The proposed 4-H Career Pathways Academy AmeriCorps Members will work with the 4-H program development staff to build relationships with rising 8-11th grade youth participating in the 4-H Career Pathways Academy. Members will serve as local mentors and points of contact for the youth participating in the program. Members will be trained to facilitate college and career readiness educational programming for youth participants during monthly engagement sessions to be held on the Iowa State campus and in local communities across Iowa with the youth. Members will work closely with campus-based 4-H youth development specialists as well as local county youth coordinators and field-based specialists to build relationships and coordinate programming.
Service Activities
- Engage youth in research-based educational opportunities that promote skill development in preparation for higher educational pursuits and careers in technical fields of study.
- Provide hands-on workforce development training to build leadership, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial skills. Connect youth to apprenticeship opportunities in their local communities.
- Prepare youth for long-term academic and vocational success, civic engagement, employability, and economic stability, as well as provide them with opportunities for belonging and overall wellbeing.
- Facilitate prepared college and career readiness educational programming for youth during monthly engagement sessions.
- Serve as local Career Pathways Academy point of contact.
Community Need Addressed
Increased structured out-of-school opportunities for community youth, youth life-skill development, workforce development
Position Outcomes
Youth participants develop positive and meaningful life skills. Prepare youth for long-term academic and vocational success.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Stipend, Training
Positive Youth Development training, CPR/First Aid Training (or Disaster Response Training if CPR is completed), Mental Health First Aid Training Certification, Professional Certifications, Leadership Experience, Individualized Professional Development Opportunities, Strong Connection to Alumni Network, Worker's Compensation, Included in Iowa State University's Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling and financial planning resources.
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma
CPR, First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Child Abuse and Awareness Prevention training, Access to free and personalized training/courses through Learn@ISU
Skills you will gain
Organization, Project Management, Non-formal Education and Teaching Experience, Volunteer Management, Data Collection, Communication Skills, Leadership Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Adaptability, Collaboration, Accountability, Interpersonal Skills
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment