SIUC participates in Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps, a component of AmeriCorps National Service program. This program is made possible through grants from the Illinois Governor's Initiative and the Corporation for National Service in Washington, D.C. AmeriCorps follows a long tradition of national service where dedicated, civic-minded Americans provide service to their country and communities. Members selected for the Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps program serve as tutors and mentors to middle school children to increase literacy and academic skills, increase school children's self-esteem, and promote a positive view of education. Participation in AmeriCorps allows members to develop public speaking and team work skills, promotes leadership development, opportunities to attend conferences, and plan, implement and evaluate group community service activities at different times of the year. Members who successfully complete their first year can choose to return in the program for a second year. Members selected to Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps, SIUC chapter for the 2006-07 academic year are shown below:

Front row, left-right: Brandi Darnell, Amanda Rabideau, Emily Hookam, Sean Goodin, Holly Tozer, Jordan Hammersley.

Back row, left-right: Travis Huffman, Dave Warner, (state Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps director), Phillip Watkins, Steve Caulkins, Amanda Shreffler, Ariel Shivers, Kyle Hauenstein.

2006-07 AmeriCorps Members Reflect on their Experience

"The AmeriCorps experience has been like no other and has helped me make the decision to become a teacher. One of the best things about being in the program is watching the children learn and grow. Even on the hard days you make a difference whether you know it or not. To make a difference in a child's life is to make a difference in their future!" Brandi Darnell

"Change is inevitable in all our lives. Due to AmeriCorps I have been able to experience so much that is positive and uplifting. I am happy in knowing that the positive changes through our tutoring and mentoring will help children fulfill their potential and aspirations. This will produce success in youth who thought that it was beyond their reach." Phillip Watkins

"I knew that participating in AmeriCorps would be a great way to get involved with the community. Working at the school makes me see so many possibilities. Not only do I tutor and mentor children, but in turn they have taught me many life lessons. Everyday with the children is rewarding and I now understand service-leadership. The people I have met through AmeriCorps will stay with me long after my term of service is completed." Sean Goodin

"AmeriCorps is about community. Being a member allows me to encourage the children I work with to reach for their potential and strive for their dreams and not necessarily for what they have been told is all that they will ever be." Emily Hookham

"What better way to lead and know that you will have followers. AmeriCorps has provided me with the wonderful experience of helping kids reach their full potential! You learn to be all and give all." Ariel Shivers

"I joined AmeriCorps to gain experience working with children since I want to be a teacher. I enjoy mentoring the children and having this opportunity to change a child's life for the better.Working with the children has changed me and the children I tutor have become an important part of my life." Travis Huffman

"If everyone in this world would take time to help those in need, the world would be a better place. Being in AmeriCorps helps me do just that. Even though my major is not education, I joined this program to make a difference in the lives of children. If I can help one child work toward his or her dream, then I have accomplished something!" Jordan Hammersley

"The experience I gain from AmeriCorps is something I will take and use for many more years. I enjoy working with the children and watching them learn everyday. To see them succeed means I have succeeded too." Amanda Shreffler

"AmeriCorps has given me the opportunity to experience diversity at many levels. Instead of staying in my comfort zone, I have worked with children of different ages and cultures and with their parents. Being a mentor has allowed me to be a positive influence on the children."
Kyle Hauenstein

"I joined AmeriCorps to make a difference in our future. The best way to affect change is to start with children. I have been privileged to work with children for two years and see them grow in life experience and learning. To be able to make a difference is one of the most rewarding things in life." Holly Tozer

"Upon becoming a part of the AmeriCorps team I was very excited about the prospect of being able to work with children with the hope of making a difference.  Once I started the program, I learned that while I serve as a tutor, there is so much need to mentor the children. Nothing can match the feeling you get when you walk into a room where twenty young people are thrilled to see you and excited about working on their ABC's.  I believe that I will be taking away just as much, or more from this experience than I will be able to give." Amanda Rabideau

"AmeriCorps has been an outstanding experience. Seeing the change that I have made in my students life day in and day out is extremely rewarding." Steve Caulkins