director of the Office of Service-Learning, 308.865.8957
UNK- The United Way of the Kearney Area and the University of Nebraska at Kearney Office for Service-Learning are recipients of a $79,698, one-year grant to develop an AmeriCorps Project called the Rural Corps of Engaged Citizens in South Central Nebraska.
Students and community members are now being recruited to fill 19 AmeriCorps positions which will include working with community research, disaster preparedness, after school programs, seniors/retirees, environmental issues and campus efforts in service–learning, according to Geraldine Stirtz, director of the UNK Office for Student-Learning.
The grant, which is effective beginning this month, is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission.
“Most positions offer a living stipend and all carry an educational award after their service commitment,” Stirtz said. “The amount of the award is based on the hours of service in their term.
“Interested individuals can apply now online at Ruralcorps.org,” she added, noting that additional information is available on the Web site.
Earlier this year, the UNK Office for Service-Learning was recognized nationally by being selected for inclusion in Beyond the Books’ inaugural “Guide to Service-Learning Colleges and Universities.” UNK was selected by a national advisory committee of service-learning coordinators and scholars, chief academic administrators and higher education leaders.
“The guide is a tool for students, parents, counselor and community-based organizations to learn about the importance of service linked with academics to enhance student’s learning experiences,” Stirtz said.
