HFC recognizes Collins, Hakim, and Salas during AmeriCorps Week

HFC College Completion Coaches Tyrone Collins and Todd Hakim have recommitted for a second year at HFC, while fellow HFC College Completion Coach Josue Salas is new to HFC this year.

Collins, Hakim, and Salas are part of the Michigan College Access Network’s College Completion Corps, which trains and places 23 AmeriCorps members on partner college campuses across the state of Michigan. In alignment with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal, the College Completion Corps works to improve student success and help more Michiganders earn an associate degree or certificate.

“At HFC, we are fortunate to have three AmeriCorps members who serve as College Completion Coaches,” said HFC Manager, Orientation and New Student Engagement Kelly Baratono, their HFC supervisor.

AmeriCorps is not a moment, it’s a movement – celebrating 30 years March 10-16

March 10-16 is AmeriCorps Week. This year celebrates AmeriCorps’ 30th anniversary with the theme: AmeriCorps is not a moment, it’s a movement. Occurring the second full week of March, AmeriCorps Week is an annual event during which the agency works with key stakeholders (mayors, governors, and grantees) to celebrate and thank national service alumni and current AmeriCorps members and volunteers for their service, thank AmeriCorps community partners, and highlight AmeriCorps’ impact on communities and on the lives of those it serves.

“I became an AmeriCorps memberwas because I wanted to do something that mattered,” said Hakim. “Once I decided to go back to college, I realized the clout of earning a degree in this world. My goal is to use the resources AmeriCorps provides me to help the next generation of students to the finish line.”

AmeriCorps is an opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to strengthen communities. AmeriCorps has six areas of focus:

• Disaster services
• Economic opportunity
• Environmental stewardship
• Healthy futures
• Veterans and military families
• Education

Helping students obtain an education

“AmeriCorps comprises many members across the country serving in a variety of ways,” said Collins. “As part of the College Completion Corps, AmeriCorps gives me the opportunity to return to doing what I did and enjoyed before I retired. I am imparting knowledge from my previous experience in higher education to help individuals with the desire to obtain an education.”

Members commit their time to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, improving the environment, preparing for disasters, and more.

“The reason I became an AmeriCorps member was a desire to serve my community, make a difference, and gain valuable experience,” said Salas. “AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals to engage in meaningful service projects that address critical needs in communities across the United States. As a College Completion Coach assisting students at HFC, my decision to join AmeriCorps is attributed to my passion for education, helping others succeed academically, and contributing to the betterment of society through service-oriented work. And AmeriCorps provides members with professional development opportunities, networking prospects, and educational awards that can further support my career goals and personal growth.”