STEM Camps

Spots Available in Three July Summer STEM Camps

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is excited to announce the final three camps of its Summer STEM Camp series. These engaging, hands-on camps spark interest in science, technology, engineering and math among students in grades 3-8.

The camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and cost $160 per student.

STEM in Space/Around the World

  • Embark on an educational journey through space science and global cultures. This camp features hands-on activities that cover topics from astronomy to geography, encouraging curiosity and a global perspective.
  • July 8-12, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Registration Deadline: July 3, 11:30 p.m.

Register Online

STEM Studios/Young Authors Unite

  • This unique camp combines creative arts and STEM, allowing students to explore music production, video editing and book writing. Participants will create their own digital content, blending creativity with technical skills.
  • July 15-19, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Registration Deadline: July 8, 11:30 p.m.

Register Online

AI Adventures – Intro to Machine Learning/CodeQuest

  • Dive into the world of artificial intelligence and coding. This camp introduces students to machine learning concepts and coding through interactive projects and challenges, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • July 22-26, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Registration Deadline: July 15, 11:30 p.m.

Register Online

“Our summer camps provide applied and experiential learning opportunities that help prevent learning loss over the summer and keep students engaged and inspired.” – Dana Silicki, Director, Lifelong & Service Learning Programs, IALR

Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators/STEM: From an Artist's View 6/17-6/21

IALR accepts various payment methods, including credit card and check. Lunch, snacks and all supplies are included in the cost.

For more information on scholarships and to apply, please check out the STEM Camps webpage.

Summer STEM Camp Details 

AET Prepares Students for Any Career

AET Prepares Students for Any Career

Over its 10-year existence, more than 200 students have graduated from the Academy for Engineering and Technology – an engineering-focused, dual-enrollment program housed at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

“The Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET) is designed to introduce students to engineering as a possible career path,” says John Hatchett, Engineering Instructor for the program.

Driven by partnerships, the program prepares high school juniors and seniors for engineering careers and provides foundational skills – such as effective problem-solving, collaboration and creativity – that benefit students regardless of their career path.

“This program shows students what an engineering career is like and provides some related technical skills. But even more than generating future engineers, AET is here to provide transferable college credits and sought-after soft skills that will position students for success in any career in any industry.” – Dr. Julie Brown, IALR Vice President, Advanced Learning

A Unique Model 

The AET program is a two-year program available for high school juniors and seniors in Danville Public Schools and Pittsylvania County Schools. Students who apply and are accepted spend the first half of their school day at IALR taking math, English and engineering courses before returning to their base school for the afternoon.

During those two years, students earn 32 dual-enrollment credits from Danville Community College. Approximately 50 students (25 juniors and 25 seniors) participate in the program each year.

“We are proud to collaborate with Danville Public Schools, Pittsylvania County Schools and Danville Community College to offer this unique program that serves as a launching pad for students pursuing STEM careers. It’s our strong partnerships and collaborations that drive our impact with this program and in everything we do.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

The two-year engineering curriculum consists of courses that focus on theory and design. Students also participate in experiential learning activities, such as the Next generation Of Work (NOW) teamship program where student teams, with support from a coach, work to solve a problem that an area business is facing.

The AET program is part of IALR’s commitment to expanding the region’s STEM capacity through formal and informal education opportunities.

From AET to NASA

Shelita Hall, a 2016 graduate of George Washington High School, was part of the first cohort of students to participate in the Academy for Engineering and Technology at IALR.

That experience prepared her for everything that came next.

“AET set the foundation for where I am today,” she said.

Hall initially wanted to study chemical engineering with a particular focus on cosmetic engineering, but she ended up at Norfolk State University with a major in Chemistry focusing on materials engineering. While completing her bachelor’s degree, Hall found that she was more prepared for the rigors of college and challenging STEM courses due to the lessons she learned in AET.

“One of the biggest skills I took away from AET was not to be afraid to ask questions,” Hall said. “I really learned how to ask questions, to work with my peers, to study.”

What started as an internship with NASA has led to a career working with the Space Radiation team. Today, Hall is a Ph.D. student at Norfolk State University and an Engineering Trainee at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

Shelita Hall graduated from the AET program in 2016 and now works at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

“I would not be working for astronauts if it wasn’t for AET. AET laid the foundation for the next steps in my academic journey and career.” – Shelita Hall, 2016 AET Graduate, NASA Engineering Trainee

Transferable Skills for Any Career

While graduates have completed prestigious college programs and have gone on to do important engineering and STEM-focused work for organizations like NASA, not every student becomes an engineer.

And that’s part of the goal. College-level engineering programs experience extremely high attrition rates, but this program allows students to experience engineering before investing time and money into a college program.

Some students enter AET thinking that they want to be engineers but then realize during those two years that engineering is not for them. For others, it may be the inverse: they go through the program exclusively for the dual-enrollment credits but then realize that engineering is a career they want to pursue.

For others who enter without a clear direction, AET helps them discover their passion.

“My number one goal is to be an advisor. I want my students to figure out what’s best for them. When my students decide that engineering or STEM isn’t right for them, that’s still a success story for me and for the program. We helped them find the program and pathway that’s right for them.” – John Hatchett, AET Engineering Instructor

Every student who participates in the program learns critical, transferable skills through classroom and experiential learning. Some of those skills include communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving. One of IALR’s goals is to connect students to careers, and teaching in-demand skills that transfer across industries is a great way to do that.

“The AET program is making a real impact on students, helping them discover their career passions and goals and equipping them with the skills to succeed.” – Dana Silicki, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR

Parents in Danville Public Schools or Pittsylvania County Schools who are interested in the AET program for their students should speak to their school counselor and contact Dana Silicki, Advanced Learning Program Manager.

A Win-Win: Students Tackling Real-World Business Problems

A Win-Win: Students Tackling Real-World Business Problems

Alan Pearce, the CEO of Danville-based metal additive manufacturing company FasTech, wanted fresh perspectives on improving the company’s standing as a great place to work.

Who did he turn to for those insights?

A bunch of high school juniors from the Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET).

Through the Next generation Of Work (NOW) teamship program, three teams of high school juniors collaborated with coaches and Pearce to get to the root of the issue and identify possible solutions. As part of the 2024 cohort of the NOW teamship program, 17 students worked with two organizations—FasTech and the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP).

Pearce was amazed by the professionalism, data and knowledge these students shared. His company is trying to recruit two of them to work as interns over the summer, allowing them to execute some of their ideas.

Alan Pearce, CEO of FasTech LLC, listens to a presentation from high school juniors from the Academy for Engineering and Technology as part of the Next generation Of Work (NOW) teamship program.

“When they made their presentation, my biggest regret was that I didn’t bring my management team with me. It was a great professional presentation with some strong data.” – Alan Pearce, CEO, FasTech LLC

This is the fourth year AET students have participated in the teamship model, which is spreading across other Southern Virginia localities. IALR also supported a teamship program for college students in the Hampton Roads region.

“This is an excellent thing to connect schools and business, for both sides,” Pearce said. “The businesses get to start younger, and maybe we can help steer these students.”

Solving Real Business Problems

The teamship model is straightforward: a business presents an open-ended problem to a group of students who, with guidance from a coach, work together to provide solutions.

Past problems have focused on issues such as new product adoption, staffing difficulties and environmental regulations.

“The NOW teamship program provides our AET students with a memorable, impactful work-based learning experience. They learn critical thinking and collaboration skills while providing valuable insights to a business.” – Dana Silicki, IALR, Advanced Learning Program Manager

The primary objective of the teamship experience is to provide the student participants with two essential skills: effective collaboration and problem-solving. Through interview sessions with the businesses, research and data analysis, students figure out the problem and its full context—a critical step in offering potential solutions.

District C, a North Carolina-based nonprofit, developed this framework and is spreading the model throughout the United States.

The model, which was designed to provide value to businesses and benefit the student participants, is part of IALR’s work-based learning system that connects students to careers. With just a five-hour time commitment, companies can gain fresh perspectives on complex problems at no cost, all while helping develop future talent. Students learn to utilize four critical career mindsets—analytical, design, collective and self-aware—not just to solve the problem but to understand it in full. 

Gavin Shields (middle), a junior in the AET program who participated in the teamship program, learned the importance of collaborating with people who have different ideas.

The framework can be customized. For instance, the AET students typically complete the experience in about a month while other organizations may facilitate a more intensive process in just a week.

Connecting Students to Internships

The other organization that offered a problem for AET students to solve was the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership, which aims to improve the internship readiness of Virginia students, institutions and employers. (IALR leads the V-TOP innovative internship effort in GO Virginia Region 3, serving 15 localities across Southern Virginia.)

The main question these students tackled was: How can V-TOP increase student engagement and awareness? V-TOP needs secondary and postsecondary students to place in internships.

Two student teams took two approaches. One focused on improving digital marketing, while the other looked at grassroots efforts. Their recommendations were simple and actionable.

  • Revamp digital marketing strategy to target students directly with engaging content and highlight the benefits of internships.
  • Implement a strong in-person marketing presence at colleges and universities and have the recruited students source the employers.
  • Streamline the internship placement process for both students and businesses.

“I was very impressed with the level of detail they went into, trying to make sure they knew exactly what the problem was and understanding what we are already doing. I thought their insights were very, very valuable.” – Kiana Dillard, IALR Work-Based Learning Coordinator, V-TOP Region 3 Program Coordinator

Kiana Dillard (right), Work-Based Learning Coordinator and V-TOP Region 3 Program Coordinator, discusses the next steps offered by a group of high school juniors through the NOW teamship program.

Gavin Shields, a junior in the AET program who focused on the digital marketing side, learned the importance of collaborating with people who have different ideas.

“We got to solve a real-world business problem, and it felt cool because we were doing something that meant something in school. And we found the root of the problem like we were supposed to. We contributed a lot of new knowledge and ideas.” – Gavin Shields, AET Junior

Dillard will soon join three other IALR staffers – Advanced Learning Program Managers Jessie Vernon and Dana Silicki and John Hatchett, AET Coordinator who is employed by Danville Community College – as a certified coach with District C.,

“I’m seeing this model from all ends,” Dillard said. “It’s just great, and I look forward to coaching students through this process in the future.”

Taking the Experience to College

IALR and AET were the first Virginia-adopters and piloted the District C teamship program with students from AET, which has led to the model spreading across Southern Virginia. Chatham High School Teacher Tara Stafford has run cohorts in the past two years, focusing on problems from the Danville Otterbots and The Bee and Holbrook Hotels.

Teachers from Halifax and Brunswick have been certified, with Lunenburg planning to implement teamship soon.

On the eastern side of the state, Michelle Simmons, V-TOP Project Manager for Region 5 covering the Hampton Roads area, worked directly with District C to get certified as a teamship coach. Simmons and the Teamship Committee decided to implement a week-long intensive experience for college students with both a virtual and in-person option.

“VTOP regional leadership wanted to provide a unique, internship opportunity to students in the region. We hope that sharing our experience with implementing this program will encourage school districts, institutions, and employers to adopt Teamship in their respective spaces.” – Michelle Simmons, V-TOP Region 5 Project Manager

Simmons wanted someone experienced in facilitating teamship programs to provide support, which led her to IALR Advanced Learning Program Manager Jessie Vernon, who led the virtual option for seven students.

“I was so excited when Michelle said they were implementing the teamship model this summer! One of the beautiful things about teamship is its versatility. We utilize the model as a part of the AET junior seminar class over a one-month period. The Hampton Roads program was a one-week intensive, completely outside a class. We haven’t run a virtual teamship program since 2020; the Hampton Roads program had both an in-person and virtual option. As secondary and postsecondary schools try to connect more students with high quality work-based learning experiences, teamship is a great option.” – Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR

A rising junior at Norfolk State University with a major in Business Marketing and a minor in Mass Communications, McKensi Rice was one of the virtual participants in the teamship opportunity.

“When I saw that we would be working with a real company, this is the experience I need for my future career. And it fit well with my schedule.” – McKensi Rice, Norfolk State University 

Rice and the other students worked with the 757 Collab, an innovation network serving the greater Hampton Roads area, on discovering key metrics to measure success and ways to incentivize innovation and improve the company’s culture.

“This experience was eye-opening and very positive,” Rice said. “It was only five days, but I learned a lot about myself and how to work with others.”

IALR is looking for businesses as well as educators that would be interested in participating in the NOW teamship program. Those who are interested should contact Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager at IALR.

IALR Employees Earn Promotions

IALR Employees Earn Promotions

Congratulations to (L to R) Jessica Beebe, Dana Silicki,
Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa, Jessie Vernon and Dana Wilson,
who each earned promotions over the past three months.

Several IALR employees received promotions over the past few months. Dana Silicki and Jessie Vernon were each promoted to Advanced Learning Program Manager, effective Oct. 1, 2021. Silicki joined IALR in 2010 and oversees STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) educational programming for youth and educators. She has over 18 years of experience in education and extension as a previous teacher, 4-H agent, and program coordinator. Vernon joined IALR in 2012 and in her role, she serves as program manager for the ExperienceWorks framework, which includes oversight for the Career ChoICE Expo, AspHIRE and Next generation Of Work (NOW) programs. Additionally, she serves as the Southside Tobacco Commission Region Coordinator and the Danville Hub Manager for CodeVA. Vernon has over 11 years of experience in formal and informal education, having taught at the middle and high school levels, prior to joining IALR.

Dana Wilson was promoted to Advanced Learning Program Coordinator II, effective Oct. 1, 2021. Wilson has served as the Work-based Learning Program Coordinator with IALR since July 2020. In this position, her efforts connect students with local employers who offer work-based learning opportunities, such as internships.

Jessica Beebe was promoted to Advanced Learning Program Coordinator II, effective Oct. 1, 2021. Beebe joined IALR in 2015 and currently works with the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning program as well as several others including Dan River Year AmeriCorps.

Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa was promoted to Applied Research Scientist II, effective Nov. 1, 2021. Dr. Amaradasa joined IALR in 2018 as a plant pathologist. His research is focused on investigating beneficial plant bacterial endophytes to control economically important diseases of crops. His work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals.