ABOUT EELCORPS
Q: What is EELCorps?
A: The Environmental Education Leadership Corps (EELCorps) is a Kentucky-based AmeriCorps program that supports service site partners across the Commonwealth in hositng EELCorps members who provide high-quality environmental education and outreach. Members serve in schools, nature centers, conservation organizations, and more—helping communities connect with the natural world and build a more sustainable future.
Q: What is the role of a site in this partnership?
A: Sites provide a supportive environment for members to serve, including:
- A designated Site Supervisor
- A meaningful service opportunity aligned with EELCorps goals
- Workspace, resources, and mentoring
- Monitoring and approving member timesheets
- Participation in program-wide meetings and trainings
MEMBER SERVICE
Q: What kinds of activities can EELCorps members do?
A: Members can:
- Deliver environmental education lessons and outreach
- Develop or adapt curriculum and materials
- Organize service-learning events or community programming
- Support citizen science, conservation, and sustainability projects
- Participate in trainings and capacity-building activities
Q: What can't members do?
A: Members may not:
- Perform administrative work that's not related to their service
- Replace staff or perform duties outside their service description
- Engage in political, religious, or lobbying activities while serving
- Log hours for homework, commuting, or personal activities
HOURS & TRACKING
Q: How many hours do members need to complete?
A: Depends on their member type:
- Full-Time: 1,700 hours
- Half-Time: 900 hours
- Minimum-Time: 450 hours
Hours must be completed within the program year (September 1 – August 31).
Q: How are hours tracked?
A: Members use AmericaLearns to submit timesheets. Site Supervisors are responsible for reviewing and approving timesheets on time. Members and Site Supervisors receive training to navigate this process.
Q: What counts as service hours?
A: Time spent delivering or preparing for environmental education, conducting outreach, attending approved trainings, and working on site-approved projects. Administrative or unrelated work does not count.
SITE SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Q: What are my main responsibilities as a Site Supervisor?
A: All responsibilities may be reviewed in the Service Site Agreement. The most common include:
- Ensure your member(s) have a clear work plan and schedule
- Provide regular supervision and feedback
- Approve timesheets biweekly
- Communicate with EELCorps staff as needed
- Attend quarterly supervisor meetings and complete evaluations
Q: How involved should I be in member onboarding and training?
A: While EELCorps provides core orientation and ongoing training, sites should also provide:
- A site-specific orientation
- An overview of the member's service role
- Safety protocols and local expectations
COMMUNICATION & SUPPORT
Q: Who do I contact with questions or concerns?
A: Please contact program staff for needs:
- Programmatic questions: EELCorps Program Director, Ashley Mike- ashley.mike@ky.gov
- Timesheet or hour questions: EELCorps Member Engagement Coordinator, Willa Dawn Bayne- willa.bayne@ky.gov
- Member performance or concerns: Contact EELCorps Program staff immediately.
Q: What should I do if a member is not meeting expectations?
A: Document concerns and first attempt to address them through feedback and support. If issues persist, contact EELCorps staff to discuss next steps or mediation. We're here to help you navigate challenges.
BEST PRACTICES FOR HOSTING A MEMBER
Q: How can I help my member succeed?
A: To help your member succeed:
- Set clear goals and expectations from the beginning
- Schedule regular check-ins
- Include them in staff meetings or community events
- Offer feedback and professional growth opportunities
- Celebrate their successes and impact
Q: Can members work evenings or weekends?
A: Yes—members may serve flexible hours if it supports their service plan and fits within AmeriCorps guidelines. Be sure their schedule allows them to complete the required hours by the end of their term.
TRAINING & EVENTS
Q: Are members required to attend training events?
A: Yes. All members must attend:
- EELCorps Orientation
- Quarterly All-Member Trainings
- Additional program workshops and opportunities
These are counted toward their service hours and may require time away from site.
Q: Can sites participate in training too?
A: Yes! We encourage Site Supervisors to attend quarterly supervisor calls and to take advantage of professional development opportunities we share throughout the year.
COST & FUNDING
Q: What does it cost to host an EELCorps member?
A: Sites contribute a cash match to support the member's living allowance and program operations. Match amounts vary by member type. This information is detailed in the Service Site Agreement and can be found on our Partner with EELCorps webpage.
Q: What does EELCorps provide?
A: EELCorps provides:
- Member recruitment and selection support
- Member stipends and benefits administration
- Education award eligibility assistance
- Program-wide training and evaluation
- Ongoing technical assistance to members and sites
PROGRAM IMPACT
Q: How do we track our site's impact?
A: Members submit monthly reports summarizing:
- Lessons delivered
- Participants reached
- Projects completed
- Community outcomes
This data is used to measure program success and report to funders. Sites may also be asked to participate in evaluation surveys or interviews.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Reach out to our team!
📧 ashley.mike@ky.gov
🌐 keec.ky.gov/EELC
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