South Cumberland Plateau AmeriCorps Program 2023

Since 2014, the University of the South and South Cumberland Community Fund have co-sponsored highly successful national volunteer service programs to build the capacity of local organizations to address some of our community’s most critical challenges. The nine-year-old South Cumberland Plateau AmeriCorps VISTA program, which focused on capacity building and poverty alleviation, is sunsetting in November. Our national volunteer service initiative is transitioning to AmeriCorps State/National, a direct-service volunteer program that focuses on community development.

Now in its second year, the South Cumberland Plateau AmeriCorps state/national program is innovative and transformative, exemplifying our university values while fostering civic responsibility, personal growth, professional experience, and commitment to addressing our community’s most critical challenges. 

“The SCP AmeriCorps Program aligns so well with the University's core values of Community, Inquiry, Flourishing, and Courage. It’s the perfect opportunity for students to explore these values in the community and to create positive social change,” said SCP AmeriCorps Program Director, Ashley Cheaves. “We recognize that students are motivated not only by a desire to excel academically within the classroom but also by a strong desire to make a positive difference in the world beyond. This program provides students with the tools and resources to do just that.”

SCP AmeriCorps allows tremendous flexibility in terms of both the types of volunteer service opportunities and the time commitment required of its volunteers. This flexibility makes the program accessible and attractive to university students, alumni, and local residents. They commit to volunteer terms between 300 and 1700 hours annually, serving with local organizations on community development projects. In return, these AmeriCorps volunteers receive a biweekly stipend, an education award, and professional development opportunities.  

For local community organizations, the program is transformative. SCP AmeriCorps’ goals are to improve social determinants of health through service at many different types of organizations across and surrounding the plateau. Volunteers strive to improve access to quality healthcare, expand educational opportunities from pre-K to post-secondary, promote economic stability, strengthen social and cultural networks, create healthier built environments, and more.

22’-23’ Members

Maggie Parmley, C’22 - Beersheba Springs and Tracy City Free Medical Clinics

Riley Burnette - Growing Roots and Southeast TN Young Farmers Coalition

William Cunningham, C’19 - Sewanee Housing

Presley Ratliff - Grundy County Sheriff's Department

22’-23’ Summer Associates

Jessie Atkinson C’24, Tammie Beers, Analiese Evans, Peter Haight C’24, Emma Glezer C’24, Kennedy Landis, Taylor Lathers, Mel Lee C’24, Mariah Maxam, Marley Maxam, Molly McWhorter C’25, Stewart Miller C’25, David Mohrmann C’25, Beth Riner, Rylee Tipton. 

23’-24’ Members

William Cunningham C‘19 - South Cumberland State Park Forest School

Analiese Evans - Mountain T.O.P.

Georgia Fleming C’24 - BetterFi

Peter Haight C’24 - Monteagle Elementary School 

Haley Simpson C’27 - Grundy Safe Communities Coalition

Ellanna Swope C’26 - Monteagle Elementary School

Sharon Turner - Discover Together

 

We strive to be more than just a program. The SCP AmeriCorps Program is a call to action and an opportunity to be a part of something bigger. It's a chance to direct energy, compassion, and dreams toward positive change while laying the groundwork for a better future. We are accepting member and partner applications for ‘23-’24 and ‘24-’25 program years. Contact Director Ashley Cheaves at scpamericorps@sewanee.edu for more information.