AmeriCorps*VISTA
VISTA Calendar
VISTA Contact

Americorps SERVE Education Award
Paperwork

Americorp Profile

Andréa Gewirtzman , VISTA, Champlain College Center for Service and Civic Engagement

Andréa Gewirtzman is serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA at Champlain College’s Center for Service and Civic Engagement. The focus of her VISTA position involves strengthening the relationship Champlain College has with a variety of schools, including cultivating a new partnership with Lawrence Barnes Elementary School.

As such, Andréa’s is involved with several tutoring and mentoring programs. Through America Reads, she helps to place college students inside the classroom so they can support teachers, help children with their homework, or supervise afterschool literacy programs. The RECESS program with Lawrence Barnes Elementary School also keeps her busy; the program involves Champlain students visiting Lawrence Barnes during lunch and recess. Champlain students act as social coaches by supporting, guiding, nurturing, and interacting with the younger children. The ultimate goal is that the students at Lawrence Barnes will develop their social skills, increase their vocabulary, and manage conflict better.

Additionally, Andréa supports a variety of on-campus initiatives that help Champlain students connect with the Burlington community. For example, in association with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Andréa helped Champlain student learn more about the complex issues associated with hunger and homelessness and helped to raise a little more than $1900 for COTS (Committee on Temporary Shelter).

Andréa feels that the partnerships between Champlain College, area schools, and other local non-profits are mutually beneficial and is excited to see these partnerships continue to flourish.