ECHOSTARS Overview
Recruitment for the ECHOSTARS 2020-2021 Program Year is now closed. If you are interested in volunteering, email the Office of Civic Engagement at civicengagement@frostburg.edu or 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
Members will serve 300 hours over the course of the school year which averages out to 10 hours per week. Hours can also be accumulated over winter and summer break for students who have difficulties completing their hours during the academic year.
Hours are divided between Direct hours and Training hours. Direct hours are when the ECHOSTARS are directly working on a project or with someone who needs their help. Up to 70 hours can be counted as Training hours pertaining to certain classes (must be pre-approved), cultural experiences, or educational events.
ECHOSTARS serve at their identified weekly service site a minimum of twice a week. Students typically serve Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday depending on their class schedule. Special Projects are offered throughout the week and on weekends to ensure students can complete their hours.
Financial Awards
Students in the program will be eligible to receive between $500 and $1,811 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 Gray Hall along with their upper-class Team Leaders. Gray Hall is a centrally located residence hall that is close to most academic buildings, the Lane University Center, and the PAWS Pantry. Gray Hall even has its own parking lot!
Transportation
Transportation is provided to all service sites and Special Projects.
Qualifications
ECHOSTARS must be first-year students at Frostburg State University who are at least 17 years of age and will turn 18 before August 2021. To be eligible, students must be a United States citizen or permanent legal resident and must be able to pass a three-part state and FBI background check.
Funded in part by the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism and the Corporation for National and Community Service.
