Our AmeriCorps members serve side by side with our staff and volunteers in our child and youth programs. Our members engage low income children, youth and families to help improve academic performance through the planning, developing and leading of educational sessions. Our members provide direct service in the form of mentoring, tutoring, homework assistance and more.
Service Activities
AmeriCorps members will help students improve their literacy and overall academic performance by tutoring students after school and during the summer break.
Specifically, members will be responsible for the following:
- planning and leading literacy activities
- participate and lead recreation activities
- administer pre- and post tests for the oral reading fluency assessment
- planning and leading enrichment activities on various topics
- lead lessons on socially acceptable behaviors
- lead, guide, encourage and assist students with homework assignments
- assist with national service community projects such as MLK Day
- and so much more!
Community Need Addressed
Economically disadvantaged children in elementary school are unable to keep up or excel in their academic studies because they do not have the reading skills required for academic success.
Economically disadvantaged youth in middle and high school do not have adequate access to academic supports and life/social skills development. As a result, they are at a high risk of academic failure leading to dropping out of high school.
Position Outcomes
Members will help students improve academic performance in literacy and/or mathematics.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
CPR & First Aide
Department of Children & Families (DCF) certifications in Behavior Management, Classroom Management, etc.
Skills you will gain
time management, effective communication, public speaking, leadership, prioritization, coping, active listening, initiating, mentoring, responsiveness
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