The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Pacific Region, along with John Muir Charter School (JMCS), has created a new and innovative program to provide high school/GED support to applicable Members that would not otherwise be available to them solely through NCCC, while allowing them to participate in traditional NCCC service projects. This partnership has led to increased grade level capacity and earned diplomas/GEDs, enabling members to access the education award post-graduation. Despite extreme working conditions and a rigorous school schedule, the team has succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations.

In January 2013, 12 interested and eligible Members were placed on the Education Composite team and deployed on their first service project as a team along with a Team Leader (TL) and a travelling teacher from John Muir. The team got off to a very rough start and was close to imploding by the end of the project; however, as they moved on to their second project with a new TL, they began to function as a cohesive group.

Their road to success can be contributed to their new TL, Aimee Dilucido. Her leadership ability is impressive, as well as is her positive, selfless, can-do attitude. She created cohesion among the struggling Members, who were more about themselves than being a team; navigated needs of project sponsors and the teacher; and successfully scheduled 40+ hours of service and 13+ hours of schooling each week.

Aimee supported the team educationally, instilled pride among the Members, and encouraged them in their service. She emphasized respect which created a safe space for members to push each other positively. Because of this, the opportunity to provide a higher quality service to the communities served became natural and effortless as these individuals became a strong team. With Aimee’s lead, the team supported the non-profits in the communities they served, and were highlighted in San Diego and Portland newspapers for their commitment to a rigorous 10 months of serving and studying.

At the end of the second project, Aimee had the opportunity to return to her regular team to finish the service year; however, as a deeply invested, positive, selfless, and committed leader, Aimee decided to stay with the Education Team. She felt by doing so she could continue building the momentum of the team and support these young adults in the pursuit of a brighter future and their educational success.