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America Reads Mississippi (ARM)

"America Reads-Mississippi is dedicated to improving the reading skills of students, encouraging public awareness and support of literacy, and helping to increase the number of certified teachers in Mississippi." - ARM Mission Statement

Program Description

America Reads-Mississippi began in 1998 with 200 AmeriCorps members, partnering with two Universities, Delta State University (DSU) and Mississippi State University (MSU), and included 18 school districts and 29 school sites. In 1999-2000, a third University partner was added, Alcorn State University (ASU), with 50 additional AmeriCorps members. In 2000-2001, a fourth partner was added, the Early Childhood Institute at MSU, with 20 additional AmeriCorps members. In 2002-2003, ARM’s 5 th program year, 270 AmeriCorps members served at 64 school sites across the state with four University Partners, ASU, DSU, ECI, and MSU.

For 2005-2006, the eighth program year, ARM is partnering with Alcorn State University,  Mississippi State University, and Jackson State University, and will have 270 full-time members serving at 52 schools across Mississippi.

America Reads-Mississippi addresses the AmeriCorps issue area of education. AmeriCorps teams at school sites tutor children full-time one-on-one and in small groups during the school day, before and after school, over school breaks, and in the summer. Additionally, members assist schools in promoting communication with parents, recruit community volunteers for tutoring in the schools, and implement literacy related community service activities and projects around four statewide national service days: Make a Difference Day in October, MLK Day in January, and Read Across America Day in March.  ARM members will also participate in National youth Service DAy in their local schools and communities.

Through tutoring and other service projects ARM endeavors to enrich the lives of elementary school students, parents, and community members. Additionally, ARM sponsors monthly member training at the university regional centers and statewide quarterly member team leader training in Jackson.

The AmeriCorps tutors utilize their education award to attend college and become certified teachers, helping to decrease Mississippi’s critical teacher shortage. Through ARM, the AmeriCorps members learn about themselves, their role in society, and their connection to their community.

For more information check out the America Reads Mississippi website: http://www.americareadsms.org

To speak with an America Reads Mississippi representative, please contact:
             Regional Coordinator, Carla Ross @ 662.846.4812
             Administrative Assistant, Lestine Rogers @ 662.846.4337 
             Program Associate, Helen Wade @ 662.846.4863

 

"Building and Empowering Relationships that Stengthen Communities"