More than just tutoring, the AmeriCorps students go to senior citizen homes once or twice a semester and donate clothes to children during the holiday season. Not satisfied to limit their contributions to tutoring, Redwine and Flanagan believe that diversity and having an open mind are two key factors which determine the success of the program. Individual dedication doesn't hurt either. Eric King, a site team leader and AmeriCorps member took the initiative to start his own division of the AmeriCorps program. The MEAP is a state test that measures a student's ability in areas such as math, science and reading.
Students come in four days a week to prepare for the test and complete a practice test.
The remaining two days students are able to practice basketball. Students are bussed to Edmonson Middle School Saturdays where they are able to play team sports. The difference on King's league is that the scores students received on their practice tests are averaged into the points they acquire during the game. King said these points are no more than 10 and no less than zero. Appreciative of the opportunities that have presented themselves since his involvement with AmeriCorps, King said Marvin Pasch, a faculty member of the Teacher Education Dept. and the administrator in charge of budget and payroll for AmeriCorps, was essential in making his idea a reality.