Each year, 8,000 Tulane students participate in service-learning classes, volunteer projects, and internships throughout the greater New Orleans region. Through these community engagement and experiential learning opportunities, many students become engaged in service projects with non-profit organizations. Increasingly, students want to continue and deepen their involvement in public service beyond their college experiences. In partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Aspen Institute’s Franklin Project, the Tulane AmeriCorps Fellows Program will enable our students to pursue a post-graduate year of service in an area important to them and make a tangible impact on the New Orleans community.
A successful candidate:
- has initiative and can work independently
- is flexible
- can function in both a university and community atmosphere
- must be available to serve full-time for one year
The application process for the Tulane AmeriCorps Fellows program is two-fold. Tulane graduating seniors must:
- complete the online application
- provide 3 references (1 Faculty, 1 Community, 1 Professional) that can speak to your commitment to service
- submit resume that highlights service contributions
- write a 500 word personal statement that reflects on why you want to pursue a year of service in New Orleans
References, resumes and personal statements should all be submitted through the online application. Students can save their progress on the online application. Only Tulane undergraduates who graduated in December of 2013 or will graduate in May 2014 should apply through this process. The selection process will include an application review and interviews with the Tulane AmeriCorps Fellows Program selection committee and potential community partner site supervisor.
The Tulane AmeriCorps Fellows Program, which will begin this summer, will support eight fellows who will live on campus as they work full time with nonprofits in high-need neighborhoods throughout the city. The two-year pilot program includes free housing and a monthly stipend for living expenses. Upon completion, participants will earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to cover student loans or to further their education.
“Public service is central to our mission here at Tulane. Each year our students collectively devote more than 530,000 hours to community service as part of their educational experience,” said Tulane University President Scott Cowen. “The Tulane AmeriCorps Fellows Program was envisioned as a way to help students who have developed a passion for public service extend their commitments to the community in areas where they can make a meaningful impact. I couldn’t be more pleased to expand our partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service to answer the Franklin Project’s call to create innovative programs that support the next generation of engaged citizens.”
Full article here.