Jameson Marsh graduated from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs in 2019 and has a career he loves as an Impact Manager at City Year Detroit. Founded by two Harvard Law graduates in 1988, City Year works with schools across the U.S., South Africa, and the U.K. to make education accessible and effective for all students.

Four years before arriving in Bloomington, though, Jameson was in his junior year at Ball State University and realized that he had no idea what he wanted to do after school. While he initially pursued a career as a documentary videographer, Jameson learned that it wasn’t the career path for him. Confused, he thought that it could be beneficial to take some time off school to do some soul searching and reorganizing of life plans. While looking for non-school options, Jameson came across AmeriCorps. Carried out through three programs (National Civilian Community Corps, Volunteers in Service to America, and State & National), AmeriCorps is a national community service initiative. Members dedicate 10-12 months of time to service opportunities.
With a passion for serving others and a desire to explore the country, Jameson packed his bags and took off to Denver, Colo., with his new AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps team.

There, the team worked removing mold from the drywall in homes that had been destroyed by a horrific 100-Year Flood in 2013, where the state saw up to 15 inches of rain in less than 48 hours. Jameson and his team worked long hours each day. Eventually, during their year of service, they relocated to a 4H camp in Prescott National Forest, and then again to Roswell, N.M. and Lake Arthur, N.M.

To this day, Jameson says the 400-person town of Lake Arthur, N.M. was one of his favorite projects. “The community welcomed us in a way I had never experienced. The mayor spoke with us. The citizens were excited that we were there and that we might leave to tell more people about their town.” The team’s focus was restoring an old schoolhouse into a museum–a project that sparked his love for education and education access and showed Jameson the magnitude of impact that service can have.

After his year of service with AmeriCorps, Jameson went back to school and finished his degree in history. Still inspired by his time serving in 2014, Jameson joined AmeriCorps again, this time as a VISTA working with organizations that combat poverty. As a VISTA, Jameson managed the service-learning programs at the College of Charleston, where he saw both the impact of his work in surrounding communities and grew as a professional. His VISTA experience led Jameson to IU, where he earned a Master of Public Administration from the O’Neill School. When he graduated, Jameson still wanted to improve education and make it more accessible to all. He went on to find City Year. Now, his days are spent working, with the affiliate program to AmeriCorps, to create learning environments where every student succeeds. Since City Year is an affiliate program to AmeriCorps, Jameson’s entire team is made up by current national service members.

Jameson says he could see creating his own non-profit sometime in the future. At City Year, he is thankful that his colleagues listen to his input and that he can make a real difference in his role.

For anyone considering AmeriCorps, Jameson says, “It will be the best year of your life as well as the year that pushes you to grow the most. Make sure you find your ‘cheerleaders’ early on because you will need those people to lean on when you are being pushed.”

IU Corps encourages service throughout your journey as a student, and beyond! Interested in more service opportunities? Visit our website here.