SMIF Seeks New AmeriCorps Members for

Early Childhood Positions

   

(Owatonna, May 8, 2008)-Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is seeking new AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative members to begin in late August to serve in local Pre-K and Kindergartens, including Head Start programs and local early childhood programs.  They will serve one year and become part of a team trained to be advocates, coaches, and champions for social/emotional school readiness.

SMIF has partnered with AmeriCorps (often referred to as the ‘domestic Peace Corps program’) for the past 14 years.  This partnership has engaged over 400 members who have each contributed to making a difference in people’s lives.  Under SMIF’s Early Childhood Initiative, LEAP Initiative members will help develop social and emotional skills in children to prepare them for school.  Members receive a living allowance, health care, and an education award to pay for school loans or college tuition.

 “For twenty two years, SMIF’s partnership with local leaders and community organizations has helped identify assets and advance community goals,” said Tim Penny , Foundation President CEO. “Our partnership with AmeriCorps is an outstanding example of the success such partnerships bring.  Our AmeriCorps/ LEAP members are directly and positively impacting early childhood efforts throughout southern Minnesota ,” he added.

 To learn more about serving as an AmeriCorps member, visit http://www.smifoundation.org/files/AmeriCorp_App_0308.doc or contact Janet Lundstrom at SMIF, 507-455-3215 , janetl@smifoundation.org.  Application deadline is July 15, 2008 .

 

About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation:

SMIF, a donor-supported foundation, invests in the region’s future growth through grants, loans, technical expertise and partnerships that foster community assets via workforce readiness and entrepreneurial activity - especially in areas of bio-medical, bio-agriculture and alternative energy. The Foundation has provided over $38 million in grants and loans within the region during the past 21 years, and has leveraged well over $100 million to support local business and community development. SMIF was established by The McKnight Foundation in 1986 to foster growth and vitality in greater Minnesota. To learn more about our work and mission call (507) 455-3215 or visit www.smifoundation.org.

 

About the LEAP Initiative:

SMIF’s LEAP Initiative, in collaboration with AmeriCorps, www.americorps.org and ServeMinnesota, www.serveminnesota.org, provides support to children and parents connected to SMIF’s Early Childhood Initiative Coalitions and other regional early childhood partners.  As part of the national service movement, the LEAP Initiative provides individuals opportunity to contribute to bridging the school readiness gap in southern Minnesota.  Member participants receive a living allowance, health care, and an education award to pay for school loans or college tuition.