For Immediate Release
May 8, 2020
Contact: Naomi Heindel (naomi.heindel@tetonscience.org)
Teton Science to Offer Virtual Summer AmeriCorps Program
Remote service members will support Jackson, WY-based community organizations
Jackson, WY – Teton Science Schools (TSS) announced that it will offer a virtual summer AmeriCorps service term from May 21 through August 20. Members of the summer AmeriCorps cohort will support Jackson, WY community partners while performing their service remotely (teleservice). TSS has currently accepted 12 service members from ten different states and is continuing to review applications. These members will serve TSS as well as Jackson Hole community organizations including the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, Wyoming Wilderness Advocates, Teton Valley Ranch Camp, Immigrant Hope, Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation, City Kids, Climb Wyoming, Teton Raptor Center, the University of Idaho Extension, Wyoming Wildlife Advocates and Wyoming Stargazing, among others.
“One thing I’m especially excited about is that we’re serving with some regular partners like Teton Raptor Center, who we love working with, and also some very new partners who serve a more diverse and underserved population than Teton Science Schools typically reaches,” said Naomi Heindel, Director of Field Education at Teton Science Schools.
TSS is responsible for the hiring, onboarding and training of AmeriCorps teleservice members, in addition to the supervision and administrative support of members during their term. Community partners will dictate the projects service members complete, which will range from 20 to 40 hours of service per week and include educational programming, curriculum development, marketing, research and analysis, social media, administrative tasks, or any other emergent need the organization may face this summer, especially in the face of COVID-19.
Funding for the AmeriCorps Program at TSS comes from Serve Wyoming, the AmeriCorps State chapter of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Due to COVID-19-related challenges with in-person service, CNCS has permitted AmeriCorps sites to use remote service to continue to serve their communities. Teleservice members who successfully complete their term of service will still receive the Segal Education Award.
TSS started hosting AmeriCorps service members in the summer of 2009. Since then, the TSS AmeriCorps program has grown to more than 40 service members annually. Teton Science Schools typically hosts service members on its Jackson, WY campus in Coyote Canyon. Due to a large number of qualified applicants, TSS is seeking a few more community partners for the AmeriCorps program this summer. The program is free to Jackson, WY area community organizations. To participate in the program or for more information, please contact Naomi Heindel (naomi.heindel@tetonscience.org).
