Additional funding received through VISTA AmeriCorps has led to an enhanced partnership between Siena and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region.
Allison Schultz, director of Siena’s Center for Academic Community Engagement (ACE), said the COVID relief-based funding will allow for 15-20 Siena students to work for United Way partners in various capacities during the summer and academic year.
One of their first outreach efforts will be to work on the summer food distribution program in the Albany area. The full-time positions will provide a living stipend and an educational award. Start dates for the service terms are June 7 and July 6.
The United Way will continue to connect with other nonprofits in the area to explore other service options for Siena students.
A delegation from Siena met with United Way leadership on May 26 at the Blake Annex on North Pearl Street in downtown Albany to sign the partnership agreement. The Annex is a new coworking space aimed at advancing the Capital Region’s nonprofit sector with integrated resources, office space, and programming.
“This will be a great skill-building opportunity for students who care about important community issues. It will also help them appreciate the challenges that the COVID pandemic has placed on children and families in the Capital Region.”
Allison Schultz, director of Siena’s Center for Academic Community Engagement (ACE)
“The AmeriCorps VISTA funding will take this partnership to the next level. We’re already seeing remarkable results, and now the College will be able to enter into even more community engaged programming.”
President Chris Gibson ’86 Ph.D.
“This mutual partnership represents a coming together to lift each other up for the greater good of our community."
Peter Gannon, United Way president and CEO
