Program outcomes

Impact on students served

Tutoring and mentoring services by VCU AmeriCorps members provide positive benefits up to 1,000 students annually in the metro-Richmond area. These positive outcomes support a variety of academic and social gains for students. The most emphasized aspect of this service delivery is the positive effects of program services on student academic achievement.

• The majority of student participants improve at least one grade level after receiving program literacy support.
• Program support contributes to increases in the number of students who are able to read at grade level at post-test.
• Students receiving program reading support and mentoring services demonstrate better classroom behavior.
• School attendance figures appear to be positively affected for program participants.
• Teacher and site liaison surveys suggest a positive correlation between program reading support and overall student achievement.
• Evaluation results support the conclusion that tutoring services benefit first-, second- and third-graders most significantly — in that order.

Overall, teachers think that AmeriCorps services benefit their student participants, who demonstrate an improvement in their understanding of language arts concepts, participation in class discussions, asking for help and self-esteem development. Annual evaluations support the conclusion that positive support from AmeriCorps members contributes to increased levels of academic achievement, and improved behavior and school attendance for student participants. 

Impact on AmeriCorps members

Participation in VCU AmeriCorps provides program members with a variety of opportunities for professional and personal development, including strengthening their leadership skills, enhancing their ability to work within a team setting, and increasing their commitment to community and national service. Building upon their initial program orientation and training, AmeriCorps members participate in specialized monthly training sessions throughout the program year. AmeriCorps in-service workshops help members increase self-awareness through reflection of their experiences, while also helping them develop critical life skills necessary to compete and succeed as productive Americans. In-service topics include career goals and life after AmeriCorps, and recognizing personal skills, interests, and limitations. Additional self-development topics covered include personal wellness, multiculturalism, team work, public safety, and conflict resolution and communication skills. 

Other member development strategies include providing members with alternative service opportunities beyond their in-school experiences offering the chance to explore other staff–approved service interests. These opportunities give members exposure to a wider range of community issues, which can then mobilize community change in a variety of settings while also promoting a greater sense of civic responsibility. By working hand-in-hand with community service and family support organizations, members strengthen and encourage grass-roots solutions to local problems and serve as models for improving the delivery of health and human services to children and families.

Members also participate in citizenship training workshops. These interactive learning experiences help to develop in members a significant interest and commitment to service that lasts beyond their service term with VCU AmeriCorps. Member surveys annually support this conclusion with at least 80 percent of members indicating that they plan to continue serving their communities after they complete their AmeriCorps service year(s).