Oakland University's AmeriCorps program recently received a one-time grant of $20,000 from the United Way of Oakland County Community Investment Steering Committee. This is in addition to the local match of $5,000, which was awarded by the United Way's Community Response Committee.

"I was pleasantly surprised when informed of the additional money," said Carol Anne Ketelsen, director of the AmeriCorps Oakland program. "AmeriCorps Oakland services many of United Way's agencies, so I am pleased they recognize the service we provide to the Pontiac community."

AmeriCorps is a federally funded program created in 1993 when President Clinton signed into law the National and Community Service Trust Act.

AmeriCorps Oakland is now in its seventh year. It began in November 1995 and recruits 40 individuals to serve 900 hours in one year. Many of the members are Oakland University students.

This year, the students will work with first through eighth graders to help the students with reading, math and science during the school day and provide after school and summer enrichment programs that teach character education, conflict prevention, making healthy choices, nutrition, computers and many other skills.