This summer, SHED is pleased to welcome Mark Dowell as an AmeriCorps Summer Associate through the Serve the Lou AmeriCorps VISTA program. During the academic year, Mark teaches Spanish and Portuguese at Washington University in St. Louis. This summer, however, he has chosen to serve the community that he and his wife call home—University City’s Third Ward. Through SHED, Mark is supporting two key community partners: the School District of University City through SHED’s Youth Career Development Program and the Neighborhood Response Leaders (NRL) initiative.
As one of several local nonprofits selected to host an AmeriCorps Summer Associate, SHED is using this opportunity to expand its partnerships and increase its impact throughout University City. With the Youth Career Development Program, Mark has been helping SDUC enhance its career readiness resources by updating the program website and developing a Four-Year Individualized Academic Plan to help students explore career pathways and prepare for life after graduation.
Mark has also been working with the Neighborhood Response Leaders (NRL) initiative, which helps strengthen neighborhood preparedness and coordination in the event of future emergencies. Following the historic flooding that affected University City in 2022, local leaders recognized the importance of better coordinating disaster response efforts to ensure resources reach every neighborhood when they’re needed most. Through neighborhood meetings and outreach, Mark has been learning firsthand how many across U-City are working together to build a more resilient response network.
We’re grateful to have Mark on the SHED team this summer and look forward to the ways his service will continue to strengthen University City.