Mississippi State University Launches AmeriCorps Tutoring Program to Strengthen Student Success and Teacher Pipelines
The MSU AmeriCorps Tutoring Program is a collaborative initiative designed to expand academic support for MSU students while building pathways into education careers. Operating through the MSU COE in partnership with Volunteer Mississippi, the state commission of AmeriCorps, the program places AmeriCorps Volunteers into tutoring and academic support roles for MSU students.
The initiative addresses two challenges: providing high-quality academic support for MSU students and offering Volunteers workforce pathways into education careers. By providing supervised service activities, the program strengthens rural and underserved communities in Mississippi through its investment in the next generation of educators.
Volunteers obtain professional tutor certification through structured training
For the individuals stepping up to serve as AmeriCorps Volunteers, the program functions as a professional development platform. Participants obtain nationally recognized tutor certification, which enhances their knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
The program provides training to help enhance Volunteers’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions, ensuring that every volunteer maximizes their potential benefit to the communities they serve. This structured preparation positions them for professional success after their service.
Participants receive tangible compensation and benefits:
- A living allowance divided evenly into direct deposit payments every two weeks.
- A Segal Education Award that can be used to pay for education expenses.
- Nationally recognized tutor certification and resume-building professional experience.
- Leadership development and a pathway to careers in education.
Mississippi State Commission funds volunteer living allowances
The MSU-ATP is funded by the Mississippi State Commission of AmeriCorps, Volunteer Mississippi. Grant money is channeled through the entity to assist Volunteers with daily living costs during their community service tenure.
Although participants receive disbursements every two weeks, AmeriCorps Volunteers or Members hold the title of volunteer because the initiative operates as a national service program centered entirely on community enhancement projects. This living allowance is the pay.
The MSU-ATP is an initiative of MSU COE in partnership with Volunteer Mississippi, the state commission of AmeriCorps.
Common Questions Regarding the MSU AmeriCorps Tutoring Program
How is the term AmeriCorps pronounced?
The word is pronounced Ameri-Core – the p and s are silent.
How does the living allowance payout work for members?
AmeriCorps members earn a living allowance that is spread out biweekly over the year of service. This does not translate directly into an hourly wage.
Why are program participants designated as volunteers if they receive financial compensation?
Participants receive this designation because the program functions nationally as a service initiative dedicated entirely to bettering local communities. Grant funds are awarded to the organization and subsequently distributed to Volunteers to cover their living expenses while performing community service. This living allowance is the pay.
What is the purpose of the extensive training required for members?
The program provides training to help enhance Volunteers’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions. The training positions Volunteers to maximize their potential benefit to the communities they serve and positions them for professional success after their service.
