By Sharnae Scott, Americorps VISTA Member

I’m thrilled to be part of the GSAN and Voices team as the new Americorps VISTA member. I’ll be working on the 21st CCLC Sustainability and Food Access project to facilitate the sustainability process and empower low-income community members and afterschool providers to secure resources to continue afterschool and summer programs to help students succeed in school and break the cycle of poverty. Specifically, I will be working to showcase the benefits of afterschool programs for the purpose of increasing long-term support of afterschool programs from community leaders, building a network of afterschool champions, and strengthening professional development opportunities provided to out-of-school time professionals. 

I moved from New York City to Atlanta in 2011 to attend Spelman College where I earned my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education in 2014. Prior to attending college I had the pleasure of working with children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and various other developmental disabilities for two years. I’ve since taught preschool, tutored elementary and middle school students, and worked as a rater for the SAT. 

I’m proud to bring my passion for children and education to this role and I’m looking forward to working diligently over the next year to improve the quality and access to afterschool programs throughout Georgia.