Triton College will significantly increase efforts to help students stay in school and complete their degree thanks to a nearly $260,000 grant to support the AmeriCorps State Program. The grant, which consists of federal and local match funds, is distributed by the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. The grant funds will support 24 half-time AmeriCorps Service Members at Triton College throughout the upcoming school year, which will focus primarily on supporting student retention efforts through tutoring and mentoring. AmeriCorps State Program Service Members will receive a stipend along with an additional educational benefit upon completion of their service hours. AmeriCorps State Service Members will complete over 900 hours of service throughout the school year, supporting Triton College student service and mentoring programs including TRIUMPH (Triton Undergraduate Men Pursuing Higher Education), SURGE (Sisterhood of Undergraduate Representing Great Excellence) and TRIO Student Support Services. Anyone 17 years of age or older can apply to become an AmeriCorps member. For more information on how to apply to become an AmeriCorps member, email tritoncollegeamericorps@triton.edu.