For decades, AmeriCorps has helped Americans pursue their dream of higher education by making it more accessible and affordable. Upon completing their tenure with AmeriCorps, alumni have a strong sense of purpose, believe that they can solve community problems, and earn a Segal Education Award that can be used to further their education. At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), between 1995 and 2016, more than $2 million in Segal Education Awards were redeemed by over 1,000 people. 

It’s no secret that AmeriCorps members’ experience, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to civic engagement are welcome additions to any learning environment. AmeriCorps alumni bring tremendous value to higher education and other post-secondary experiences. In recognition of this value, AmeriCorps launched the Schools of National Service initiative in 2020 to provide incentives and awards that encourage AmeriCorps alumni to attend four-year institutions, community colleges, technical schools, and graduate programs that commit to providing incentives and benefits and fostering institutional values around service-mindedness. 

VCU is one of only four Schools of National Service in Virginia and offers application fee waivers for AmeriCorps alumni; the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University also offers book scholarships, with hopes of expanding these benefits in the coming years. VCU School of Education’s Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence, Dr. Tomika Ferguson, is herself an AmeriCorps alumna who served with the College Advising Corps. She shares, “AmeriCorps provides opportunities to serve local communities as leaders, partnering with other members to confront the challenges in our communities because we find value in giving back together. The outcomes prepare us for future success in any career we choose, including education. I am honored that the VCU School of Education recognizes the value that AmeriCorps members bring to higher education and our classrooms. I am proud of our commitment to supporting our students and being a leader in higher education as a School of National Service.”

VCU opted to become a School of National Service at the launch of the initiative thanks to the leadership of Dr. Jenna Lenhardt, Director of Strategic Recruitment and Outreach for the School of Education. Lenhardt leaped at the opportunity to expand support for recruiting new students while also empowering existing students through this initiative, strengthening career pathways for those with AmeriCorps service backgrounds. “In order to continue to improve access to educational opportunities in higher education, we must challenge historical policies and practices to break down barriers in the admissions process,” says Lenhardt. 

Now more than three years into the Schools of National Service initiative, Lenhardt and others within the VCU School of Education remain committed to the values of the Schools of National Service initiative, expanding the accessibility of higher education to AmeriCorps alumni and supporting VCU School of Education students from diverse backgrounds. John (Jack) Stewart, a current M.T. in Secondary English graduate student and book scholarship recipient, talked about the importance of his AmeriCorps service experience with The Literacy Lab and his current program and student teaching experiences: “I learned about the power of 1:1 engagement with students and was reminded that all kids are capable of being successful. It is a failure in our system that is creating issues for them to achieve their full potential.” 

Lenhardt advises AmeriCorps alumni and students to identify and remain connected to their values to guide their career decisions. “The reason someone is doing AmeriCorps is that they value service but how do you engage those values and frame them so they work for you in a career,” she reflects. “I’m interested in how you can grow your skills and knowledge to get over the common hurdle of career disempowerment in order to focus on what you want to do in collaboration with others and as your own advocate.” In line with this interest, Lenhardt will present a virtual session at the 2024 Virginia Volunteerism Summit on creating (and re-creating) your career path, for early-career professionals as well as anyone interested in a change of course for their career. 

For those interested in learning more about VCU’s School of Education as a School of National Service, Lenhardt will host an Instagram Live info session on March 14 at 5:30pm ET. Details at https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/americorps24