AmeriCorps Expanded Learning (EXL) provides safe and inclusive learning environments that foster positive relationships to support the whole student. Our ultimate purpose is to provide supports to students that positively impact their daily lives now and throughout their futures.
EXL Tutor/Mentor J.X. Wilson Elementary School, 2025-2026:
“In the few short weeks I have been here, I have grown to really love this school and its students. Whether they are asking for my help with homework or them telling me about their hard day, each time they confide in me I know that just my listening is making a big difference in their lives.”
Since 1998, AmeriCorps EXL has supported schools across Sonoma County first under the leadership of Sonoma State University, and for the last 10 years, through the Napa County Office of Education. In the 2023–24 program year, we proudly marked our 25th anniversary. Our members continue to support students, schools, and communities every day.
Member service opportunities for AmeriCorps EXL are in Napa County and Santa Rosa, CA. There are two different roles for its members: Social & Emotional Learning Mentors and Academic Tutors.
“Every day we work with the kids on being kind to their peers while playing the game, encouraging others, and involving everyone in the game… This has made me realize the importance of active recess time. Even if we don’t speak the same language or understand each other very well, we can absolutely still play together… recess is a time of inclusion… and I’m working more and more every day to make it this way and involve as many students as possible.”
EXL Fellow Meadow View Elementary School, 2025-2026
“In my tutoring groups, so many of the students look forward to being there. They enjoy being with their peers in a smaller group setting, as well as the safe space I have created. I have even been told by a couple teachers how tutoring has been beneficial to their students’ reading. It is a reward in itself to watch these students grow.”
Benefits of AmeriCorps EXL Service
- Leadership & Mentorship
- Education
- Lesson planning
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- And more!
- Receive professional development training
- Serve alongside a cohort of AmeriCorps members
- Receive an education award of up to $10,000 after completing your service
Benefits Include:
- Monthly living stipend of $2727.50 over 11 months (for 1700hr/month position)
- Segal Education Award and CA For All Education Award totaling over $10,000 (1700 hr member)
- Health Benefits, Childcare Assistance (if applicable)
- Student loan deferment and interest repayment
- Professional development and experiential learning
- And more!
Application Timeline
Full-Time, 1700-Hour and 900-Hour positions (Part-Time)
- April-July: Applications accepted for 1700 hr. members
- April-July: Applications accepted for 900 hr. members
*Disclaimer: If you are interested in applying but the application deadline has past, please reach out to the EXL Program Coordinator. Lindsey Estes: lestes@napacoe.org or text (707) 492-0638
“When I applied [for] AmeriCorps, I wanted a position where I could gain experience working with students in a classroom setting… As an expanded learning mentor, I couldn’t ask for a better position to gain this experience in. When I applied to a school psychology graduate program, I wrote about how much this job has prepared me in my statement of purpose. I got into the program, and I know this [experience] is a major reason for that.”
Sonoma County Partner School Sites
“…As an AmeriCorps Expanded Learning Youth Tutor and Mentor, I tutor students in literacy and math, mentor them toward social-emotional skills, and cultivate positivity- showing them how to face challenges with patience, humility and determination.”
“AmeriCorps has so many different avenues to travel down. It is a stepping stone in expanding your experience working with others and working in a different industry.”
Have you served with AmeriCorps Expanded Learning, CalSERVES, Project Scholars, or COOL School?
Visit our AmeriCorps EXL Alumni Network website at www.EXLAmeriCorpsAlumni.com, where you can create an account to engage with other alumni and stay connected to the program.
Visit our AmeriCorps Friends of CalSERVES Facebook group where you can other alumni and stay connected to the program.