Students from SUNY Oneonta are making a significant impact as part of the Empire State Service Corps, with two members, Maggie Kinch from Athens and Lilly Tagg from Elizaville, taking on crucial roles during the 2025-2026 academic year. They are among 66 students selected for this program, which is New York state’s largest AmeriCorps initiative, involving over 500 participants from 45 SUNY campuses.
Kinch is working as a student success coach at the Salvation Army After School, while Tagg is focused on K to 12 education at Riverside Elementary School. Both are pursuing their studies in psychology and early childhood education, respectively, and are members of the class of 2027 at SUNY Oneonta.
The Empire State Service Corps, which is supported by Governor Kathy Hochul and funded through a budget allocation of $2.75 million for the fiscal year 2025, provides students with the opportunity to engage in community service. Participants who complete at least 300 service hours are eligible for the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award, which offers up to $1,500 to use towards their education.
During a visit to Hudson Valley Community College in October, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “The Empire State Service Corps program empowers our students to take on civics and service opportunities that benefit all New Yorkers.” He highlighted the dual benefit of enriching communities and providing students with valuable real-world experiences.
Assignments commenced in September and span a variety of high-need areas, including K to 12 education, SNAP outreach, peer mental health support, sustainability efforts, nonpartisan civic engagement, and FAFSA completion. This year, the program has expanded to include early childhood education, student success coaching, and outreach for veterans’ affairs.
The initial cohort of the Empire State Service Corps and the Empire State Summer Service Corps logged an impressive 102,343 service hours in the previous year, directly serving 74,638 New Yorkers. Additionally, the Summer Service Corps members assisted with 200 new SNAP application submissions during their summer session, demonstrating the program’s commitment to addressing community needs.
As Kinch and Tagg fulfill their roles, they exemplify the spirit of service and civic responsibility that the Empire State Service Corps aims to instill in students throughout New York. Their contributions are not only pivotal for their personal growth but also for the communities they serve, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement in today’s society.
