9/30/2010 - Jackson, Miss.

The America Reads-Mississippi (ARM) AmeriCorps program has been refunded and approved to add The University of Mississippi as the sixth partnering university. ARM has started its 13th year of providing full-time reading tutoring to assist with improving the reading skills of Mississippi's children and strengthening communities through community service.

For the 2010-2011 program year, ARM is fully recruited with 350 AmeriCorps members and serves 82 school sites across the state. ARM was also recognized nationally as a model program for the state.. ARM is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and is jointly monitored and supported by the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service and its legal applicant, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. ARM members serve in partnering schools statewide as full-time tutors for students in grades 1-3.

ARM also coordinates statewide community service projects and works to help increase the number of certified teachers in Mississippi. Eighty percent of the Corps plans to attend college to become certified teachers. ARM provides regular training, professional development, and experience for members by serving in the school setting. After a successful service year, members are eligible to receive a $5,350 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pursue higher education. This award is earned after completing 1700 hours of service in one program year.

The University of Mississippi joins ARM's other university regional offices at Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi to implement and support member services and activities.

# # #

News Archive