COMCorps members at work.
Looking for your next career move after graduation? COMCorps offers service opportunities in Athens County that provide a stipend and an education award that can be used to pay down student loans.
Beginning Aug. 12, COMCorps members will serve approximately 38 hours each week in Athens County with schools, local nonprofits, and government agencies. In return for 1,700 hours of service, members will receive a $15,100 living allowance, a $6,345 education award that can be used for past federal loan debt or future educational expenses, and life-changing experiences.
“COMCorps strives for every member to have a transformative experience while serving. We aim to provide members with a wider perspective on societal issues, an understanding of individuals who have had a life different than their own, a better understanding of self and unique skills brought to a variety of roles, greater confidence, an understanding of trauma-informed approaches to community care, and community collaboration,” says Lauren Borovicka, COMCorps grants manager.
Major focuses of COMCorps, an AmeriCorps program housed in OHIO’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, include food insecurity, nutrition education, and emotional support for individuals living with chronic stress. Eighty percent of member time is spent at a collaborating host site, and 20 percent is spent in corps activities such as training, National Days of Service, and unified member interventions.
“COMCorps gave me an opportunity to give back to a community that enriched me for so many years. It completely changed my career path,” says Jacob Adams ’19, a psychology major.
“I joined COMCorps because I wanted a reason to stay in the community that I had grown to call home. I love it here, from the children I have worked with, to the community that I currently serve – COMCorps was the only choice for me,” says Brittney Boaz ’19, an early childhood education major.
“I have learned so much from my experience serving our community with COMCorps. When I started college in Athens, I had no idea how hard I would fall in love with Appalachia, until I did again and again. This year has shown me just how amazing this place really is, and it has been an absolute honor to serve here,” says Casey Starcher ’20, who studied sociology-criminology and psychology.
“COMCorps makes for an impactful gap year, a way to gain professional experience, and a supportive environment for graduates who aren’t sure about their next step,” says Borovicka.
As Bobcats, let’s help our students give back to a community that has given so much to them. Our application is currently live at https://www.ohio.edu/medicine/community-health/community-clinic/programs/comcorps
Help Bobcats turn their passion into purpose in COMCorps! #JoinCOMCorps
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