Access to high quality education and career opportunities in our communities is crucial to achieving shared prosperity across race and ethnicity. Recognizing that not all paths are created equal, many newcomers and multi-lingual students often meet disproportionate barriers to education and employment, despite the rich cultural and linguistic assets they bring to our communities. 

Across Massachusetts, the number of newcomer students has tripled since 2008, with some districts experiencing a more dramatic increase. For instance, Salem Public Schools saw a 40% rise in multilingual learners to 19.2% in 2023, while Lynn Public Schools, with approximately 40% multilingual students, serves one of the highest numbers of newcomers statewide. While public-school systems work to keep pace with these rapid changes, they often struggle with the capacity to fully support these students academically and holistically.  

In response, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay AmeriCorps Program emerged in 2013 to provide support to a growing population of multilingual learners (MLs) within Lynn Public Schools. Over the past three years, this initiative has provided individualized support to approximately 900 students. It later expanded to Salem in 2016 and Gloucester in 2019, emphasizing community collaboration through strategic partnerships with the Massachusetts Service Alliance, Lynn Public Schools, and various out-of-school time (OST) partners.  

As we celebrate AmeriCorps week March 11-15, we are delving into the transformative work of the UWMB AmeriCorps Program. This week serves as a poignant reminder of the commitment demonstrated by countless AmeriCorps fellows who empower students, echoing stories of resilience and hope.  This AmeriCorps Week, we are grateful for our invaluable partners and are shining a light on the profound impact AmeriCorps continues to make on communities.  

The UWMB AmeriCorps Program contributes to the development of English language skills and social emotional learning (SEL) skills, such as relationship building and social awareness for multilingual students in grades K-12, both during the school day and out-of-school time at our partner sites in Lynn, Salem, and Gloucester.  

Aligned with our focus on systems change, this program prioritizes social emotional learning (SEL) to empower students for academic and professional success and nurtures a greater sense of belonging for multi-language students. By catalyzing equity and systems change, the program aims to impact classrooms, schools, homes, and communities. 

AmeriCorps is built on public school and out-of-school-time (OST) partnerships, with service sites hosting AmeriCorps fellows, who often act as liaisons for students and their families between public schools and out-of-school-time (OST) programs.  

Aiming to expand host sites' capacity to serve multi-language students and families holistically, key partners, including Massachusetts Service Alliance, Lynn, Salem, and Gloucester Public Schools, New American Association of Massachusetts, Gregg Neighborhood House, RAW Art Works, and LEAP for Education, align with United Way's Early Education and Out-of-School-Time (EEOST) strategies and our emerging Community Schools work.  

The UWMB AmeriCorps Program focuses on coaching, growth, and professional development, serving as a pathway into the professional world for fellows beyond their impact on students. The program’s minimum education requirement for service is a high school degree, offering more young people experience and career exploration. This often aligns with our United Way Youth and Young Adults Pathways impact area, promoting holistic development and career exploration for young people through a variety of paths. 

Over the past five years, 46% of alumni entered public education or the non-profit sector, 36% pursued higher education, and 18% served multiple terms. Our program strives to have fellows reflect the diversity of the students they serve through local recruitment. In the 2023-2024 program year, 100% of our AmeriCorps fellows are or have been residents and community members of the North Shore, where they serve. 

The program's success stories highlight the community’s rich diversity. Meet Leigha Hubisz, a Salem State University graduate serving at Collins Middle School and LEAP for Education. Silvie Prinston, currently completing her degree at UMass Boston with a focus on sociology, philosophy, and public policy, is in her second year at the New American Center (NAC). Sarah Chamberlain, a former fellow, graduated in International Studies focusing on ethics and social justice and has been working at United Way as a member of the Community Impact staff team for three years. 

Leigha, uncertain about her career, took a gap year to gain clarity. With help from programs like the College Success Program, which supports low-income, first-generation students like herself and LEAP for Education, where she received assistance with college applications, she explored AmeriCorps as her next step. 

After graduating, Leigha became an AmeriCorps Fellow in September 2023, choosing a local placement in Salem to give back to her community. In her unique role, she serves at Collins Middle School in Salem during the day and LEAP’s Expanding Horizons Middle School Program (which takes place in the Collins Middle School building) after-school.  

“To become a fellow, you must complete training, professional development, and complete 1,700 service hours from September to July. The application process mirrors a job interview, applying for the position and undergoing interviews. Fellows receive a bi-weekly stipend, In-depth professional development, health and wellness benefits, Segal Education Award, federal student loan forbearance, and more during service,” explained Hubisz.  

Through her dual role, Leigha supports multilingual students, helping them build confidence in their English language skills and navigate the challenges of adolescence. “Guiding teenagers through the challenges I faced as a high schooler, offering them advice amidst the middle school drama, is deeply fulfilling,” said Hubisz. Despite her science background, Leigha has embraced youth development and social-emotional learning. 

AmeriCorps became her career platform and support to pursue her interests, empowering her to redefine her goals. "AmeriCorps was a steppingstone to help me find my career path. I see it as a career readiness training program," said Hubisz.  Leigha's ongoing impact in her community inspires others, showing how programs like AmeriCorps can catalyze personal and professional development, and deeply impact students and fellows alike.  

Leigha emphasizes the importance of mentorship and leadership in career navigation. “This program changed who I am. While I didn't initially envision pursuing a career in education, I am now considering non-traditional education pathways, currently focusing on similar nonprofit organizations, as I decide whether to pursue my master's degree,” said Hubisz.  

Likewise, Silvie Prinston exemplifies the program's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Silvie is currently serving her second year with AmeriCorps at the New American Center (NAC).Silvie was born in Florida but raised in Haiti. When the earthquake struck in 2010, she briefly moved back to the US for six months before returning to Haiti to finish school. During this time, she and her sister learned English, which they used as a secret language back home. After graduating high school in 2020, Silvie headed back to the US for college. She is completing her degree at UMass Boston focusing on sociology, philosophy, and public policy. 

Supporting herself since then, Silvie went from Walmart to a fulfilling role in human services, where she found joy in working with children at an after-school program. While searching for similar opportunities, she discovered a job position at NAC-AmeriCorps on Indeed. After being hired, she joined AmeriCorps in 2022, where she supports K-12 students through after-school and school vacation week programs, offering mentoring, career exploration, and academic assistance. “With the elementary students, our focus is on schoolwork help, language skills, and crafts. For middle and high schoolers, we emphasize personal and professional development, including financial literacy,” explained Prinston.  

Using her life experience and language skills, Silvie assists Haitian Creole-speaking students and their families, fostering a sense of belonging and community. “Being a newcomer can be very isolating. Bridging that gap is incredibly gratifying. Speaking Haitian Creole and French allows me to help a broad range of kids, including those who share my nationality and blood. It's rewarding on both ends,” said Prinston.  

Recognizing that her immigrant experience differs from the typical path to citizenship for many Haitians, Silvie acknowledges the importance of organizations like NAC in supporting individuals with diverse backgrounds. “We’re both immigrants, but our paths are entirely different, that's why it's so important to have places like this to accommodate different stories. That's why we're the new Americans,” said Prinston.  

Silvie hopes to continue her work at NAC, recognizing the tangible impact they've had on people's lives. “AmeriCorps helped me narrow my focus to specifically work with immigrant children and confirmed my desire to work in refugee and settlement services,” said Prinston, “There's a noticeable impact that happens with the work we do. We provide them with opportunities that respect their cultural backgrounds, ensuring it doesn't disrupt their lives or belittle their traditions." 

Sarah Chamberlain, a dedicated former AmeriCorps fellow, graduated with a major in International Studies focusing on ethics and social justice in spring 2020. As the pandemic unfolded, she sought purpose through service and joined AmeriCorps, ultimately placed in Lynn English High School. Driven by her passion for social justice, she discovered her calling in supporting multilingual students, actively bridging educational gaps. 
 

Despite virtual hurdles, she navigated the complexities, fostering connections beyond academics. “I speak French, and there wasn’t much capacity to support students speaking it as their primary language it. I ended up having my schedule switched around to include additional classes with Haitian Creole speakers, allowing me to use my French background for better communication. This was especially beneficial for newcomers with limited English, allowing me to offer crucial support during their transition,” said Chamberlain.  

Through AmeriCorps, she delved into the heart of community challenges, fostering connections, and witnessing resilience amidst adversity, thus making AmeriCorps her avenue for change. “AmeriCorps allowed me to engage deeply with the challenges facing students, families, and educators. Being present in virtual spaces with all three, I gained firsthand insight into the incredible accomplishments and the daunting obstacles. Despite learning in a non-native language and adapting to unfamiliar formats, their determination and eagerness to learn were truly inspiring,” said Chamberlain. 

As her AmeriCorps service year came to an end, she became involved in the Summer Step Up initiative at United Way, focusing on community engagement. Gradually taking on more responsibilities, she transitioned into a permanent role within Summer Step Up, where she has been for three years. “My experience with AmeriCorps not only allowed me to engage deeply with the challenges facing students, families, and educators but also provided a platform for long-term commitment and growth within the United Way and Summer Step Up,” said Sarah.  

Sarah Chamberlain's transition from AmeriCorps to her role at United Way showcases the smooth incorporation of service into professional development. Her trajectory highlights the essential contribution of programs like AmeriCorps in fostering leaders, equipping them to navigate intricate community dynamics with empathy and dedication. 

The UWMB AmeriCorps Program is more than just an educational initiative; it's a beacon of hope and opportunity for multilingual learners across the region. AmeriCorps fellows empower students, fostering academic growth and social-emotional development. Their stories echo resilience, hope, and the promise of inclusive education pathways. With collaborative efforts and a shared vision of equity, this program uplifts communities, transforming lives one student at a time. As we look towards the future, together, let's continue nurturing talent and fostering inclusive spaces for all to thrive. 

The New American Center (Lynn): The New American Association of Massachusetts (NAAM) assists refugees and immigrants in integrating into American society, to promote economic stability while preserving their cultural identities. They have partnered with United Way through the AmeriCorps Program, the Migrant Relief Fund and are now part of our RFP portfolio- 124 grantee partners over 7 years.  
LEAP for Education (Lynn & Salem) empowers underserved students for social and economic mobility through personal, educational, and career development. They offer out-of-school time (OST) programming from middle school to post-secondary education. Maintaining a strong partnership with United Way participating in initiatives like ASOST. 

To learn more about the United Way AmeriCorps Program, visit our webpage

If you, or someone you know is interested in applying to be a fellow, our 2024-2025 application can be found here.

Please contact fbintoujallow@supportunitedway.org with any questions!