The Southern Tire AmeriCorps Resource Team (START) program is diverse in age, ethnicity, education, and interests. Qualifications for AmeriCorps*State and National, include being a United States citizen, United States national or lawful permanent resident of the United States and at least 17 years of age. However, partnering agencies may have additional educational/experience requirements.

Members provide various services to the community including:

• Educational Services: Members serving in school districts and community agencies will be assigned a caseload of youth to provide sustained mentoring services for at least six months resulting in demonstrated improvements in academic engagement.
• Capacity Building: Members are a part of a volunteer program that provides community members with the opportunities to participate in community service and service learning opportunities through Members coordinating at least one service opportunity per month and recruiting volunteers to participate.
• Disaster Preparedness and Response: AmeriCorps Members will complete Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) through the Cattaraugus County Emergency Services and Cattaraugus County Health Department and provide preparedness training to the community.

The START program serves both Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties in Southwestern New York State.  Members serve for a maximum of one year in either a part-time or full-time capacity. Program years begin on October 1 and end on December 31 of the following year.

Mission Statement:  The Southern Tier AmeriCorps Resource Team (START) exists to serve the unique academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of all people who are in a special and critical period of their life.  We are committed to creating a trusting, and caring environment where learning and community service take place. As members it is our job to promote motivation and excellence in life by helping others to developing skills to become independent and self-sufficient adults, who will succeed and contribute responsibly in a global community.