255 City Year AmeriCorps Members Conclude Year Of Service In Philadelphia With Graduation Ceremony
By Dan Wing
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter gave the commencement speech at Temple University Friday evening for this year's City Year graduates.
The 255 City Year AmeriCorps members graduating had just wrapped up a year of service, helping Philadelphia 3rd through 9th grade students as full-time mentors, tutors, and role models. Mayor Nutter praised the students, calling their work vital as the city undergoes a school budget crisis.
"They really are our partners in this work. Their enthusiasm is contagious, their leadership is strong, and it's just a rock solid organization and I appreciate them a great deal."
Nutter also says the City Year members are a vital asset to the city, as they spend a lot of time in Philadelphia schools.
"To really share with decision makers what's really going on in some of our schools, and quite frankly what's going on in some of our schools is negative to the educational outcomes of young people. The lack of resources, the lack of staff."
Since the City Year program was brought to Philadelphia in 1997, more than 3,000 members have provided over 4.5 million hours of service at local schools.
