PORT ANGELES –– The Port Angeles AmeriCorps program will get another year of funding, Gov. Jay Inslee’s office has announced.
Port Angeles AmeriCorps, which provides tutoring and mentoring through the Port Angeles School District, is expected to receive $217,932, funding 16 AmeriCorps positions for next fall.
During the school year, AmeriCorps members mentor and tutor students at each school in the school district.
The program also has partnerships with the Upward Bound program at Peninsula College and with the Crescent School District, said Michell Gentry, program director.
“One of the things that makes us unique is the relationship with the school district. Rather than being an outside agency, it’s the school district serving the school,” she said.
Each member works with between 12 and 15 students they meet with through the week.
AmeriCorps members attend classes, too, to make sure they are familiar with what is being taught.
“A lot of times, those are students having trouble with attendance or struggling in a specific subject,” Gentry said.
Among those in AmeriCorps who helped out this year is Kelly Whiteford of California.
Whiteford joined AmeriCorps during a gap year before she advances to grad school to pursue a doctorate in psychology.
Rewarding work
The work she did at Dry Creek Elementary School this past school year wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding, she said.
“I really love AmeriCorps because when you do volunteer work . . . it gives you such a sense of purpose that it doesn’t matter that you’re tired by the end of the day,” she said.
“It was really rewarding work because every day, I’d get all these kids running up to me, smiling and saying hello.”
Mary Jacobs, a local who got involved with the AmeriCorps program in Port Angeles, plans to return next year.
For her, it’s all about helping young people.
She said teachers have told her that if she weren’t there, some students would not have made the progress they have.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life by far,” Jacobs said. “It’s so important to be there to support the kids in their education.”
Now AmeriCorps is working with the summer school program at Jefferson Elementary School.
They are working with fourth- and fifth-graders, helping them brush up on their math and reading skills for the next school year.
Because the program was a success this year, Gentry expects it to expand next summer.
Recruiting now
With the grant expected to fund next year, Gentry is actively recruiting to fill the remaining 11 positions — and she only has three weeks to do so.
AmeriCorps workers receive an education at the end of their term, which averages about $5,600. They also receive a living stipend for the year.
Gentry said many join AmeriCorps either as a gap year between high school and college, or after college when they are still figuring exactly what they want to do.
For applications, go to the Port Angeles School District website at www.portangelesschools.org and click the jobs button under “Quick Links.”
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
