Southeastern receives grant to fund student community service work

Press Release Date: 09-12-2011

DURANT -- Southeastern Oklahoma State University has received a grant to support 15 part-time AmeriCorps community service positions. The grant, from Oklahoma Campus Compact, Washington Campus Compact, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, will be used to support the recruitment of college students to volunteer in their communities -- helping to increase the capacity of local nonprofit agencies and schools, and meeting critical community-defined needs.

The AmeriCorps Students in Service program currently operates in 20 states across the country. Overall, 3,775 college students will participate in the program this year, and will contribute approximately 1.5 million hours of service to their local communities.

Through the Students in Service (SIS) program, college student volunteers in Oklahoma will be eligible to earn $1,175 upon successful completion of 300 hours of service. This year's program will engage 150 Students in Service members in tutoring, mentoring, coaching, providing services to disadvantaged youth, and hosting service projects related to the environment and human services.

Southeastern is one of nine campuses in Oklahoma that was awarded sub-grants from Oklahoma Campus Compact for the 2011-2012 year. Participating students on these campuses will contribute more than 45,000 hours of service to nonprofit organizations across the state. Collectively, they will receive more than $176,250 in education awards.

"Southeastern students are currently volunteering in our community schools, nursing homes, and food banks," said Carrie Williamson, Students in Service Program Coordinator at Southeastern. "Some Students in Service members volunteered their time to assist the (tornado) cleanup efforts in Tushka, Oklahoma. There are many opportunities to serve in our community and we are happy to be able to meet some of their needs. Volunteers are an important part of our community."

"I already enjoy serving my community and being part of this program encourages me to do more," said Southeastern student Kirsten Ashby. "The financial support of this program that I wouldn’t otherwise have access to is helping me achieve my future career goals."

"The Students in Service program brings valuable resources to currently enrolled students who are committed to serving their communities," said Gina Wekke, Executive Director of Oklahoma Campus Compact. "At a time when financial resources are tight, SIS rewards both students and their institutions for continuing their commitments to serve their communities."

For information about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Students in Service AmeriCorps Program, contact Williamson at 580-745-2200.