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.
Ana Eveleigh (EXL Mentor, Shearer Elementary School, 2020-21):
“I know I am changed because of these relationships [with the students], and I hope that these connections will stay with and guide my students for years to come.”
AmeriCorps EXL serves both Napa and Sonoma counties at 15 different school sites! EXL first began supporting schools in Sonoma County under the leadership of Sonoma State University in 1998. In the 2023-24 program year, we are celebrating our 25th anniversary.
AmeriCorps EXL has two different roles for its members: Social & Emotional Learning Mentors and Literacy & Math Tutors.
“A first grader [I tutor] had not been doing a lot of her work prior to coming to Cool School. Now, she asks me every day if we can go read, begs to read extra books, and always talks about how much fun it is to read. Seeing how excited she gets makes me really happy, and I am so proud of her for how hard she works to improve her reading skills.”
Benefits of AmeriCorps EXL Service
Throughout their service term, AmeriCorps EXL members will gain skills in the following:
- Leadership & Mentorship
- Education
- Lesson planning
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- And more!
As an AmeriCorps EXL member, you will:
- Receive professional development training
- Serve alongside a cohort of AmeriCorps members
- Receive an education award of up to $10,000 after completing your service
Printable Expanded Learning Flyer – PDF (new window)
Service Year at a Glance
- August: The service year begins!
- October: Make a Difference Day of Service
- January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
- March: AmeriCorps Appreciation Week — Cesar Chavez Day of Service
- June: End of service term
Application Timeline
Full-Time, 1700-Hour Service Term:
- March: Applications open for the next service term
- March-July: Applications accepted on a rolling basis for full-time members
- August to June or September to July: 11-month service term
Half-Time, 900-Hour Service Term:
- October: Applications open for 900-hour service term
- October-January: Applications accepted on a rolling basis for half-time members
- February-July: 6-month service term
If we do not fill all of our full-time positions, we offer 6-month positions beginning in January.
*Disclaimer: If you are interested in applying but the application deadline has past, please reach out to the EXL Program Coordinator.
“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.”
Napa County Partner School Sites
Sonoma County Partner School Sites
“My favorite memory would be sharing my background with my mentees. Connecting with them and seeing how we’re not that different, no matter what age, demographic, or background we’re from. We can all make connections.”
“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.