4-H CAPITAL AmeriCorps members teach hands-on science activities in school setting at Title I elementary and middle schools in the Austin, TX area. Members serve at-risk youth during school time and afterschool by providing hands-on, project based science programs in four core areas (Animal Science, Garden Science, Natural Resources, and Engineering & Technology.)
Service Activities
4-H CAPITAL is a Travis County AgriLife Extension Program. We strive to “Make the Best Better” and “Get Things Done” in afterschool programming throughout Title I schools in the Austin and Del Valle Independent School Districts.
Essential Functions (Dependent upon curriculum area)
-Inspire youth to develop into inquiring scientists, citizens of character, partners in service and engaged community members
-Be a positive role model and influence for elementary and middle school aged students
-Members will be working specifically with vulnerable populations.
-Plan, lead, and assist 4-H CAPITAL’s science curriculum in the after school space
-Develop proficiency in teaching and leading groups of youth of up to 16 students
-Implement proactive behavior management systems to ensure a safe and impactful teaching environment
-Working directly and caring for: boer goats, chickens and other mammals. Handling hay, farm shavings and other types of feed. Assist with building and maintaining animal pens at partner schools.
-Assist with building and maintaining garden beds at partner schools. Responsible for seeds/transplants/trees that will be planted and grown throughout the program year.
-Love and curiosity in knowing STEM topics. Such as: engineering/robotics/chemistry/biology/natural resources/etc
-Members will work a 9AM-6PM weekly schedule (40-45 hours per week) with 1-2 weekends per month
-Assist in gathering and reporting data for evaluation purposes including daily attendance
-Willingness to work in an office environment that houses animals
-Working outdoors in various weather conditions with exposure to stinging insects, poison ivy, and other hazards
Community Need Addressed
To respond to the need of increasing STEM aspirations among economically disadvantaged students, 4-H CAPITAL's intervention model focuses on science capital, a framework that considers all the science-related knowledge, attitudes, experiences, resources, and social contacts that an individual acquires over a lifetime.
Position Outcomes
4-H CAPITAL seeks to improve the science capital of students in our 4-H CAPITAL Science Clubs. This will then help in their academic engagement, particularly in the area of science. Students with high science capital are more likely to pursue science learning opportunities than those with low science capital.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Mileage between worksites reimbursed
Education Benefits
CPR/First Aid
Skills you will gain
teaching, lesson planning, curriculum development, classroom behavior management, community-building, conflict resolution, animal care, garden care, engineering and natural resources 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, 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