AmeriCorps is the national service program that provides thousands of Americans of all ages and backgrounds with education awards in exchange for one year or two of community service. AmeriCorps members help meet the nation’s critical needs in the areas of public safety, education, human needs, and the environment.

In our area, the AmeriCorps Kids First Initiative has up to 30 members who work directly with children and families. They develop and provide programs for at risk youth, aid children and young adults in school, and encourage people to become more active in their communities. Members focus on providing a variety of services and assistance, such as: mentoring, tutoring, emergency (short-term) assistance, domestic violence shelter support, after-school program and youth center activities, pre-K and Head Start child development, and literacy work.  Agencies are located throughout Steuben County, NY (Corning, Bath, Addison, Hornell), as well as Chemung, Allegany, Yates and Schuyler counties. Reliable personal transportation is recommended.

Once accepted as an AmeriCorps member the commitment is a minimum of 1,700 hours of service, which usually is completed in 12 months. You'll learn teamwork, communication, responsibility, and other essential skills that will help you for the rest of your life. And you'll gain the personal satisfaction of taking on a challenge and seeing results.