Cultivating brighter educational horizons in Michigan one scholar, student, and community at a time.

About the program

The MEC Reading Support Scholars (RSS) program is dedicated to empowering high school-aged students on their journey toward a successful career in education through AmeriCorps service.

Our mission is to cultivate a new generation of educators by offering hands-on experience in community service.

We bridge the teacher shortage by guiding youth toward a teaching career path while still in high school.

Through our commitment to activism and educator preparation, we equip students with the tools, skills, and passion to excel in education careers, making a profound impact on both their futures and the communities they serve.

Reading Support Scholars Currently Serving Their Communities.

Who can be a scholar?

Must be 17 or older and enrolled in a career tech education prep high school program.
Must speak, read, and write English fluently.
Must demonstrate professionalism and be recommended by a placement teacher.

What are the benefits that scholars receive?

Segal AmeriCorps Education award.
Pathways and partnerships with higher education institutions (Potential leadership experiences within the school year).
After a scholar graduates from high school, they will be invited to apply to serve with MEC as an AmeriCorps member.
Biweekly pay.
Real-world, career-launching experience.

Starting in 2021-2022, in partnership with Kent County Technical Center Teacher Academy, MEC introduced a unique opportunity for high school students in CTE Educator Preparation programs: the opportunity to serve as AmeriCorps members as Reading Support Scholars. To enroll, students need to meet enrollment criteria for their CTE programs and AmeriCorps. MEC and the CTE staff work together every step of the way to design an experience that works for their kids and program requirements. MEC is actively welcoming new CTE partners!

contact us to learn more about partnering and hosting reading support scholars

Grace Kelley

Grace Kelley is a dedicated and accomplished educator with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Foreign Language Teaching. With extensive teaching certifications across various subjects and grade levels, Grace brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. She served as the First Program Coordinator with MEC from 2015 to 2020, where she made significant contributions to the organization's growth and success. Grace's expertise extends beyond the classroom as she trains teachers on project/task-based learning methods. Outside of teaching, she enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, writing music, and reading. Grace's multifaceted background and passion for teaching create engaging learning environments for her students.

Reading Support Scholars Program Manager

GKelley@hopenetwork.org

616-970-4919

partnering flexibility

Within the context of our AmeriCorps regulations, this program can be individualized for school partners. (I.e. schools can internally partner with MEC).

MEC can partner with a school to coordinate personalized and direct workplace experiences for students that attend that school.

Things to consider

AmeriCorps is a federal grant and has specific requirements MEC has to follow so our Scholars can receive financial and service benefits.

Any member who is 18 or will turn 18 as a Scholar must be fingerprinted at AmeriCorps designated Fieldprint locations.

A minimum number of service hours is required, e.g., 100.

Scholars are held to the same standards of professionalism as any MEC AmeriCorps member.