America Reads Program - Allegheny works with two elementary schools, a YMCA Afterschool Care Program, and Gill Village and Fairview/Fairmont housing developments to coordinate literacy programs. Approximately 30 college students work one-on-one with children for one hour twice a week doing interactive, fun activities that improve children's reading and writing skills. More than 45 children are impacted through this program. College students can earn work-study funds for their involvement or can volunteer. For more information, contact Nick French at frencn@allegheny.edu.
Bonner Leaders Program - Allegheny College was invited to become an AmeriCorps Bonner Leader school by the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation in the fall of 1997, and the first class of AmeriCorps Bonner Leaders began their service in the summer of 1998. The 2-year program combines a summer position in a Crawford County service agency/program, work-study in the community during the academic year, training in leadership and service, and financial compensation. Allegheny has 20 of these positions in which students commit to completing 600 hours of service. For more information, contact Ashley Kish at akish@allegheny.edu.
Clearinghouse of Immediate Needs - Local agencies and individual community members call in with service needs that can be filled by Allegheny students. Examples include helping a disabled person move, running a chess club at an elementary school, tutoring children and adults, and assisting agencies with special events. An email with current needs is sent out to potential volunteers once per week. To be added to this e-mail list, e-mail clearing@allegheny.edu.
Gill Village Computer Literacy Program - This program is based out of the Gill Village Housing Development computer center, made possible by a grant from Pennsylvania Campus Compact. 15 college tutors work in a one-on-one situation with children in grades 3-6, each tutoring two children for two afternoons each week. College students receive financial compensation for their involvement in the program. For more information, contact Kristen Moore at kmoore@hotmail.com.
Meadville Community Soup Kitchen - Allegheny sends a team of students and faculty/administration to assist at the soup kitchen, located in Stone Methodist Church, each weekday during lunchtime. Volunteers relieve the morning volunteers in the serving line, wash dishes, clean the kitchen and dining room, and eat with volunteers and consumers at the site. For more information, contact Dave Roncolato at droncola@allegheny.edu.
