Western Oklahoma State College has been chosen as one of two community colleges in Oklahoma to receive a new Students in Service Grant through AmeriCorps. Western has been awarded slots for 5 students through this service/scholarship program.

The Students in Service program is a part-time AmeriCorps program that encourages and supports college and university students to provide valuable service in their communities. SIS members help to meet key educational, environmental, health, economic, veteran, and social service needs within their area and across the nation. These students gain valuable civic and workforce skills. By participating in the Students in Service program, the member becomes a part of the AmeriCorps national service network.

Applicants will be chosen through an extensive selection process to include interviews and background checks. Western’s Community Service, Service and Service Learning Committee will serve as the selection board. As a part of the program, students successfully completing a 300-hour Term of Service within one year will be eligible to receive a $1,132 Education Award. Upon completion of service hours, these 5 students will together total 1500 hours of service volunteering in the community, and $5,660 in scholarships. To apply, students must be enrolled in at least 6 hours, be at least 17 years of age, and a United States Citizen.

John Phelan, psychology instructor and Community Engagement, Service and Service Learning Committee chair said, “This is really a big honor for Western and a great opportunity for our students and community.”

General program information is available at the Students in Service website: http://www.studentsinservice.org/. For more information regarding the Students in Service program at Western, contact John Phelan at 580.477.7752.