MECC AmeriCorps
MECC is currently recruiting members for the 2012-2013 grant year NOW!
The Mountain Empire Community College AmeriCorps Program* is a State/National AmeriCorps program. MECC AmeriCorps has the literacy tutoring of children in grades Pre-K through 6 as its primary focus. Members serve as tutors in public schools in the counties of Wise and Lee, and the City of Norton. During the summers, placements are also made in local non-profit daycare and preschool centers. MECC AmeriCorps was established in 1999.
The 2012-2013 MECC AmeriCorps service program runs from Sept. 1, 2012 through August 31, 2013. Applications are being accepted now for the 2012-2013 program year. You can either download an application form from this website or pick one up on campus at the MECC AmeriCorps Office in G248.
During the 2012 - 2013 grant year, twenty-six members are selected from MECC students. Students from all fields of study are encouraged to apply. This program does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, disability, or religion. Individuals with disabilities can make requests for reasonable accommodations prior to the start date of service by calling Dale Lee at 276-523-2400 x343. Virginia Relay users dial 711. Members receive training in tutoring, leadership, active citizenship, career planning, teamwork, diversity, disaster services, First Aid and CPR/AED and environmental issues. They are role-models for and promoters of volunteerism and community service. MECC AmeriCorps is a program sponsored by the Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Service (VOVCS) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
Community service projects of various kinds are worked on by MECC AmeriCorps members each year. We collaborate on joint projects with local volunteer agencies. Among these projects are the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library Project in Lee County and partnering various non-profit groups promoting volunteerism, food drives and book drives / book swaps at the schools. Members have also participated in environmental projects, an animal shelter and care project, volunteered with the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, helped with Project Energy Save with MEOC, Inc. and AARP, helped with the Discovery the World of Children training event, sponsored a Tsunami Relief Fundraising Drive, helped with recovery and relief efforts after a tornado struck Big Stone Gap, and served as volunteers for the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Expedition.