DEDO Awarded AmeriCorps VISTA Program Grant

Dover, DE (Vocus) April 1, 2010 -- The Delaware Economic Development Office was recently awarded an AmeriCorps VISTA Program grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service. The $90,585 grant will fund the placement of five full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members with the Office.

The VISTA members will support programs in workforce development, entrepreneurship, small business and Downtown Delaware. The focus of their work will be in displaced workers; new business start-ups; small, minority and women-owned businesses; and the Delaware Emerging Technology Center.

The grant will also help fund training and support for the VISTA members. DEDO will provide leadership skill development to VISTA members. These skills will help them be successful not only during their year of service, but also in their future careers and volunteer work.

“We are excited to welcome to our team the addition of five AmeriCorps VISTA members, who share our commitment to serving the needs of the business community in Delaware,” said DEDO Director Alan Levin.

The members will begin their one-year commitment on July 1, 2010. In return for their community service, members receive a living allowance upon completion of the one-year commitment and a $4,725 education award accepted at any higher education institution. The living allowance is $10,692 for Sussex and Kent County or $11,232 for New Castle County. Applicants must be at least 20 and have an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.

AmeriCorps VISTA or Volunteers in Service to America provides full-time members to nonprofit, faith-based and other community organizations, and public agencies to create and expand programs that bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members leverage human, financial, and material resources to increase the capacity of thousands of low-income areas across the country to address challenges and improve their lives and communities.

For more information, interested candidates may call 302-672-6828 or send their resumes to DEDO.Resumes (at) state (dot) de.us

About the Delaware Economic Development Office

The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. DEDO is a Certified Economic Development Organization, accredited by the International Economic Development Council. Visit dedo.delaware.gov.

Contact:

Nikki Boone

nikki.boones (at) state (dot) de.us

302-672-6857

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