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 & Tinkering.)
Service Activities
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 & Tinkering; visit our website for descriptions https://agrilife.org/capital4-h-new/our-science-clubs/ ). Members develop semester unit plans for each of their lead classes using a combination of predetermined lessons and lessons they create. Typical Full Time service hours are Mon-Fri 9:00am - 6:00pm, with some additional hours on evenings and/or weekends. Members will work at a single school site throughout the semester (mileage is reimbursed between work sites). Fridays are used for planning, team meetings, service and program reporting, and trainings.
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, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
CPR, van certification, disaster preparedness, time management, lesson planning, curriculum development, teambuilding
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