AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, has awarded Hindman Settlement School a three-year grant of $892,605 annually. Funding from the agency will be used to continue implementing and growing ReadingCorps, a literacy intervention program targeted at K-3 students who face barriers to grade-level reading as a result of one or more dyslexia indicators.
More than 40 individuals will provide research-based one-on-one and small group instruction to more than 800 children at 20 public elementary schools across Bell, Knott, Leslie, and Perry Counties and through after- and summer-school settings each year.
“Research has shown that reading on grade-level by the end of third grade is a strong indicator of success in both school and life,” said the Settlement’s Senior Director of Program Development Josh Mullins. “This continued investment by AmeriCorps in our work will change lives not only for the children and families who participate in our Reading Labs, but also for the individuals gaining invaluable career experience and other benefits through their service as ReadingCorps members.”
In addition to a living allowance and health benefits, each ReadingCorps member, after successfully completing a full-service term, will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from the National Service Trust of approximately $6,500 toward tuition at eligible schools or student loan repayment. This equates to more than $800,000 over the three-year period to support the educational pursuits of individuals in our community.
“AmeriCorps grants through the State and National program focus our agency’s priorities on the needs of local communities,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “These grants increase AmeriCorps’ impact where it’s needed most, integrating funding with programs guided by evidence-based solutions to support underserved communities across the country.”
Learn more about AmeriCorps State and National programs at AmeriCorps.Gov/ASN.
Learn more about Hindman’s ReadingCorps program at Hindman.org/ReadingCorps.
