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[MISSOURI]Samples of America Reads Challenge National Service Initiatives
CAMPUS LINK
America Reads Contact: Dave Chinn
MGCCC C/o Campus Link
2226 Switzer Road
Gulfport, MS 39507
Telephone: 228-897-3853
Fax: 228-896-2520
Participation: Campus Link is a state of Mississippi AmeriCorps program. Its cornerstone program is Mississippi Reads which is based on the America Reads Challenge. It is funded by the Institution of Higher Learning, Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service, and the State Commission for Junior and Community Colleges.
Tutoring: Campus Link offices are located at 20 universities and colleges in the state. Each office recruits students and community members to tutor at local elementary schools. At our office which serves the Biloxi and Gulfport area, we participate at two elementary schools: Anniston Elementary in Gulfport and Popps Ferry Elementary in Biloxi.
Resources: Each Campus Link office participates as a local planner for activities for days of national service such as Make a Difference Day and National Youth Service Day. At our Campus Link office, we assist with schools that have HOSTS classrooms which provide structured tutoring and mentoring to the schools and their districts. In terms of funding, the Campus Link office in Jackson,MS might have some information but as a branch office serving the Gulfport/Biloxi community, I do not have that information readily available.
Research: Our office tracks the progress of the tutored student through pre and post reading ability testing. The Campus Link offices are evaluated through various methods. Each office does testing of its students as well as conducts training of its tutors. Surveys are conducted to monitor the progress of the program and the state office also evaluates our staff and office of our strengths and weaknesses.
Relations: Campus Link promotes their efforts nationally,state and locally. Each office is encouraged to participate in national service programs on a regular basis and to work towards recognition of the program in its respective community. Each office also coordinates a community agency clearinghouse where each office is encouraged to establish partnerships with non profit entities especially those that have other literacy programs.
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