ECHOSTARS Overview

Current students who are interested in volunteering can email the Office of Civic Engagement at civicengagement@frostburg.edu or call 301-687-4210.

Empowering Communities - Helping Others - Service Through Action, Resources, & Sustainability

The ECHOSTARS Service Program is a living, learning, and serving experience for students committed to making a change in their communities. As ECHOSTARS, students will become a part of a growing student service movement by providing service as youth mentors, companions, and more in Western Maryland. 

Service

Our members are first-year, full-time Frostburg State University students who are also enrolled as AmeriCorps members. Members will have the option to enroll for 100, 200, or 300 hours of direct service and training. ECHOSTARS attend a regular service site two days a week as well as additional service opportunities on select weekends throughout the fall and spring semesters. Members earn training hours through offered workshops and attendance at pre-determined classes.

Students typically serve Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday depending on their class schedule.

Financial Awards

Students in the program will be eligible to receive between $500 and $1,874 in scholarships based on the number of hours they complete. The Scholarships will be available at completion of their service year for future education expenses.

Special Note: If social distancing and/or other safety guidelines pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic prohibit members from completing 300 hours, requirements will be adjusted and members will earn a proportional amount of the scholarship funds.

Housing

As part of this living-learning-serving program, all ECHOSTARS will live together in Annapolis Hall along with their upper-class Team Leaders. Annapolis Hall is located in the lower quad near the Chesapeake Dining Hall, mailroom, and Lane University Center!

Transportation

Transportation is provided to all service sites and Special Projects.

Qualifications