About Corps for a Change
Corps for a Change launched in 2015 and supports high school students by addressing barriers to learning and helping students increase a sense of belonging at school and in their community. AmeriCorps members are placed in schools as advocates for students, helping them navigate academic and non-academic needs.
The number of students who leave school without finishing in Colorado every year would fill Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Engagement and interest in school are key indicators of a student’s probability of graduating.
2022-2023 Impact
- 1,612 students who were considered chronically absent were served by the program last year–a 70% increase on the students served in the previous school year.
- 76% of students grew in school engagement and social emotional skills, as measured through a pre and post Development Assets Profile.
Why This Work Matters
- In 2019, 22% of Colorado students were chronically absent. By spring 2023, nearly one third were missing enough school to put them at risk academically and for the long-term consequences of not completing high school. Students who are low-income and from communities of color have been disproportionately affected by school disengagement (Attendance Works).
- School disengagement can be reduced when support systems monitor and promote school engagement and connections, while also addressing individual barriers and helping students increase a sense of belonging at school and in their community.
- When youth feel connected to their school, they are less likely to experience poor mental health, sexual health risks, substance use, and violence (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
How AmeriCorps Members Help
- Support a caseload of 20-40 students who are considered chronically absent and are not receiving other in-school support
- Monitor student attendance and grades while conducting weekly one-on-one meetings to boost student success and self-advocacy
- Support in-school attendance initiatives and engagement
- Connect students to resources within the school and community
Interested in Becoming a Corps for a Change Member?
For more information email: CassieD@youthforachange.org
Colorado Youth for a Change will not discriminate for or against any service member or applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, or age. Reasonable accommodation provided upon request.