Florida Governor and National Service CEO Announce AmeriCorps Mentoring Grant for Florida's Black Colleges

(Daytona Beach, Fla.) - Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Corporation for National and Community Service CEO David Eisner today announced that Florida's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) will receive $1 million in AmeriCorps funding to create mentoring programs that will pair upper level college students with incoming freshmen and sophomores.

The mentoring programs will be established on each of the four HBCU campuses, Bethune-Cookman College (BCC), Edward Waters College (EWC), Florida Memorial College (FMC) and Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University (FAMU).

"This grant will give our college student leaders an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other students. They will serve as role models and mentors, while enhancing their college experience," said Governor Bush. "I am extremely proud of this partnership, which further demonstrates our HBCU's commitment to higher education."

Approximately 225 students will be selected to serve as AmeriCorps members from the four colleges and universities. Students will tutor and mentor identified struggling college freshmen and sophomores. They will also provide mentoring services to local K-12 students. Based on their commitment of service, student members will receive an AmeriCorps scholarship award and a stipend that can be used to cover the cost of living expenses or assist in the repayment of student loans.

"This is a breakthrough program with lots of opportunity for replication in other states," said Corporation for National and Community Service CEO David Eisner, who joined Governor Bush to announce the grant. "College students helping college students is a terrific plan to help students succeed in all areas of their life. Thanks to President Bush and Congress, we have more AmeriCorps resources than ever before and are able to support new approaches like this exceptional partnership."

Of the $1 million total being awarded, CNCS will provide $650,000 for living stipends to student members as well as administrative costs of the program. $296,000 will be used to provide scholarships for members who successfully complete their terms of service or assist in the repayment of student loans.

In addition, schools that choose to provide a living stipend must also obtain a local match. Total funding over the three years of the program is nearly $3 million. The grant will be administered by Volunteer Florida, the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service.

"This is an historic moment for Bethune-Cookman College and our sister HBCUs," said Oswald P. Bronson, President, BCC. "As we embrace this new opportunity under the AmeriCorps program, we will work together on our common goal of making community service an essential part of what it means to be a student at our institutions."

"The uniqueness that our students bring to middle and high school students, and other college students can be the difference in realistically closing the educational achievement gap," said Dr. Jimmy Jenkins, President, EWC.

"We appreciate the opportunity to engage FAMU's School of General Studies and our College of Education in support of this AmeriCorps program," said Dr. Fred Gainous, President, FAMU. "These efforts are certain to propel performance relative to the Governor's A-Plus Plan."

"Florida Memorial College is pleased to be a part of this tremendous educational endeavor. It is through collaborative efforts such as those provided by the AmeriCorps program that the participating institutions can help ensure that educational opportunities are enhanced for students at all levels, said Dr. Albert Smith, President, FMC.

Volunteer Florida facilitates the development, promotion, and implementation of volunteer and community service programs that strengthen communities. Volunteer Florida also administers AmeriCorps programs throughout the state of Florida. For more information about AmeriCorps visit www.myflorida.com or www.volunteerflorida.org.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in America. For more information visit www.nationalservice.org.

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