Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about becoming a Reading Assist Fellow?

Get answers to help guide your decision.

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and more.

Yes. But we recommend fellows take no more than two classes while serving.

Yes. Many fellows work part-time jobs after their regular service day to earn extra money toward their expenses.

Fellows are expected to travel to their school sites every school day to serve their students. There is no mileage reimbursement for this travel.

While not required, access to a car makes it easier to travel around the Wilmington area and to schools. Schools and training sites are accessible via public transportation, but travel times may be significantly longer.

Fellows are responsible for securing their own housing. Helpful resources to find apartments in the Wilmington area include:

Apartmentguide.com
Delaware Housing Search

  • A $1,500/month living allowance ($1,000/month if part-time) 
  • A $4,000-$4,200 education award (determined by the Pell Grant) upon successful completion of 1,200 service hours 
  • Student loan deferment 
  • Professional certification in reading intervention 
  • Resume-building professional experience 
  • Education sector exposure 
  • Health benefits (if needed) 
  • Childcare (if needed) 

*Members who are 55 years of age or older when they begin service may gift the education award to a child or grandchild.

Yes, available for full-time members.

Fellows may receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the required number of service hours. You can apply the award to educational costs, such as federal student loans, college tuition, and educational supplies. 

Reading Assist’s partner schools are located in the Wilmington area, including downtown Wilmington, Elsmere, and New Castle. 

Schools include:  

  • Academia Antonia Alonso 
  • Carrie Downie Elementary School 
  • Castle Hills Elementary School 
  • Charter School of New Castle 
  • Harry O. Eisenberg Elementary School 
  • Kathleen Wilbur Elementary School 
  • Kuumba Academy 
  • New Castle Elementary School 
  • Pleasantville Elementary School 
  • Southern Elementary School 
  • Wilmington Manor Elementary School

Fellows receive more than 60 hours of training in the accredited Reading Assist Intervention Program. Training typically begins in mid-August and runs through mid-September. Full-time training is 8-3 pm (part-time must attend full-time training).  Fellows will learn the science of reading and practice curriculum to teach children with language-based learning disabilities.

All fellows are assigned a coach. Reading Assist coaches are experienced literacy experts. Coaches are available to counsel fellows about the reading intervention curriculum, help them navigate issues with students, oversee students’ progress, and help the fellow to adjust instruction as needed.

All fellows are placed in schools with at least one other fellow