AmeriCorps Members Build Stronger Community Ties Through Dedicated Service
This summer, 18 AmeriCorps members are making a lasting impact in the Grinnell community. Connected and facilitated through the Grinnell Education Partnership, this collaboration has expanded the capacity of seven community partner organizations, delivering high-quality youth arts and literacy programs and supporting food and resource networks.
Enhancing Food Access and Resources
Working to strengthen the community’s social infrastructure, three AmeriCorps members are dedicated to improving food access, aligning resources, and developing systems for better service delivery. They are working with Drake Community Library (Susan Rivera), Grinnell Food Coalition (Katie Witt), and Grinnell Housing Authority (Alex Dixon ’26).
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
Fifteen AmeriCorps members are enriching the summer experience for Grinnell area youth by working with five independent community youth programs. These programs include LINK Grinnell, SLICK (Summer Learning is Cool for Kids), Grinnell College Museum of Art (GCMoA), Drake Community Library (DCL), and at Grinnell Area Summer Camp (GASC) at Grinnell Community Early Learning Center. AmeriCorps members serving at these youth programs include:
- DCL: Evie Caperton ’25
- GASC: Sara Booher ’25
- GCMoA: Faye Henn ’26 and Nora Kohnhorst ’25
- LINK: Betel Aga ’27, Warren Bingcang ’27, Georgia Carbone ’24, Mary Higgins ’25, and Kylie Klassen
- SLICK and LINK: Andy Chestovich ’26, Talia Harrison ’27, Ella Stephens, Audrey Deligan ’25, Lauren Pease, and Ella LaBarre ’26
A Personal Experience
Ella Stephens, a Grinnell High School graduate and University of Michigan student, is in her third year serving as an AmeriCorps member in Grinnell. She reflects, “Being part of both SLICK and LINK is incredibly rewarding. Forming relationships with the students and seeing their literacy skills improve week to week is special. The mentorship and friendship from teachers, group leaders, and fellow AmeriCorps members are invaluable.”
Stephens' story underscores the personal connections and meaningful impact AmeriCorps members have on the community. These dedicated individuals contribute to essential initiatives and form lasting relationships that benefit both youth and their mentors.
Join AmeriCorps with Careers, Life, and Service (CLS)
Interested in serving as an AmeriCorps member this fall? Contact Susan Sanning at sannings@grinnell.edu for more information.
About GEP
The Grinnell Education Partnership (GEP) supports youth and families in Grinnell, Iowa, by aligning community organizations toward shared educational goals. Formed in 2015 as part of the national Campaign for Grade Level Reading, GEP is a network of over 20 organizations creating opportunities for children and families through transformative education partnerships. Local expertise comes from community organizations, funding is managed by the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation (GPCF), and the network’s collaborative infrastructure is provided by Grinnell College.
In 2023, GEP was certified as a High-Impact Network by Northwestern College’s Networks for Non-profits and Social Impact for effective High Impact Practices. GEP has received numerous Pacesetter Community Honors from the Campaign for Grade Level Reading, most recently for digital equity, kindergarten readiness, and addressing the “summer slide,” In 2023, Grinnell was chosen by the national Campaign to host a team from Danville, Virginia, to share coalition best practices.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.