Students from Oakland University’s AmeriCorps program will join 130 other AmeriCorps members from around the state to build houses in Benton Harbor. The effort, of which 26 students from OU will participate, is part of the Russ Mawby Signature Service Project, an annual event that unites AmeriCorps members from around the state for a day of service to demonstrate the power of volunteers in action.

From 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Saturday, June 26, AmeriCorps members will build four Habitat for Humanity houses, landscape and beautify neighborhood homes, and build sheds for Habitat homes in the Benton Harbor area as part of the Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build.

AmeriCorps at Oakland University has been providing educational enrichment to Pontiac youths for the past 10 years. Some members work inside the schools, providing tutoring and small group activities to children in grades one through five. Other members work in community centers, churches and housing projects to provide educationally based enrichment opportunities for children. All members perform various community projects throughout their year of service, including participation in the Russ Mawby Signature Service Project.

Because of program cuts, Oakland University’s AmeriCorps program will cease operations on Aug. 31.