About Literacy Support Corps

Serving families, schools, and communities

About the program

Literacy Support Corps members work with school staff and parents in school-based Family Resource Centers. Families and members alike, reap the benefits of participation in dynamic learning activities. But there's more... by joining Literacy Support Corps, you become an AmeriCorps member. As an AmeriCorps member you are eligible for a variety of benefits.

Living Allowance and Benefits

You will receive a modest living allowance - up to $11,100 over the Program Year. Full-time members qualify for health insurance, and some may qualify for child care assistance.

Money for College

After you successfully complete your term of service you will qualify for an Educational Award up to $4,725. This can be used to pay for tuition at an institute of higher education, or pay back qualified student loans.

Help with Student Loans

Additionally, while you are an AmeriCorps member, you may be eligible for a forbearance on student loans you may currently possess. This includes the interest accrued on your loans during your period of service.

Training

Literacy Support Corps members receive training that proves valuable beyond their term of service. You will increase skills in many areas, including leadership, communication, collaboration, literacy, public relations, community building, and team building.

Literacy is more than reading. It includes speaking, listening, interacting, and understanding. Literacy is the process of making sense of the world around you.


Position Description


Literacy Support Corps members work in school and community settings to plan and facilitate literacy-based family learning activities. AmeriCorps members recruit volunteers from within the school population and surrounding community to partner with them in managing the Family Resource Center. Members and volunteers also plan and facilitate on-going programs for parents and students.

AmeriCorps member goals include:

• Develop school-family partnerships in educating children
• Build support networks and leadership amongst people of all ages and backgrounds
• Offer families information on topics ranging from child development to community resources
• Promote healthy, nurturing home environments that support children's educational success
• Help people connect to meaningful volunteer opportunities

Term of Service

Full time member: August 15 through June 30
Full time Team Leader: August 1 through July 31
Part time member: variable 6-10 months

• Applications are accepted May 1 until positions are filled
• Interviews begin May 15

Position Benefits

Full-Time members and Team Leaders 1700 hours of service, typically 40 hours per week

• A living stipend of $11,100
• Health insurance
• An Education Award in the amount of $4,725 upon completion of service
• Training on topics including parent involvement, literacy, volunteer management, and community building
• Child care (if eligibility requirements are met)
• School loan forbearance