IMPACT

Initiative for Mentoring and Preparing Classroom Teachers (IMPACT): An IU School of Education/AmeriCorps Project

The Indiana University School of Education (IU SoE), in partnership with AmeriCorps, aims to improve pre-service teacher education in Southwest Central Indiana. This project has undergraduate and graduate students serve as AmeriCorps Service Members and facilitates tutoring and informal education programs while building capacity for local schools and educational organizations in the region.

These programs, specifically pertaining to STEM, mathematics education, and literacy are designed to aid the participating undergraduate and graduate students’ early exposure to teaching and, ultimately, strengthen the region’s teacher pipeline. Each program is facilitated by IU undergraduate and graduate students under the direction of IU SoE faculty.

The programs take place during the academic year in public schools and libraries and are designed to provide sustained engagement for elementary and middle school-age youth. During the 2024-2025 academic year, IMPACT students tutored more than 50 students (meeting with them weekly) and facilitated hundreds of afterschool STEM programs serving more than 450 youth.

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The program has been a tremendous asset to our school community, especially in providing targeted support in ELA and Math for students that are struggling. The members have built strong, positive relationships with students, and tutoring sessions are something our kids genuinely look forward to. Teachers, guidance officials, and administrators alike report seeing clear academic and social benefits.

Dr. Mike RobisonPrincipal, Patricksburg School, Patricksburg, IN

Benefits for IU Students

  • Financial benefits including $15 hourly wage and a $1,565 educational stipend.
  • Professional development provided by faculty from the IU School of Education.
  • Career experience as an educator working in the field.
  • Networking with school districts and other educational organizations.
  • Civic engagement: contributing to local communities and addressing critical needs in education.
  • Employment advantages: AmeriCorps member experience is a highly valued by employers.
  • Alumni networking: members can tap into a large national network of former AmeriCorps volunteers.

Benefits for Participating Educational Organizations

  • Increased capacity: AmeriCorps members can supplement the capacity of an organization’s education staff.
  • Specialized skills: Members will bring a wealth of training in STEM education.
  • Cost savings: hosting AmeriCorps members is often more cost effective than hiring staff.
  • Leveraging additional resources: AmeriCorps Members are coupled with support staff from the IU School of Education.
  • Access to future talent: serving as a partner organization can help create a pipeline of AmeriCorps members becoming faculty or staff.
  • Leadership growth: hosting AmeriCorps members can help staff develop leadership skills.
  • Fresh ideas: AmeriCorps members often bring fresh ideas from diverse perspectives and backgrounds.