REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have some college experience, and meet the requirements set by the Corporation for National and Community Service—this is a great opportunity for current college students or for people looking to go back to school soon. Individuals who have successfully completed an AmeriCorps term of service are eligible to serve again as long as they comply to the national requirements and obtain approval from the program director. Reasonable accommodations can be made for interviews and service as needed.
Preference will be given to those with experience in science, technology, engineering, math, or working with youth.
POSTION SUMMARY: Lead STEM sessions with youth in schools.
Deliver informal STEM based activities (all of which align with the Utah Common Core standards) to small groups of students in breakout sessions throughout the school day and afterschool hours.
Engage volunteers from STEM based businesses to provide STEM instruction to youth in schools.
Provide the communication, passion, and organization that this program will require to be successful.
Work with 300 students each month
Complete 15+ STEM sessions with 300 students over the course of one school year
Measure impact through student and teacher pre and post surveys
Attend monthly AmeriCorps trainings & participate in quarterly retreats
Comply with all Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County policies and procedures
TO APPLY: email a cover letter and resume to dominicb@bgcutah.org.
Service Activities
Plan and prepare to lead hands-on STEM sessions (curriculum will be provided, though AmeriCorps members are welcome to create other lesson plans geared towards student interests or site supervisor requests) with youth at an assigned service location (primarily elementary schools). Hold at least eight STEM sessions with at least 300 students over the course of your term of service.
Community Need Addressed
Across the nation students are performing poorly on science tests when compared to their peers in other nations. As a result, few undergraduates are perusing majors in science or engineering (15% in the United States, as compared to 47% in France, 50% in China, and 67% in Singapore). Moreover, students report low levels of interest in science classes in middle and high school. National data is mirrored in Utah with test scores reporting that only 61% of Utah's students are proficient in science. As a result of disinterest in STEM-related fields of study, many well paying STEM jobs are going unfilled. Why does this matter? The Department of Commerce recently articulated the importance of STEM education in America: "STEM workers drive our nation's innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas, new companies and new industries. However, U.S. businesses frequently voice concerns over the supply and availability of STEM workers. Over the past 10 years, growth in STEM jobs was three times as fast as growth in non-STEM jobs." In Utah, IM Flash and other technology companies have to recruit up to 70% of their workers from outside the state. As a result, Utah's students are shunning high paying jobs because they have no interest in STEM. The problem is especially prevalent with low-income students. Governor Herbert recently recognized the importance of STEM education by identifying the need to "align educational training to meet the workforce demands of the marketplace" as one of his three education objectives. The Utah AmeriCorps STEM Initiative will meet the community need to engage Utah's low-income students in science, engineering, and mathematics. AmeriCorps members will: 1. Engage students in STEM through hands on STEM activities that align with the common core. 2. Recruit STEM volunteers from local businesses to provide informal STEM activities that align with the common core.
Position Outcomes
Participation in informal science programs has been correlated with increased likelihood of selecting science-related college majors. Data also indicates that informal science programs can improve students' attitudes towards science; increase their scientific knowledge and skills; raise grades, test scores, and college attendance. It is expected that over 6,000 of Utah's youth will participate in the Utah AmeriCorps STEM Initiative during the first year. The program will increase knowledge, attitudes, awareness, engagement, behavior, and skills related to STEM. As a result of the program, students will be more engaged in their math and science classes in school and will pursue secondary education and careers in the STEM industry.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance
Education Benefits
CPR & First Aid certification through the Red Cross.
Skills you will gain
lesson planning, working with youth, CPR/First Aid, time management, public speaking.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
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
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
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
Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, 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
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, 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