OWATONNA – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s AmeriCorps Learning Early Achieves Potential Initiative is seeking qualified candidates to fill five open positions. SMIF recently received continued funding from ServeMinnesota to host 20 full-time equivalent AmeriCorps positions focused on school readiness; 15 of the 20 FTE AmeriCorps positions have been filled.

The 2015-16 AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative service term is an 11-month commitment beginning with an orientation mid-August and ending July 15, 2016. LEAP focuses specifically on building social-emotional learning skills to prepare children for kindergarten readiness and promoting routine reading at home. All applicants receive a living allowance and Segal education award ($5,730 for FTE members and $2,865 for part time equivalent members) that can be used to pay off student loans or tuition and books costs at local colleges. A health care or child care benefit is also available if needed. LEAP participants will be trained prior to site engagement during a three-day orientation retreat in August.

Barbara Gunderson, SMIF’s AmeriCorps LEAP Director, lists the following as the top three reasons to consider applying.

Experience life-changing growth while earning funds for college education and/or paying off student loan debt.

Make a difference by giving preschool children social-emotional support and helping them development critical skills for Kindergarten success.

Developing professional and personal leadership skills that will last a lifetime.

“AmeriCorps members prove to be better workers and citizens in society,” said Minnesota Senator Al Franken at the AmeriCorps awards announcements. Currently, there are 75,000 AmeriCorps members serving across the nation.

Available SMIF AmeriCorps LEAP positions are located in Albert Lea, Fairmont, Le Center, Mankato, New Ulm, Northfield, St. Peter, Sherburn and Waseca.

Applications are due Aug. 15, but those who are interested are encouraged to apply early. To learn more about requirements, member duties, benefits and how to apply, visit the application link at www.smifoundation.org or call 507-455-3215.