12th cohort to complete the program since October 2017
August 29, 2025 (Peoria, IL) PeoriaCorps staff, in coordination with Serve IL and AmeriCorps State and National, recognized four graduates of the 12th cohort to complete the program on Friday.
This fall’s graduating AmeriCorps members, Montel Clark, Alonzo Hemphill, Carl Parker, and Elijah Porter have had the opportunity throughout their term of service to participate in career exploration and skill-building activities. They earned their OSHA 10 certification for General Industry, CPR First Aid certification, and finished the program with 3,600 hours served.
Launched in October 2017, the PeoriaCorps Program aims to provide a rewarding service-based experience, career track and opportunities for unemployed workers 18 years and older. Corps members have the opportunity, through hands-on training, to gain skills in environmental beautification/stewardship and green landscaping solutions. In addition to field work, members receive classroom training in green infrastructure maintenance and employability soft skills, vital to the career building process. For the past six months, this cohort has worked on green infrastructure projects that include planting trees, harvesting, and planting native plants, and cleaning, weeding, and maintaining green infrastructure installations around the city of Peoria.
Applications are open for the next PeoriaCorps cohort. Individuals interested in earning an education award, receiving a stipend, and enhancing their skills gained through obtaining industry recognized credentials should complete the PeoriaCorps Member application on the City of Peoria website.
For more information on PeoriaCorps, contact PeoriaCorps Program Director, Amanda Wilson, at (309) 494-8843 or by email.