In the Mississippi Delta, the achievement gap begins in kindergarten and tends to widen each year. By third grade, students are often two years behind in reading and writing. By eighth grade, only 10% of students in low-income schools are proficient in math.

Corps members play a vital role in improving student learning and also motivate students outside of the classroom, whether through sports, developing relationships with parents, or tutoring. Three-quarters of Delta corps members hold leadership positions or are involved in extracurricular activities at their school. You’ll be keenly aware of the imprint you have on both your students and their community.

Although the Delta Corps has grown, we still consider ourselves the “biggest small corps” because we maintain close relationships with each other and each of our communities. In addition to professional development workshops, corps members organize weekly potluck dinners, movie nights and book clubs, and take many trips together around the region.

Alumni who stay in the region continue to have a positive impact on the education of children in the Delta. Quitman Elementary School, led by two alumni – principal Michael Cormack and assistant principal Patrick Doyle (both Mississippi Delta ’03) – has turned from being a failing school to a successful one, in part after implementation of a rarity in the region – a preschool program to help ensure kids are truly prepared to start Kindergarten.