PartnerCorps PRI
This program is funded by AmeriCorps through Serve KY, the Commonwealth’s state service commission dedicated to advancing Volunteerism and service.
APPALACHIAN KENTUCKYStrengthening local capabilities
In four Appalachian Kentucky high schools, PartnerCorps PRI is creating opportunities for young people to serve their communities while building skills and pathways toward postsecondary education and careers. Volunteers provide math tutoring and mentoring, and engage in community service projects.
PartnerCorps PRI volunteers support students both in and beyond the classroom, helping increase math achievement and connecting young people with postsecondary and career information.
- Bell County High School
- Knox Central High School
- Leslie County High School
- Perry County Central High School
PARTNERCORPSHow volunteers serve
Tutoring
Mentoring
Youth engagement
Service learning
Parent partnership
What volunteers receive
Each year the program supports approximately 40 adult and 24 high school student volunteers. Education awards can be used for college tuition, school supplies or other education-related costs.
Adult volunteers
$22,000
living allowance per year
$7,395
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Student volunteers
$6,000
living allowance
Nearly $2,000
education award
Our history
We designed PartnerCorps to help rural communities fill program and practitioner gaps while creating meaningful service opportunities for young people.
While many service programs like the Peace Corps and other AmeriCorps initiatives give young people opportunities to experience and serve communities beyond their own, PartnerCorps is rooted in the power of local people and local knowledge. Most PartnerCorps volunteers serve in their home communities, drawing on their existing relationships and understanding of place to support young people in reaching their educational goals and building academic skills.
PartnerCorps began in 2013, when a team of local volunteers began serving in two rural high schools in Appalachian Kentucky. By 2014, the second year of the program, Leslie County High School recorded the highest average ACT score among juniors in the school’s history. Attendance also improved for the second consecutive year.
In 2022–23, 80% of seniors at PartnerCorps PRI schools completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
90%
College and Career Readiness rate at Leslie County High School in 2014
99%
Graduation rate at Leslie County High School that same year
89%
FAFSA completion rate at Bell County High School — an award-winning rate, the highest in Kentucky among schools of its size
PartnerCorps PRI is an AmeriCorps program. Learn more about service opportunities on the national AmeriCorps website.
AmeriCorps is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Partner with us
We work alongside corporations, philanthropies, and public partners committed to rural communities. Let’s explore how we can build opportunity together.