What is Mission Acceleration? 

Mission Acceleration is a high-dosage tutoring program designed to accelerate reading achievement for K-5 students in Mississippi. 

Who is involved with Mission Acceleration? 

  • The Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction (CELI) at the University of Mississippi is the administrative home for the program. CELI provides exemplary instruction, relevant research, and effective service through collaboration with schools, businesses, community organizations, and the public at large.
  • The Mississippi Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (MSCGLR) is a network of stakeholders who are leading community-driven efforts to address major barriers to reading proficiency: school readiness, chronic absence, and summer learning loss, especially for low-income families.
  • Academic Guide (reading tutors) comprise of minimum-time AmeriCorps service members and high-school students in select communities.
  • Families and community partners also have an active, meaningful role in supporting the child’s reading skills. 

Who is Mission Acceleration designed for? 

Mission Acceleration is an academic assistance model designed to support K-5 students who have been identified as struggling readers.

How is Mission Acceleration funded? 

Mission Acceleration is a proud recipient of funding from both the AmeriCorps Volunteer Generation Fund and Volunteer Mississippi. 

In which communities does Mission Acceleration operate?

Seven Mississippi Campaign for Grade-Level Communities are participating across the state; Partner Sites within each MS CGLR community serve as hosts for Mission Acceleration tutors and K-5 scholars.

Current communities in Mississippi include Hattiesburg, Jackson, Laurel, Long Beach, Oxford, Starkville, and Tupelo/Lee County.

How much does a child’s participation in the Mission Acceleration Program cost? 

The program is 100% free to families and program partners!

Where does the tutoring take place?

Tutoring sessions are held face-to-face at a Community Partner Site.

How often will my child attend tutoring sessions?

Children in the program receive at least three hours of tutoring time each week.

Who is eligible to serve as an Academic Guide with Mission Acceleration?

To serve as a tutor within the program, one must meet the following criteria:

  • Currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college located in Mississippi
  • Located within or willing to travel to a participating MS CGLR community
  • Demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact on K-5 students
  • Commit to providing service for at least 300 hours across the program year (09/01/2024 – 07/31/2025)
  • Successfully complete a background check and all necessary service training
  • Successfully be admitted to AmeriCorps as a minimum-time member

What are the benefits of becoming an Academic Guide with Mission Acceleration?

College students who tutor in Mission Acceleration become minimum-time AmeriCorps members who receive an enriching national service experience. Benefits include an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children, resume-boosting experience for internships, graduate school, and future employment, and the Segal Education Award ($1,564.08 for FY24). 

How do I join Mission Acceleration as an Academic Guide?

Click on the Become an Academic Guide button in the top right of the page. Once you complete the inquiry form, our program team will reach out to schedule a conversation.