Although making our communities safer and more enjoyable might not be an easy task, a group of UNM students works every day to aid at-risk communities in Albuquerque.
About 300 students are involved in UNM's Service Corps, including graduate and undergraduate students. They represent 34 majors and serve as role models, caregivers and an inspiration to children.
Members participate in after-school programs at 12 local sites. They are responsible for planning curriculum, raising money and generally working to encourage underprivileged students to enjoy school and most importantly, continue their education, said senior Corps member Elroy Keetso.
Kiran Katira, a graduate student who has been a part of the organization since its inception in 1997, said the program's goals go far beyond community service.
"The goals of the program are infused with issues of equity, especially anti-racism," she said. "They include community learning, asset building, community-youth leadership development and mentoring."
As many as to four students are assigned to any one location. Veronica Apodaca, a UNM senior, works at the Santa Barbara-Martineztown Community Center.
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"I grew up in Martineztown, so I am very happy that I can give back to the community that I grew up in," she said. "Working in the community has made the people and students I work with like a family."
Service Corps members must be enrolled in college. They are paid by the hour and are allowed to work 20 hours a week.
Depending on outside requirements like planning special events, Apodaca said extra hours are not out of the ordinary.
Both Keetso and Apodaca said the job is anything but typical because the most important part of it is helping the kids.
In addition, many students stay involved in the program over the summer. After 900 hours of community service, students receive a tuition stipend for their work.
Originally designed around a grant from Save the Children USA, the program now receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education, the City of Albuquerque and America Reads Work Study positions.
