Nicholas County adds AmeriCorps literacy tutors program

Pictured are Kacie Tincher, Samie Payne, Danielle Dunn, Miranda Bretz, Cassidy Wells and Cody Moon; front row, Paula Hunter.

Thanks to a grant that FRYSC director Paula Hunter applied for and won, six Nicholas County High school students are earning money for college while helping other “at risk” students improve their reading skills.

The FRYSC Corps Youth Corp/Americore program requires students to work 300 hours at the elementary school level mentoring a student and working with the classroom as a whole. It’s a win - win for both the student mentors and the students in the classrooms they are helping in.

The students had to apply for the positions, just as if they were applying fo ra job. FRYSC Director Paula Hunter shared, “it’s the first year we’ve done this program with Americore and it’s a great way to train our students for applying for a job after High School. they had to fill out applications, be interviewed, turn in a resume and all the paperwork they would have to for a “real” job like driver’s license and social security card. Each week they turn in a report and their hours. These kids will be ready to join the workforce once they graduate.”

The student will each earn a $1,222 Education Award after they complete their 300 hours that can be used towards college.

The six students taking part in the program are Kacie Tincher, Samie Payne, Danielle Dunn, Miranda Bretz, Cassidy Wells and Cody Moon.

While it’s the first year for this Americore program at Nicholas County High School, it’s the 2nd year that Hunter has been involved in the Americore program overall. Phyllis Albright is working with Hunter this year tutoring 25 at risk kids and putting in volunteer hours at the FRYSC office. It’s the same program that Wes Hopkins participated in last year. The Americore volunteers are paid a living allowance and given money towards their education. Hopkins went on to work for the school system this year.

FRYSC Corps members are often newly certified teachers. Their FRYSC Corps service gives them unique experience within a school; they learn about the lives of students from the perspective of their basic needs. Many FRYSC Corps alumni report they are better teachers because they have a deeper understanding of challenges some of their students face at home.

FRYSC Corps partners report more students read better and feel more connected to school because their FRYSC Corps tutors are able to give precious time and focused attention. Members can help students who might otherwise slip through the cracks as budgets force cuts to support staff.