AmeriCorps wants you to join their army.
Joining AmeriCorps means fighting poverty, said Michael Figueroa, who oversees the Cesar E. Chavez Service Learning Club, which is one of seven programs under AmeriCorps.
“AmeriCorps is a federally funded antipoverty program,” Figueroa said during AmeriCorps’ April 9 BC Fireside Room presentation of its various programs. “It’s the domestic version of the Peace Corps.”
AmeriCorps wants Bakersfield College and other Kern County residents to get involved with AmeriCorps. Individuals with high interests in health and education are encouraged to examine not only the Chavez Service Learning Club but also the Volunteer Center of Kern County and the Academic Center of Excellence as well as KernCorps AmeriCorps. Through AmeriCorps, interested people can also gain experience through Clinica Sierra Vista, First Five Kern and national Health Services, Inc. Through these avenues, people can tutor children, refurbish parks, help seniors and homeless and train volunteers.
“It all depends upon the interests of the students,” said Jeff Coomber, AmeriCorps program manager. “We can direct anyone into the right area. We can help with college expenses, but moreover, AmeriCorps is about service to the community and helping others.”
Coomber said the process for applying entails drawing up a written application and submitting to an interview.
According to Figueroa, the Cesar E. Chavez Service Learning Club is a one-year commitment from Aug. 11, 2008 to Aug. 11, 2009. Applications for this program are due June 20, 2008. Recruits tutoring children will work in conjunction with two Kern County middle schools and will be paid $398.16 biweekly and given a living allowance and education award. Preferred applicants, said Figueroa, have Spanish language skills.
The Volunteer Center of Kern County needs applicants to help nonprofit organizations and public agencies meet their program goals. Applicants must have high writing and oral skills and must be computer literate, according to Brenda Ratliff, who oversees this program. The starting date is mid-August 2008 with the application deadline being the end of June 2008.
Working with the Academic Center of Excellence requires a recruit to have a preference for Christian surroundings because the center works in conjunction with Compassion Christian Center as well as schools. The recruit must also have some college experience, according to Amy Green. The program offers a $398.16 biweekly salary and a $4,725 education award.
Clinica Sierra Vista, said leading director Ana Velasquez, helps uninsured families and individuals in Kern County. Applicants in this program help people choose health-care plans and complete Medical and Healthy Families applications. Applicants must be bilingual, have a valid California driver’s license as well as a high school diploma or GED. Applicants work 40 hours a week and can look forward to a $4,725 education award.
Interested individuals can apply for the KernCorps AmeriCorps Tutor/Mentor program in which applicants will work with children during and after regular school hours on reading and math skills. The recruit must have recording keeping abilities as well as competency in math and reading. The applicant must be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and work 40 hours a week, according to program overseer Jeff Coomber. The applicant receives $1,100 as a monthly living allowance and a $4,725 education award.
First Five targets literacy-improving activities in early childhood. Recruits will engage parents in literacy-honing activities with their children. Applicants must submit to a background check, according to Margarita Holman. This program includes childcare, medical insurance and a $15,300 annual stipend.
According to Mandip Johal, National Health Services, Inc. provides childcare benefits, health insurance, a bimonthly salary and an education award of $4,725. Applicants may work in the pharmacy, medical lab or accounting departments.
Many BC students who attended the April 9 presentation were enthusiastic about their prospects through AmeriCorps.
“These programs will teach me more about children,” said BC student Marcia Garcia, 20, sociology major.
“This will help me with grad school,” said John Scott, 48, BC student of computer studies who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from CSUB.
The Web site to visit for more information is www.kern.org/schcom.