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AmeriCorps in Action: PartnerCorps PRI Students Lead the Way in Kentucky Classrooms and Communities

Picture of Rian Johnson

Rian Johnson

Associate Director Content Development & LFA and Intern Supervisor, C2C Partnerships

In four Appalachian Kentucky high schools, AmeriCorps PartnerCorps PRI is doing more than offering students a service opportunity—it’s transforming how they see themselves, their futures, and the power of community. At Bell County, Knox Central, Leslie County, and Perry County Central High Schools, seniors are closing out their final year with more than credits and diplomas. They’re walking away with leadership skills, real-world experience, and financial support for college.

Through peer math tutoring, community service projects, and daily support in the classroom, these students gained confidence, communication skills, and a deep sense of purpose. Every student who completes their service earns a $6,000 living allowance and a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of nearly $2,000—money that can be used for college tuition, school supplies, or other education-related costs.

 

But the value of the program goes far beyond finances. PartnerCorps PRI builds pathways for young people—especially first-generation college students—to lead with empathy, make a difference locally, and step confidently into postsecondary life.

Bell County High School: Six Stories of Strength

At Bell County High School, six seniors served as AmeriCorps PartnerCorps PRI members—supporting peers in math, mentoring younger students, and giving back to the community through local projects. “These students have shown incredible growth,” said Tammie Sanders, site coordinator for PartnerCorps PRI at Bell County. “They’ve developed leadership skills, built strong relationships, and made a real impact both in and out of the classroom.”

Meredith Allen supported three math classrooms and found her favorite memory helping families pick out gifts through a local holiday project.

Kenna Gambrel, inspired by her sister’s service, became a trusted peer tutor in Algebra and an after-school mentor. She’s using her earnings to help with a $26,000 tuition bill—and plans to live a life of service.

Lyssa Goodin conquered her fear of public speaking and now confidently leads math problems at the board. “I used to avoid speaking in front of people,” she said. “Now I teach in front of a class.”

Ashton Jordan supported peers through academic and emotional challenges—even while navigating his own health issues. “Seeing a student I supported go from disengaged to top of his class was incredibly rewarding,” he said. He plans to study engineering.

Andrea Miracle wanted to become a teacher—and got a head start. “It’s been amazing to see how teachers teach because I want to be a teacher myself,” she said.

Cailee Pierce gained patience tutoring underclassmen and giving back through toy drives and nursing home visits. She’s saving her allowance to buy a car for college, where she’ll pursue pharmacy.

Knox Central: Building Confidence and Connection

At Knox Central, two seniors used their final year of high school to tutor classmates, support community initiatives, and build the foundation for life after graduation. “They stepped into their roles with maturity and compassion,” said Kathy Gray, site coordinator at Knox Central. “You can see the shift in their confidence—it’s a powerful thing to watch.”

Sophi Deaton and Jayme Swafford discovered just how far empathy and effort can take you—on campus and beyond.

Sophi Deaton entered the program with plans to become a teacher—and left with a deeper understanding of her future career. Embedded in two math classrooms daily, she supported peers while participating in service projects. “Watching students succeed is the best part,” she said. “PartnerCorps PRI showed me how to be a leader, not just a helper.”

Jayme Swafford approached her service with heart and maturity. Whether helping students with assignments or offering emotional support, she made a lasting impact. “One of my proudest moments was helping a classmate connect with school support services,” she said. “Now I feel more confident in who I am and what I can do.”

Leslie County High School: Discovering Strength and Belonging

In Leslie County, students leaned into service with humility and heart. As PartnerCorps PRI members, they tutored peers, supported flood relief, and emerged with a deeper sense of purpose. “This program gives students a chance to lead and be seen,” said Melissa Napier, Leslie County’s site coordinator. “It’s incredible to see how much they grow in just one school year.”

BreAunna Smith and Caleb Caldwell made the most of every moment—and are now headed to college with confidence and clarity.

Caleb Caldwell joined to be the kind of mentor he once needed. “Before this, I didn’t feel like I belonged. Now I do.” He’s saving his allowance to pursue a nursing degree.

BreAunna Smith offered tutoring in Algebra 1.5 and volunteered in flood relief efforts. When a student said, “You helped me like math,” it shifted her college plans—she now wants to minor in education.

Perry County Central High School: Leading by Example

At Perry Central, two seniors stood out for their dedication to others. Whether in the classroom or the community, they showed that service can be both personal and powerful. “Remy and Jazmin brought energy, compassion, and reliability to everything they did,” said Samantha Carey, Perry County’s PartnerCorps site coordinator. “They’ve set a great example for the students who will follow.”

Remy Brigman and Jazmin Bryant are using the lessons and earnings from this experience to launch their next chapter.

Remy Brigman joined PartnerCorps PRI for the experience—and stayed for the sense of community. “Everyone in this program helped me grow,” he said. “I learned so much from the people around me.” He used part of his living allowance to support his family and is saving the rest for college expenses.

Jazmin Bryant sought leadership skills and found something more powerful: purpose. Her most meaningful memory was distributing hot meals to families in need. “PartnerCorps PRI taught me the power of being present,” she said. Jazmin plans to apply her Segal Award toward nursing school and continue serving others through her career.

These stories are more than feel-good moments—they’re evidence of what’s possible when service is embedded in education. Through AmeriCorps PartnerCorps PRI, students across southeastern Kentucky aren’t just preparing for college—they’re learning to lead, to lift others, and to leave a lasting mark on their schools and communities. From tutoring math to distributing meals, their efforts show that when young people are given the chance to serve, they rise—and so does the future of their hometowns.

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