PMSC Member Highlight

Currently serving his third AmeriCorps term, PMSC member Brayden Smith is turning his AmeriCorps experience into a career! He shared in his story of service for his previous service term, “This year has made me take the next step and start college to be a teacher and I cannot wait.”

Brayden came into the program after his girlfriend, also currently serving in the program, encouraged him to give it a try. Over the past 2 years, Brayden has worked with students at the Conemaugh Township Middle School/High School, increasing their academic performance and supporting students in the often difficult transition from elementary to middle school. The experiences he has had with AmeriCorps have helped him understand that he wants to pursue being a teacher. He is currently enrolled at Penn Highlands College and plans to transfer after 2 years to UPJ or somewhere the benefits him most. Brayden’s future plans are to become a teacher and teach where he grew up.

#PMSCAmeriCorps #AmeriCorps #GetThingsDone #memberhighlight

PMSC Alumni Highlight

Leah Murray, AmeriCorps Alum who served at Altoona Area School District in 2024-2025, had a huge shift during her term of service- for the better. Read about her experience and her life-changing journey through AmeriCorps service.

"What happens when you finally admit the path you're on isn't the right one? For me, the answer came in the form of a five-year-old with fire in his eyes and scars too old for his age—who cracked open a part of my heart I didn’t know had gone numb, and lit the way toward a life I could finally believe in. ...When I first started this [AmeriCorps] program, I was lost and confused. I was pursuing a degree in engineering, trying to prove to people that I was smart. I was chasing a career that promised money—enough to support a family and take expensive vacations. I took this position with AmeriCorps in a final, desperate attempt to clear my head. I took the AmeriCorps position because it gave me a chance to explore a field I’d never considered, just to see what else might be out there. I didn’t expect it to change my life. But it did."

Join the conversation! Help Pennsylvania develop the next three-year State Service Plan- a vision and roadmap designed to enhance volunteerism and national service across the Commonwealth.

Current AmeriCorps members and alums have a special voice to give to this process. Consider taking a short survey to share your thoughts. We also encourage our community friends and supporters to take the survey to gather information on volunteer engagement, motivation, and community impact.

Select the link that correlates to your involvement with AmeriCorps. Thank you for your time!

Member and Alum Survey- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PAAlums

General Public Volunteer & Service Survey- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PAService

Are you ready to step up in your community?! Become a PMSC AmeriCorps Member and start making a difference today!

We have full time and part time hours available, serving in a wide variety of capacities- Environmental Stewardship, Community Wellness, and Academic Success. Receive a bi-weekly stipend and education award. Plus benefits available for applicable positions.

Covering up to 15 counties, there is sure to be something in your area. Take a look at what we have to offer at https://www.pmsc.org/page/current-positions

Bring Out The Best Of America with AmeriCorps!

Apply to be a PMSC Host Site today! Our applications are open and the first round of position awards will be announced on Wednesday, July 23. Get your application in today to host an AmeriCorps member and help address critical needs in south-west and south-central PA.

Apply Online Here -> https://www.pmsc.org/page/apply-to-be-a-host-site