About Corps for a Change
Corps for a Change connects high school students to critical mental health resources while supporting a path toward academic success. AmeriCorps members are placed in schools as navigators for students, helping them boost school engagement, wellbeing, and community connections. Through a partnership with the national Youth Mental Health Corps, members also receive a Behavioral Health Credential in conjunction with their term of service.
The number of students who leave school without finishing in Colorado every year would fill Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Mental health is a key indicator of a student’s probability of graduating, and lack of mental health support can be a big contributor to a student leaving school without finishing.
2023-2024 Impact
- 861 students who were considered chronically absent were served by the program last year
- 87% 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
- Members support a caseload of 20-40 students who are considered chronically absent and are not receiving other in-school support.
- Members provide individualized support and resources to students, so they can boost school engagement, wellbeing, and community connections. Members conduct weekly one-on-one meetings to boost student success and self-advocacy.
- Members also receive micro-credential training that can lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree in partnership with the Community College of Aurora.
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.