Background and History of ICAP
The Iowa College AmeriCorps Program (ICAP) was created in 2007 to increase levels of volunteerism among college students in Iowa as part of their academic experience, while engaging them in their local campus community. ICAP is the only Education Award Program (EAP) in the state of Iowa. EAP members receive an education award only and serve fewer hours than part- or full-time programs with stipends. This makes the program more ideally suited to engage current college students.
ICAP is also the single largest AmeriCorps program in the state of Iowa with 170 members providing capacity-building services to a variety of community organizations and impacting issues related to education, English as a second language learning, economic opportunity, and health and nutrition. Prior to 2013, the program was funded through the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service's state program formula funding on an annual basis. For 2013-2016 we were approved for national competitive program funding.
Program Problem Statement
Iowa nonprofits have repeatedly cited capacity-building as one of their greatest needs. In a report published by the Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center, it was noted that many Iowa nonprofits are challenged to meet rising needs for their services. More than half reported an increased demand from June 2008 through June 2010, but at the same time had to downsize -- including a reduction in the amount of paid staff. Because of this challenge, organizations need reliable volunteers who can reach out to Iowa's community members who might otherwise not be served.
ICAP Member Interventions
Members will be trained to recruit and manage volunteers throughout the year, with a minimum requirement of recruiting 11 volunteers. Members will be trained to assist organizations to assess impact during the first part of their term, then help increase effectiveness as a result of that in the remaining portion of their term.
Overall 2013-14 Program Targets
Number of community volunteers recruited by organizations or participants: 2,040
Number of community volunteers managed by organizations or participants: 680
Number of organizations implementing effective volunteer management practices: 24 (Pre/Post Community Partner Survey)
Our Past Impact
ICAP is also the single largest AmeriCorps program in the state of Iowa with 170 members providing capacity-building services to a variety of community organizations and impacting issues related to education, English as a second language learning, economic opportunity, and health and nutrition. Prior to 2013, the program was funded through the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service's state program formula funding on an annual basis. For 2013-2016 we were approved for national competitive program funding.
Program Problem Statement
Iowa nonprofits have repeatedly cited capacity-building as one of their greatest needs. In a report published by the Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center, it was noted that many Iowa nonprofits are challenged to meet rising needs for their services. More than half reported an increased demand from June 2008 through June 2010, but at the same time had to downsize -- including a reduction in the amount of paid staff. Because of this challenge, organizations need reliable volunteers who can reach out to Iowa's community members who might otherwise not be served.
ICAP Member Interventions
Members will be trained to recruit and manage volunteers throughout the year, with a minimum requirement of recruiting 11 volunteers. Members will be trained to assist organizations to assess impact during the first part of their term, then help increase effectiveness as a result of that in the remaining portion of their term.
Overall 2013-14 Program Targets
Number of community volunteers recruited by organizations or participants: 2,040
Number of community volunteers managed by organizations or participants: 680
Number of organizations implementing effective volunteer management practices: 24 (Pre/Post Community Partner Survey)
Our Past Impact
- Since 2007, nearly 500 Iowa college students have served at least 300 hours in their communities with ICAP
- 87 percent of members reported an increased connection to their community as a result of their service and 82 percent reported increased knowledge of civic engagement issues
- In the last academic year alone, these members recruited more than 2,200 additional volunteers, who served more than 8,000 hours on 553 community projects
- Last year this program served more than 2,700 disadvantaged children