Member Experience

Each Summer, young professionals from all over the country join Alpine Achievers Initiative to dedicate a year of service to the youth of South-Central Colorado. We strive to provide our members with a year full of lessons and experiences they will carry into the rest of their lives.

Each member’s day-to-day experience will look different depending on the site they are placed. We serve multiple sites in various communities that have different challenges. Upon placing members, we look at their education, the age groups they enjoy working with, and other factors to decide their best fit.

Examples of Member Service:

• In-school academic support

• Out-of-School Time Programs (after school, alternative break camps, B2B, V2V)

• Support of outside organizations with similar missions to AAI’s

To get an idea of a day in the life of an AmeriCorps member, check out this video of one of our alumni, Ally Stone!

During the course of the year, AmeriCorps members are provided with opportunities for professional growth. They receive on-the-ground experience at their sites where they learn networking, professional communication, collaboration, and more. Below are additional opportunities we provide.

RETREATS

Throughout the year, the cohort gathers to train and learn from each other. Retreats are usually 3-7 days long where the members step away from their normal service to learn ways to enhance their service with AAI from trainers and collaboration with each other.

LIFE AFTER SERVICE PREP

AAI strives to make our members’ transitions out of the AmeriCorps program as smooth as possible. We provide preparation that includes:

• Using your AmeriCorps Education Award

• Building your resume

• Writing cover letters

• Applying for jobs

TRAININGS

Our members are required to receive various trainings throughout the year to assist them in their service. Examples of trainings include:

• Restorative Practices

• Safe Zone Training

• Mental Health First Aid

• Mandatory Reporter Training

• Behavior Management

• Trauma-Informed Care

• Wilderness First Aid (optional at an additional cost)

THE COHORT

A huge part of the AAI AmeriCorps experience is that it is done alongside the other AmeriCorps members! Our members are given opportunities to bond throughout the term and often spend time together outside of AAI.

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE

• Health Insurance

• SNAP Food Benefits

• LEAP Energy Assistance

MEMBER ADVENTURES

Each year, our members are given the option
to participate in AAI-facilitated outdoor adventures. These may include:

• • • Camping Trips

    • Backpacking Trips

    • Winter Snowshoe Trips

    • Rock Climbing Trips

    • River Trips