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Our stories

Read a collection of stories and learn from the perspectives and experiences of our City Year AmeriCorps members, students, partners and alums.

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city year americorps member sitting next to a student as he does his work at a desk
Education
National service fuels a holistic approach to student and school success in our highest-need communities
October 2, 2017

Our three decades of youth development experience, along with external research, has shown that students’ academic success is directly tied…

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An elementary school student wearing a bow and a backpack high-fives several AmeriCorps members as she arrives at school on time
Education
Why City Year strives to ensure that students come to #SchoolEveryDay
September 11, 2017

Research shows that chronic absenteeism is an indicator that a student is in trouble academically and is at increased risk…

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City Year AmeriCorps member kneeling next to a student at a desk as they review work
The Corps
How City Year AmeriCorps members nurture students’ social-emotional growth — and their own.
August 28, 2017

This extended day program at Sarah Greenwood School in Boston offers students a chance to receive tutoring and extra homework…

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City Year AmeriCorps member with students on a playground
The Corps
Reflections on the “I serve” statement
July 17, 2017

At the beginning of every service year, each City Year AmeriCorps member has the opportunity to craft a personal “I…

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students are doing math problems in chalk on playground with AmeriCorps member
The Corps
Overcoming fear: mentoring’s challenges and rewards [Voices from the Field]
July 6, 2017

“What is an irrational fear you have?” This was a question I asked Manuel*, a tenth-grade student I mentored during…

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Education
Exploring growth mindset in schools. Highlight: Detroit
June 30, 2017

Learn about City Year’s ongoing efforts to integrate research-based academic and social-emotional supports in schools across the country.

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city year americorps member kneeling at a students desk in a full classroom while a teacher teaches
Benefits & Resources
Five strategies for confronting oppression [voices from the field]
May 29, 2017

As we struggle as a country to grasp why some people are given opportunities while others struggle just to get to…

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city year americorps member sitting with two students doing work as they sit at a large table outside in the school courtyard
The Corps
What do AmeriCorps members do? Build relationships to help students succeed
February 13, 2017

From the start, I knew that in order to be successful, I needed to develop positive relationships with my teammates,…

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city year americorps member pointing at something as a student looks on
Benefits & Resources
Use a gap year to strengthen your law school application
January 23, 2017

Interested in law school? One university partner believes that a gap year allows applicants the opportunity to gain valuable skills.

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A team of three AmeriCorps members walk away from the playground
The Corps
City Year AmeriCorps members own unique responsibilities as coordinators
December 22, 2016

Leading initiatives and planning events are two key components of the City Year AmeriCorps member role. Learn more about these…

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two AmeriCorps members are walking and talking with two high school students in the hallway
Benefits & Resources
3 tips for AmeriCorps alumni applying to graduate school
April 21, 2016

City Year helped me understand our education system through service in schools and through a university partnership that helped me…

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two AmeriCorps members walk together through hallway in conversation
Benefits & Resources
Top 3 soft skills employers want you to have
April 5, 2016

Read more and check the City Year blog to learn the soft skills our corps members gain through a year…

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National Strategic Partners
National Partners