Our stories
Read a collection of stories and learn from the perspectives and experiences of our City Year AmeriCorps members, students, partners and alums.
![long view of a library](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CityYearKansasCity-InSchool-elliothaney-1420-585x332.jpg)
During the class reading time, Jolene would cringe when it was her turn to read out loud and often didn’t…
Read the story![an elementary student raises his hand with excitement](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CYLA-2016-elliothaney-142-of-562-585x332.jpg)
All of the standardized tests my students will be taking soon are rigorous, and for third graders represents a certain…
Read the story![city year americorps member sitting with two students doing work as they sit at a large table outside in the school courtyard](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CYLA-93rdStElem-05.18-EHaney-0041-585x332.jpg)
From the start, I knew that in order to be successful, I needed to develop positive relationships with my teammates,…
Read the story![AmeriCorps members dancing and singing into a microphone](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CHICityYearChicagoGala-Elliothaney-April23-0074-585x332.jpg)
This year, City Year Chicago’s Civic Engagement team organized a spectacular day of service at the Marie Curie Metropolitan High…
Read the story![A team of three AmeriCorps members walk away from the playground](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CYLA-MendezHS-05.18-EHaney-0103-585x332.jpg)
Leading initiatives and planning events are two key components of the City Year AmeriCorps member role. Learn more about these…
Read the storyService to cause greater than self is one of City Year’s values. As a parent and educator, I have realized…
Read the story![Two elementary students pose for the camera](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CY-SanAntonio-2016-elliothaney-78-of-161-585x332.jpg)
Between the minutes of my first and second alarm, I think of how warm my bed is until my mind…
Read the story![A city year americorps member at a chalkboard showing a math problem to two high school students](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CYDC-JohnsonMS-05.18-EHaney-0020-585x332.jpg)
Their multi-year gift, given at the highest level in City Year’s history, is catalyzing the organization’s ability to deepen its…
Read the story![Atwood family photo](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/TheAtwoodFamily-585x332.jpg)
At every stage of City Year’s history, Kristen and Jim Atwood and their family have invested passion, resources and countless…
Read the story![](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Cohen-with-Philly-AmeriCorps-members-585x332.jpg)
For more than two decades, David has worked to advance national service opportunities for America’s young people.
Read the story![Diana Davis Spencer photo](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Diana-Davis-Spencer_horizontal-585x332.jpg)
The themes of mentorship and education have shaped both Diana Davis Spencer’s life and the areas of focus for her…
Read the story![](https://www.cityyear.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Driver-at-Summit-585x332.jpg)
Dr. Darienne Driver has led Wisconsin’s largest school district since she was appointed in 2014 at age 36, making her…
Read the story