AmeriCorps is a federal agency focusing on volunteerism and service across the country. Azariah Bayes is one of the newly initiated Education Alliance AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers in the state. Bayes is a 2023 Wheeling Park High School graduate. Bayes spent much of his high school experience fully enmeshed in the then new Ohio County Schools Robotics program. His natural abilities as a leader made him a prime candidate to take on a role that will enable him to assist the program he helped grow.
“This official role is an Americorps VISTA position, VISTA meaning Volunteer in Service to America,” JoJo Shay, Innovation Coordinator for Ohio County Schools states.
Shay was introduced to the program by a longtime AmeriCorps VISTA supervisor from the Education Resource Center. They crossed paths thanks to a partnership with Fairmont State University during Gateway to the West: “That person suggested we might benefit from a position like this in our county and he was gracious enough to connect us to the Education Alliance that partners with the national AmeriCorps agency. They were excited to add an AmeriCorps VISTA position for our program, and fortunately we had a great candidate (in Bayes) and our Board of Education agreed.”
Bayes volunteers 35 hours a week under a year-long AmeriCorps contract with robotics and innovation being his primary focus. “A lot of programs start at the ground and work their way up, but our robotics program began at the high school level. It’s really important that we start integrating robotics into the elementary level so we can maintain the amazing success we’ve had at the high school level,” Bayes states. Bayes manages this schedule while simultaneously working online to obtain a degree in computer science through Oregon State’s online program.
“Robotics has grown tremendously, and he’s a big help as someone who has gone through the program. As we onboard new students, we now have even more knowledgeable hands to help guide our students,” Shay states before adding “It’s a venue for a particular kind of thinker, and we’re excited to continue encouraging these outside of the box opportunities.”
Bayes will also assist with professional development and assistance to staff members looking to utilize innovative equipment in technology in their teaching.
