By executive director Deb Salls
At College Possible Minnesota, we strive to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our AmeriCorps coaches year-round. March 11-15, 2024, otherwise known as AmeriCorps Appreciation Week, we call special attention to the impact coaches make on the students they serve and the College Possible organization as a whole.
AmeriCorps coaches at College Possible provide direct service to students, helping them persist through graduation in numbers that exceed those of their peers from similar backgrounds. Coaches are mentors, cheerleaders and the reason College Possible is able to provide the highest level of service to more than 5,000 students annually. As we reflect on the significance of service and the pivotal role played by College Possible AmeriCorps coaches, we are inspired and humbled by their contributions.
In our 24 years, College Possible has been fortunate to have hundreds of young professionals with fresh ideas, innovative perspectives, and a passion for educational equity come through our program. While we exist to provide educational advancement and success for students, we also understand that in working with young professionals, providing opportunities for growth and leadership is an investment in the future success and sustainability of the organization. That investment has created thousands of ripples throughout our state and nation as College Possible AmeriCorps alumni have moved forward from their service to become vital changemakers and advocates in the community.
We are grateful to be part of a larger community of AmeriCorps organizations from across the state where more than 2,000 dedicated individuals serve Minnesota and address the greatest challenges facing our communities. I was fortunate to recently meet AmeriCorps alumni and current director of Americorps State and National, Sonali Nijhawan. Thank you to all who are serving College Possible and other innovative organizations across our state and country that are making a meaningful impact on the issues our communities need to address.
The gift of time is truly invaluable, and College Possible Minnesota extends our deepest gratitude to those whose presence serves to benefit the students we serve, building a brighter, more inclusive future. We are grateful to be an organization championing the transformative power of service, knowing that by lifting others, we elevate ourselves and our communities to greater heights.
