They have the potential to expand the dimensions of academic study by bringing the academic vision into the world and the service experience into the classroom. A window of opportunity has opened for the collaborations of community colleges and National Service Network programs that can be seen in the public s push for educational reform and the reinvention of government. This window opens at a time when community colleges are faced with the challenges of limited resources and at a moment when technology is changing our society to its very essence. Never before have we been in such a place. We must share resources and transform our response by drawing on our talented and diverse community to provide leadership and solve problems together.
Many priorities compete for institutional attention.
While the administration and faculty council meetings have reached their limits of problem solving, a few are getting things done in collaboration with AmeriCorps. Community colleges should take the lead and move toward collaboration with local agencies, schools, businesses, and government to maximize the potential of a partnership with AmeriCorps. As an AmeriCorps member, I didn t know where I wanted to get to. For me, AmeriCorps led to proficiency in current technology and irreplaceable work experience. I learned valuable lessons and improved my ability to influence others, follow directions, and work with a team.