Michigan's AmeriCorps Member of the Month

Alum Spotlight – February 2026: Jon Hamilton, Michigan Education Corps

Jon Hamilton served as an AmeriCorps member with the Michigan Education Corps from 2020-2024. The Michigan Education Corps (MEC), administered by Hope Network, is a replication of the transformational Minnesota Reading Corps. AmeriCorps members advance more than 3,000 students toward becoming proficient in reading and mathematics.

Jon Hamilton left a successful career in the for-profit world, to pursue a more meaningful path; one rooted in service, education, and making a difference in the lives of young people. Hamilton joined MEC in 2020 with the desire to help others in the field of education.

Hamilton said that the AmeriCorps opportunity allowed him to fulfill his personal mission while also providing an impact in the community.

“Service allowed me the opportunity to fill a need in my community that aligned with my purpose: to lift up the youth of my community. To help underserved students get the attention and support they not just needed but deserved," he said. "Being able to do this service in the city of Detroit, my birthplace and a city that is an active part of my identity, filled me with immense pride and made this service even more personal.”

Colleague Renee Borg explains Hamilton’s impact stating, “Through his calm, caring presence and genuine belief in every student’s potential, he not only helped students strengthen their math skills but also built confidence in themselves as capable learners. His ability to connect with students, celebrate their growth, and foster a love of learning exemplifies the transformative power of service. Jon’s journey from business to education reflects both courage and compassion, and his legacy of encouragement continues to inspire those he served.”

Serving for four years as an interventionist helped Hamilton make the decision to continue his career in educating underserved communities. Hamilton is now at MEC as a Coaching Specialist, supporting tutors across the Southeast Michigan region in K-3 and 4-8 Math Corps programs. He plays a critical role in sustaining a culture of purpose-driven tutoring: reminding tutors why they chose this work, recognizing their hard-won efforts, and empowering them to impact hundreds of students each year. Jon’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of service—turning passion into practice and service into lasting outcomes for the students and communities he serves.

Hamilton is a dedicated AmeriCorps alum whose journey from the for-profit sector to educational service exemplifies courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to lifting up the next generation.

Learn more about the Michigan Education Corps and other Michigan’s AmeriCorps programs making a positive impact in communities across Michigan. For more information about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov.