Chicago, IL- On Thursday, June 14, 2012, the National College Advising Corps received the 2012 National Service Impact Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in Chicago.
The program was honored at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, the nation's premiere gathering for volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, education, government, and corporate sectors. This year's conference features Dr. Jill Biden, former first lady Barbara Bush, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, actor Kevin Bacon, and other speakers.
"National service is America at its best - getting things done to make our communities and country stronger, "said Wendy Spencer, CNCS CEO. "The work being done everyday by programs like the National College Advising Corps demonstrates the power of service to improve lives and transform communities. I congratulate the program for the positive and lasting impact they are making through national service."
The award highlights the work of the Advising Corps in connecting disadvantaged youth with opportunities and resources to support them as they pursue higher education. Many well-qualified students are discouraged by simple barriers to higher education, such as lack of information about college admission and financial aid. Advising Corps members work one-on-one with students to provide the advice and encouragement needed to help students make their dreams come true.
Utilizing the energy and enthusiasm of recent college grads from partner universities to serve as full-time advisers in underserved schools, the National College Advising Corps works to improve the prospects of economically disadvantaged students for post-secondary success. The program, which receives support from the Social Innovation Fund and AmeriCorps, engages 327 advisers - including many AmeriCorps members- that serve more than 117,000 students in 14 states.
"Going to college is part of the American Dream, but with the growing caseloads of guidance counselors this dream is harder to make a reality, particularly for disadvantaged youth, "said Nicole Hurd Ph.D., founder and executive director of the National College Advising Corps.
Students served by the Advising Corps are 76 percent more likely to attend a financial aid workshop, 25 percent more likely to apply to college, 20 percent more likely to be accepted to college, and 34 percent more likely to be accepted to a four-year institution.
Held annually, the National Service Impact Awards recognize the best in national and community service. The nominations process provides an opportunity to highlight best practices and learn about innovative programs having an impact on key issues. This year, nominations were submitted through Challenge.gov for programs operating in the six focus areas of the agency's strategic plan: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families.
About the Corporation for National and Community Service:
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its SeniorCorps, AmeriCorps, the Social Innovation Fund, and other programs, and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, UnitedWeServe. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.