INA, Ill. – Rend Lake College AmeriCorps volunteers will continue making a difference in many local communities next year, thanks to the renewal of the program’s grant funding. The $445,000 grant through the Serve Illinois Commission helps train students and provides for educational awards for participants to use after their service.
RLC’s AmeriCorps program began in 1995 and includes 61 members across Southern Illinois who serve at 38 sites. This group of mostly college students serve in schools, environmental agencies and homeless shelters.
Megan Rounds, AmeriCorps Director, said the grant helps train and prepare students for their various service sites now. It also provides for educational awards to help members continue their education in the future.
“I am very excited that we can facilitate this amazing program,” said Rounds. “AmeriCorps has had such an impact in Southern Illinois and, with this renewal, we will continue to do so in 2019.”
According to a press release from the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, this year marks the largest investment into the AmeriCorps program in Illinois history, totaling $35.7 million for volunteers in 70 counties. Rounds said the positive effects of the grant are felt across RLC’s district and beyond.
“AmeriCorps is a great program that allows members to serve in their communities while gaining professional experience. AmeriCorps members serve in many different ways, some tutor and mentor kindergarten through eighth grade students, while others help transition those who are economically disadvantaged into affordable housing,” said Rounds. “The remaining members maintain and restore the trails and waterways of Southern Illinois and educate the community about environmental stewardship.”
RLC AmeriCorps supports education, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship for 14 counties in Southern Illinois, including Alexander, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Washington, Williamson, and Union.
The Serve Illinois Commission states that, since 1994, approximately 41,000 people have served 59 million hours in Illinois through AmeriCorps. Those hours equal more than $1.5 billion in community impact. AmeriCorps members have also earned $140.8 million in education awards.
RLC is currently seeking two new members for specific service locations this year. Applications for the 2019-2020 academic year will be available this fall. To learn more, contact Megan Rounds at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1351 or roundsm@rlc.edu.
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