DATE: 8/17/06

CONTACT: Alta Mae Marvin, 843-549-2595, Ext. 126; amarvin@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, 864-656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

AmeriCorps grant helps Clemson launch new leadership/dropout prevention program

WALTERBORO – An AmeriCorps grant will give Clemson Extension an opportunity to launch Builders of Tomorrow: Inspiring Leaders, One Student at a Time, a youth program designed for middle school students in five school districts in South Carolina.

Making the announcement today in Walterboro were: Teresa Dillard with the S.C. Commission on National and Community Service and representing AmeriCorps; Alta Mae Marvin, Clemson Extension agent and program director; Mac Horton, director of Clemson’s Institute on Economic and Community Development; Steve Murdaugh, Colleton County Council chairman ; and Charlie Sweat, Walterboro mayor.

Lowcountry students from school districts in Allendale County, Barnwell District 19, Colleton County, Dorchester District 4 and Hampton District 1 will benefit from the partnership between Clemson and Americorps.

"We are looking forward to having AmeriCorps in our community,” said Mayor Sweat. “The program will help with retention of students in our schools and prepare our young people for better jobs in the future."

The purpose of the program is to improve academic achievement and high school graduation rates. The plan is to engage youths in school and community activities, build leadership skills and expose students to potential career and educational opportunities.

“This grant allows us to provide valuable learning resources to middle school students that will improve their outlook on learning and help them develop into good citizens and neighbors for our future,” said Marvin, director of the Builders of Tomorrow program. “We will be hiring 22 AmeriCorps members from our local counties to work with us in our schools.”

AmeriCorps*National is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation. To learn more, visit their website at: http://www.americorps.gov//

Builders of Tomorrow is an AmeriCorps*State grant which works through the S.C. Commission on National and Community Service.

“The AmeriCorps grant is designed to create a stronger workforce for the future that will improve South Carolina’s economy and job market,” said Horton.

Clemson University’s Youth Learning Institute will provide training for all AmeriCorps members and personnel from each of the school districts. The Institute creates and delivers innovative youth development programs around the state that are intended to challenge, educate and inspire.

“There’s an additional benefit for those hired to work with the program,” said Marvin. “AmeriCorps has an education award that pays for college tuition, books and student loans.”

To learn more about AmeriCorps or the program, contact Marvin at 843-549-2595, Ext 126.

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