Five students from Indiana University East will be able to participate in the Indiana Campus Compact (ICC) Service Engagement AmeriCorps program during the upcoming 2011-2012 year. The program engages 150 Indiana college student volunteers in AmeriCorps service each year.

According to ICC, the students in the program will provide direct service and support to the host site institution, local community agencies and programs — making a difference in their communities. Additionally, students become a part of the AmeriCorps national service network of improving lives and strengthening communities and gain valuable civic and workforce skills.

All five students will receive $1,132 in an Education Award for completion of 300 service hours through the program. Students will be provided a workspace in the Campus Library, located in Hayes Hall.

Patty Crawford, experiential learning coordinator, is the IU East host site supervisor for the grant.  She will attend the supervisor’s orientation workshop for the grant on August 5 held at the ICC offices in Indianapolis.

“Service Engagement opportunities are key ingredients for IU East students to develop a holistic college experience. The AmeriCorps program for Service Engagement is the perfect empowering tool to provide our students a structured scholarship program,” Crawford said.

Crawford said the AmeriCorps program is a great program that allows IU East students to be more engaged in the community and to also receive scholarship dollars for their commitment to service.

“It also allows our students to create their own service initiatives in the community relating to their interests. This will only enhance their in-class learning and professional development as they progress through the academic year,” Crawford said. “There are endless opportunities for these students to not only develop academically and professionally, but to continue to see the impact one has on their community and to give back.”

IU East students who wish to apply to be a member of the Indiana Campus Compact (ICC) AmeriCorps may send a letter of intent and resume to Patty Crawford, experiential learning coordinator, at pajames@iue.edu. Crawford may be contacted by phone at (765) 973-8625.