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. Our AmeriCorps program has grown from just four full-time and two part-time AmeriCorps members to thirteen full-time members! We are thrilled that our growth has allowed GLC to expand our outreach within the community.

At School: 

One Corps Member is assigned to each of our five partner schools: Barcroft Elementary, 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 these unique partnerships, 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 (APAH), Buchanan Gardens Apartments (APAH) and Virginia Gardens Apartments (AHC, Inc.).   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:

“Greenbrier Learning Center has taught me so much about volunteering with youth in a non-profit atmosphere. The kids here are so wonderful and I really enjoy being able to help and support them every day in the Learning ROCKS! program and at Claremont Elementary School. I’ve learned more about myself in these 6 months here at Greenbrier than I ever thought I would. These skills that I’m developing will definitely help me with whatever career path I choose to travel down after this experience."– Jenna Smead, Leesburg, Virginia

“During my first week, I learned that there are two things that Greenbrier never has a short supply of: love and strawberry milk!”–Sarah Levin, Philadelphia, PA  

“My time with Greenbrier Learning Center has been a learning experience for both my children and I. As the children grow and learn I’ve learned and grown with them; they truly inspire you day in and day out. Coming home exhausted at the end of a long day with the kids, your first thoughts often return to the smiling faces you just left behind.” – Nick Reynolds, Maitland, Florida  

“Living in Columbia Grove, and serving at Campbell Elementary and Greenbrier Learning Center, I really feel like part of the Arlington and Greenbrier communities. We have an awesome, supportive staff and AmeriCorps team who are passionate about making an impact and working with children. While there are definitely stressful, crazy moments, there are lots of silly, happy, fun, rewarding moments too! I hope to work with kids in the future and my experiences at GLC have given me a great introduction."– Laura DiScenna, Cleveland, Ohio  

“I never thought I would be so at ease working with elementary school aged children. My time with Greenbrier has not only made me extremely comfortable in an educational environment working with kids, it has shown me that whatever I endeavor in my future, I want to be around kids. The children I interact with every day when I am in Barcroft Elementary School or Greenbrier’s after school program are always surprising me with their capacity to learn new things. Not only do I get to watch them learn, but they are constantly teaching me new things. Especially new ways to do long division!"– Riti Herring, New Canaan, Connecticut

“What I love the most about Greenbrier and my position is helping people realize that they can accomplish so much no matter what their situation is. I love that this community is filled with resources for both young and old and I get satisfaction from seeing people empower themselves by utilizing these resources to get ahead."– Stefany Ruiz, Washington, D.C.