As the end-of-year holidays approach, students may be searching for ways to give back to the community. One place that can provide that opportunity is the Service Leadership and Community Engagement office and the AmeriCorps programs it offers. 
Jenny Reese, coordinator for University of Wyoming’s Connecting Campus and Community program, advises students on volunteer opportunities from the SLCE office in the Union building basement.
Reese coordinates two main AmeriCorps programs: Campus Corps and Scholarships for Service.
Campus Corps partners UW students with any of 25 different community partners in Southeast Wyoming, which include Cathedral Home for Children, United Way of Albany County and Interfaith Good Samaritan. Students complete either 300 or 450 hours of service in exchange for a small living allowance and an education award of at least $1,132. The education award can go toward paying for tuition, books or student loan repayment.
Scholarships for Service are awarded to students whose academic major requires an unpaid internship or practicum hours. Examples include the clinical hours required in the nursing program or student teaching hours required for an education degree. Students receive an education award upon completion of the program.
“The most beneficial part is being able to partake in a service program with really meaningful experiences,” Reese said. “It’s not just five hours of service and then you never return. As an AmeriCorps member, you are included in the organization experience, like building a program and long-term goals.”
Brad Kovach, a UW junior studying computer science, joined the Campus Corps program and currently serves the nonprofit United Way of Albany County. His responsibilities include organizing operations and some fundraising for United Way, which in turn funds 13 organizations in Laramie. Kovach said he joined because “it’s a great opportunity to earn money while doing something that helps the community.”
As an AmeriCorps member since September 2011, he said his time at the United Way has been valuable.
“I’ve learned that the people of Laramie are incredibly generous people. I’ve made a lot of connections so far, which may be helpful when I go to find a job. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Kovach said.
Paul Heimer, a United Way coordinator that works closely with AmeriCorps members, said he was appreciative of Kovach and the AmeriCorps program.
“The (AmeriCorps) kids really do a good job. They differ a lot from one-time volunteers because you get to know them for 450 hours. They can work on more long-term projects,” Heimer said.
AmeriCorps programs are funded with federal dollars and administered through the Corporation for National & Community Service. Heimer said AmeriCorps members fulfill an important function in the community—one that may not be around forever with federal budget cuts.
“You gotta vote for people who support AmeriCorps in Congress for it to continue. Without congressional support, it may not be around,” Heimer said.
