DALLAS - Instead of hanging out with classmates after class, a group of college students have opted to spend time with some elementary school students for a "Project Transformation" program.
Sarai Gonzalez is a 19-year-old college sophomore who volunteers several hours a week for the same program she attended herself as a seven-year-old.
"If they didn't have a program I think some of them might even be flunking because their parents - some parents - do not know English," Gonzales said. "So, they wouldn't be able to help them with their homework like we do here."
The program has five church sites in Dallas with about 150 students. Its goal is to engage young college-age interns with children in low-income communities.
"They are idealistic and want to change the world and they are here," said Eric Lindh, the executive director of Project Transformation. "... [It] inspires me on a daily basis."
The interns earn a small stipend from AmeriCorps and receive education vouchers that are good for tuition or student loans.
E-mail cflanagan@wfaa.com
