Started in the 2009-10 school year, GLC’s innovative Learning Links AmeriCorps Program is designed to support all goals and objectives of our signature Learning ROCKS! afterschool and summer program while going one step further – providing continuity of services across the three main aspects of a child’s daily experience: at school, after school, and in the community / at home.  Corps Members each dedicate one year / 1,700 hours of community service to supporting south Arlington’s students. 

At School: 

One Corps Member is assigned to each of our four partner schools: Campbell Elementary, Carlin Springs Elementary, Claremont Immersion Elementary, and Randolph Elementary.  There, they each provide six hours/week of individual tutoring, small group instruction, serving as a classroom aide, or other direct service that helps the school.  Through this unique partnership, Corps Members participate in Arlington Public Schools’ new teacher orientation at the start of each year, professional development and in-service opportunities at their respective schools, and trainings conducted by school professionals. 

After School:

Corps Members are active members of GLC’s team, planning and implementing activities for the Learning ROCKS! afterschool program, including providing homework help and designing new lessons.  Together with our staff, Corps Members help make up our Community of Practice by which we all work hard at becoming better practitioners, sharing ideas, resources, and addressing challenges together. 

In the Community:

Corps Members plan and implement youth and family activities at Columbia Grove Apartments, an Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) property.  Each Wednesday evening, Corps Members engage the children of residents in activities that are designed to foster healthy habits – literacy, nutrition, physical activity, and more.  And, through this unique partnership with APAH, Corps Members have the opportunity to also live at Columbia Grove.  By living in the community they serve, Corps Members actually become an integral part of the community – and provide seamless services for our children across three aspects of their lives: at school, after school, and at home / in the community. 

What our Corps Members say about their year of service:

“AmeriCorps and serving at Greenbrier has met all my expectations and beyond. Greenbrier encompasses all of my interests: youth, academia, service, community, and empowerment! A year of service after graduating from college was the perfect decision for me and will help me transition into bigger and better things!" – Meghan Gregg, Tallahassee, FL

“I have always had a passion for service and I used to approach it as a responsibility or obligation. But what my time at Greenbrier has shown me is that, while it is our duty to give back, service should truly be viewed as a reciprocal opportunity and privilege for all parties involved. I've gained so much during my service term- I am a part of a great team of individuals who contribute diverse experiences and talents. I also get to serve an amazingly bright group of children who are full of potential and promise; if they've gained even just a fraction of what I've received from them, I can count my time at GLC as a success." – Lindsay Southard, Atlanta, GA  

“Working with AmeriCorps has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I’ve learned just as much about myself as I have about non-profit work and the vital role it plays in child development. Watching the kids at Greenbrier Learning Center and Randolph Elementary grow over the year has been an incredible experience and the smiles on their faces will stay with me forever.” – Mary Knox Zealy, Greensboro, NC  

“This year has been a wonderful experience filled with many challenges and newly gained insight about all the significant components necessary to allow a non-profit to function systematically. I have learned so much from my co-workers, my students, my community while at Greenbrier and am truly thankful and fortunate to be part of this organization." – Neha Mistry, Silver Spring, MD  

“Becoming an AmeriCorps Learning Links member with Greenbrier Learning Center has undoubtedly been the right step toward my career goals, and has only solidified my commitment to working with children and youth. I could not have asked for a more perfect opportunity to work with and for the people I do!” – Dana Smith, Greensboro, NC    

“I love the community that I’ve formed here at Greenbrier. The other AmeriCorps members, staff, kids and volunteers have formed a really cohesive group. Working with the kids has helped me develop and use leadership skills that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” – Kara Kottemann, St. Louis, MO