Ampact

I am elated to be recognized as a 2024 GeorgiaTrend 40 Under Forty Honoree! https://lnkd.in/epxmgMqw

This article beautifully articulates the approach Reading Corps, Early Learning Corps, Math Corps and Recovery Corps use in scaling our work. In Albany, Georgia they identified Math Corps as the model that would help address a growing need in their workforce; Stockton, California was looking for evidence-based tools to support scholars reaching reading and math proficiency; in Poughkeepsie, New York the Poughkeepsie Children's Cabinet identified similar goals to Stockton and spent time researching what might work for their community. In every place we have replicated our models we find proximate leaders who are leading the work locally and ask us to bring our proven models to the community after reaching consensus that our model was aligned with the goals for their community. Thanks to GreenLight Fund for highlighting the importance of being responsive to community led approaches. https://lnkd.in/eeGSZaCp

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of welcoming Senator Alexis Calatayud and her staff to the Children’s Learning Center of Richmond Heights as she presented a $500,000 appropriation to Early Learning Corps—an incredible investment in Florida’s preschoolers and a testament to the importance of early childhood education. ? We are deeply grateful for Senator Calatayud’s partnership and unwavering advocacy for our mission. She understands the task at hand, and her commitment to Florida’s communities and dedication to ensuring our youngest learners are set up for success speaks volumes about her leadership. This funding is a game-changer for our program, allowing us to place more tutors in more classrooms, including an expansion into Tampa Bay and Jacksonville, and create career pathways for future educators. ? Senator Calatayud, we thank you for championing our cause and being a beacon of hope for Florida’s children. Your support is invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment! ? #Education #EarlyLearning #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EducationMatters #Tutor #Tutoring #KindergartenReadiness #FloridaSchools #AmeriCorps

Last Thursday, I was sworn in by Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee to serve a three-year term on the Governor's Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism. We advise the Governor and other state officials on national and community service programs in the Commonwealth. We work to promote AmeriCorps programs that serve and build up communities, give people the opportunity to develop their workforce skills and meet Virginia's most pressing human, educational, environmental, and public safety/health needs. Ampact AmeriCorps Serve Virginia Recovery Corps Jennifer Morgan

A little over a week ago I was invited to join a group of national service leaders at the White House to pause and reflect on the last 30 years of AmeriCorps and to envision the possibilities for the next 30 years of AmeriCorps. Although I have only been in the field for about 15 years - many of my friends from college served in the first class of AmeriCorps members. I’m grateful to Michael Smith and Sonali Nijhawan for the invitation to be a part of the conversation. It was an incredible opportunity to be with leaders who were a part of the original vision for what became AmeriCorps and to be with leaders like Benya Kraus, Ebony Barney, MPH, MSW, LSW, CFRL, Amber Martin-Jahn, John Kelly, Michael Lynch, CFRE, who are leading innovative service and who inspire me with innovation, passion and commitment to leaving this place better than we found it. It was an honor and a privilege to join the conversation and to represent Ampact and ServeMinnesota in thinking about the possibilities for the impact of national service this year and beyond. There were a number of themes for me that emerged but I found myself grateful to be leading work that happens in rural America, in fringe cities (thanks to Rob Watson and Wesley Eugene Dixon) and everywhere in between. We are seizing an opportunity to support proximate leaders who are thinking about how service can cultivate community and investments in the people who make it truly special. I'm profoundly grateful that Sadie OConnor and Julia Quanrud are leaders who prioritize and understand ensuring our resources are available in towns of 200 and towns of 2 million. What a privilege to have had time to pause and think about the next 30 years of anything. I surely don't take that for granted. #AmeriCorps30 #ServeMinnesota #ReadingCorps #MathCorps