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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 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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long view of a library
Education
Building relationships through a shared love of reading
March 8, 2017

During the class reading time, Jolene would cringe when it was her turn to read out loud and often didn’t…

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an elementary student raises his hand with excitement
Education
Spring means serious business in our schools
March 2, 2017

All of the standardized tests my students will be taking soon are rigorous, and for third graders represents a certain…

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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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The Corps
A parent’s perspective
October 16, 2016

Service to cause greater than self is one of City Year’s values. As a parent and educator, I have realized…

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Two elementary students pose for the camera
The Corps
A day in the life of a CYSC AmeriCorps member
June 9, 2016

Between the minutes of my first and second alarm, I think of how warm my bed is until my mind…

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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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City Year San Jose Career Prep
Benefits & Resources
Preparing for life after City Year
March 11, 2016

Being a City Year AmeriCorps member is not only a transformative opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives…

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A team of three AmeriCorps members walk away from the playground
Benefits & Resources
Surviving the housing headache
March 3, 2016

Read on for advice from a City Year alum on finding housing before a year of service

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National Strategic Partners
National Partners