A History of Service view pictures | |
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1993 |
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) created. Within CNCS, AmeriCorps is created; Senior Corps incorporates the three senior-focused programs: RSVP, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions. |
1998 |
America Reads – Mississippi (ARM) AmeriCorps program begins
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2000 |
ARM expands Corps to serve more students
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2001-2005 Making a Difference view pictures | |
2001 |
ARM officially launches program website |
2002 |
USA Today magazine recognizes AmeriCorps members“Steering Children Well” was the headline in the USA Today magazine that featured the “Magical School Bus” reading/tutoring project.
The wacky wonder created a stir. "Folks driving by on their way to work would be ecstatic, saying, 'What is this bus doing here in the middle of the school?' " volunteer Janie Harris says. "If they didn't have time to help work on it, they said, 'Here's $5 or $10 to help with whatever you need.' " By Make A Difference Day, the bus was a bright work of art, and 600 students lined up to visit in an all-day open house. Since then, the bus has been a hot spot on school days and two Saturdays a month. In fact, kids are making up excuses to spend time inside. Teachers tell Harris: "Whatever you all are doing on that bus, it's helping." The bus is a magnet for big kids, too. "Believe it or not, we have students from the high school come over to just get away to a quiet place and do homework," Harris says. Now, that's magic. |
2003 |
Jackson State University Added
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2006 – 2010 National Recognition view pictures | |
2007 |
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2007 |
AmeriCorps Week officially launched |
2008 |
Ronjanett Taylor rejoins ARM as new State DirectorHaving previously served as the assistant state director for ARM from 2000-2006, Ronjanett rejoined the ARM team after the tenure of the former state director, Randee Williams. Randee laid a strong foundation, establishing much of the program’s partnerships and support throughout its first 10 years of existence, and led the state staff team to manage the program with fidelity and see results. Having worked alongside Randee and many of the existing staff for many of those years, it was an honor for Ronjanett to pick up the baton and continue the mission and work. |
2009 |
Edward M. Kennedy Service America Act signed by President Obama |
2010 |
The University of Mississippi addedThe University of Mississippi added as a partner, bringing the statewide program to 6 university partners. |
2010 |
ARM was named one of 52 Most Innovative AmeriCorps Programs in the United States in the America’s Service Commissions and Innovations in Civic Participation’s publication entitled, “Transforming Communities through Service: A Collection of 52 of the Most Innovative AmeriCorps Programs in the United States” |
2010 |
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2012 |
FEMA Corps launched |
2011-2013 A Season of Change view pictures | |
2012 |
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2013 |
A season of change and adjustment resulted in the program losing national funding in 2013-2014. However, the program was awarded a formula grant through Volunteer Mississippi for this transition year. With the support of ARM’s legal applicant, IHL, long standing university and school partners, dedicated staff, and committed individuals desirous of serving children, ARM AmeriCorps service continued and a national grant application was resubmitted. The year was challenging but the program persevered and was refunded for a new State & National three-year grant cycle for 2014-2017. |
2014 - 2017 Ready, Set, Re-Start! view pictures | |
2014 |
One of the biggest lessons of 2013 was the need for a more robust evaluation plan and practice. Evaluation became a tool and not just a task. ARM was selected to receive intensive technical assistance to prepare for the 3 year process of conducting an impact evaluation. ARM would formulate the way forward, in light of the evaluation results, with a revised program design called the ARM – SIM (ARM Structured Intervention Model) including researched-based scripted lessons, enhanced tutor training, and leveled member supervision. |
2018-2019 Program Highlights view pictures | |
2018 |
ARM begins its 20th Year!
ARM 20th Anniversary & Alumni Weekend held October 12 – 13 Twenty years, 25 partners, 241 schools, 4,841 Corps members, and 59,468 students…that’s service! Collaborative service creates a bond that lasts. With much excitement, former AmeriCorps members, staff, their families, and supporters gathered October 12 – 13 to commemorate 20 years of serving together, carrying out the mission of national service: “to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier” and to “get things done”. The 20th Anniversary & Alumni Weekend included an alumni mixer, a roundtable discussion on continuing to serve, a service project, and a banquet. Alumni Sponsorship Campaign launched (click here) View 20th Anniversary & Alumni Weekend Highlights
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