Wake Forest University today announced that it was selected by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) for a new partnership with AmeriCorps VISTA designed to encourage participation in national service opportunities. Shelley Sizemore, Director of Community Partnerships for the Office of Civic & Community Engagement, will assume the responsibilities of campus recruiter immediately.

“Just like college, a year of service can be a life-changing experience,” said Desiree Tucker-Sorini, director of AmeriCorps VISTA. “With this new pilot program, we’ll be able to explore the combined power of higher education and national service. I’m thrilled to welcome Wake Forest University to our national service family.”

As an AmeriCorps Campus Recruiter, Sizemore will promote National Service throughout the Piedmont-Triad area and develop support relationships with surrounding universities and colleges. She will assist local institutions with their examination and improvement of efforts to maximize public responsiveness and recognition of AmeriCorps VISTA service opportunities, and increase the number of applicants applying service opportunities associated with those communities by hosting information sessions on national service and promoting service opportunities at events. 

As a former AmeriCorps VISTA with Rebuilding Together in Washington, D.C., Sizemore is no stranger to the program, and the realm of national service. “My time as an Americorps VISTA member has been foundational to my commitment to civic and community engagement,” Sizemore explained upon the announcement. “I am excited for the opportunity to serve as a resource to students and community members interested in pursuing opportunities for national service and look forward to the opportunity to share my passion for national service with our region.”

With Sizemore’s appointment Wake Forest University is one of eight institutions to be awarded the position, open to all United States two- and four-year higher education institutions with at least 5,000 undergraduate students. WFU joins Rochester Institute of Technology, Tufts University, University of Hawaii, University of Montana, University of Rochester, University of Virginia, and Utah State University.

To learn more about national service, please connect with Sizemore via email or in person at Benson University Center, or visit our website.

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