The weather isn’t the only thing that’s hot here. Our passion and dedication are ignited to help Columbia’s students build on their strengths, take risks in their learning and feel connected to their school community.
While Columbia is widely known for being a vibrant center for academia, business, tech and medicine, some students in Columbia face significant challenges every day. Â鶹ÊÓƵ Columbia serves nearly 1,500 students in three public schools, providing holistic supports to help students succeed.
I found Â鶹ÊÓƵ while looking for a service experience where I might explore my personal and professional goals while giving back to my local community. I chose to serve with Â鶹ÊÓƵ because I absolutely love the Whole School, Whole Child philosophy and its dedication to school-wide support.
Joseph Ravan Â鶹ÊÓƵ Columbia, ‘18
Your corps experience
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a key partner to Lexington School District Four and Richland School District One in creating equitable learning opportunities for all students and developing the city’s future leaders. AmeriCorps members support teachers and staff in delivering instruction that serves the development of the whole child and is responsive to the diverse racial, cultural and linguistic needs of Columbia youth.
More than 76% of students tutored by AmeriCorps members last year improved their test scores, an indication that AmeriCorps members are truly making an impact. A close-knit community with ample opportunities to develop meaningful personal and professional relationships, Columbia is an ideal place to serve. By engaging students, families and community organizations, Â鶹ÊÓƵ helps South Carolina students become college- and career-ready. Being college-ready means that a high school graduate has the literacy and mathematics knowledge and skills necessary to qualify for and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college courses without the need for remedial coursework.
Serving in Columbia Schools
Serve in one of three elementary or middle throughout the Columbia area.
Work with a committed and diverse group of eight Â鶹ÊÓƵ AmeriCorps members who share your passion for service and personal growth. Columbia is a small team; therefore, we tend to have a family-like structure. The Columbia staff is fully invested in the growth and development of our AmeriCorps members.
Professional Development
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Columbia team champions
Purpose: to provide an extended network of support and guidance for Â鶹ÊÓƵ AmeriCorps members by leveraging and uniting external partners and other members of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community.
Program goals: to provide AmeriCorps members with resources for professional guidance and development. To give AmeriCorps members external support throughout their service year as they work to determine their LACY (Leadership After Â鶹ÊÓƵ) plans. The goal of the partnership is primarily for corps members to connect with individuals in the community and to learn more about the work force. Depending on interest, teams may have more than one champion.
Teacher Talent Pipeline: Columbia College and Â鶹ÊÓƵ Columbia
Columbia College’s Center of Excellence is the partnering program where our AmeriCorps members will get the opportunity to earn a M.Ed. in Divergent Learning and obtain alternative teacher certification. This partnership is reserved for the second year AmeriCorps members only, so that they can draw on their first year experience and be able to use their education award towards tuition.
Community involvement
We seek to create a positive climate of high expectations and engagement that ripples throughout the greater Columbia community.
Over the last 30 years we have built a robust relationship with public schools in Columbia, teachers, families and the community at large. We can’t wait to welcome you.
