ECLIPSE is an AmeriCorps program that focuses on early childhood literacy in Eau Claire and Altoona. Educational focus areas include language, emergent reading & writing, socialization, and interaction. ECLIPSE differentiates from other literacy programs because we work from a one-on-one model tailored to individual needs, preparing each child for lifelong learning, while also embracing the different paces at which children learn to foster continual growth in education. Six sites in and around Eau Claire are served by ECLIPSE.

About the program

ECLIPSE works in teams of 6-10 students from UW-Eau Claire who are AmeriCorps members. Members serve/work in preschool classrooms at one of six partner sites in the Eau Claire Area. Members are paired with one or two children in the classroom who need additional support or help in the areas of language, literacy, social, and or numeracy skills. Participation in regular classroom activities and provided activities in focus areas that children need support in will increase opportunities for children to be supported in their growth and development by caring adults. Members meet as teams weekly to evaluate progress, plan activities, while building as team members, AmeriCorps members and individuals.

Commitment for members

ECLIPSE members are AmeriCorps members who serve for the academic school year. This is an excellent experience for anyone who plans to work with or interact with children in the future.

There is a 300-hour commitment requirement. This is broken down into about 12 hours a week. The beginning of the year starts with about 5 – 6 hours a week in training, then building to 12 hours a week when service starts in classrooms around mid-October.

The hours are broken down as follows:

• Classroom Service = 9 - 11 hours (According to schedule)
• Weekly team meetings = 1 - 2 hours (Time set by the team – May change at semester)

Other service commitments for members:

• 20-30 hours of service gathered throughout the year and three required events; Tidy Up the Town, Book Scootin' Boogie, and Global Youth Service Day.
• There are six Saturdays during the year that are required (3 training, 3 services).
• All members must enroll in UEC 221 (one credit) course each semester to earn their service-learning hours.
  • Fall Semester = Regular Weekly UEC 221 course meetings Wednesdays 6:00-7:15 p.m.
  • Spring Semester = Orientation and training & 1-2 additional meetings as needed

Compensation + benefits

This is a federal work-study job and needs about $3,000 for the year. You can volunteer for the experience only if you choose. It is a great experience! Upon successful completion of the program and 300 hours, there is a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,459.26 to be used for your education.

Complete your service-learning hours for graduation. Gain experience in collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, instructional design and implementation, assessment, and data analysis. Feel the impact that volunteerism, civic engagement, and community service can have on one’s self and community.

Complete Tier 1 EDI Training: Being a Blugold comes with the responsibility to build a stronger, safer, healthier and more inclusive campus. To help make that happen students are required to engage in an online, interactive feedback tool that focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion at UW-Eau Claire. This is our Tier 1 level of training equity, diversity and inclusion. This training is mandatory for all new students and there are no exemptions for completing it. Returning students can earn their Tier 1 training certificate or build on current trainings.

Serve Wisconsin's S-Files Podcast

ECLIPSE Member Experience with Kaitlyn Zenner former UWEC ECLIPSE member

For more information, please contact: 

Jane Jaenke
UW-Eau Claire, Centennial Hall 3204
Phone: 715-836-6011
Email: jaenkeje@uwec.edu