LEAD AmeriCorps Members will be trained to support our Clubhouses in providing literacy and social-emotional programming for K-12 Clubhouse youth. The program will address the multifaceted literacy and career development needs of 400 K-12 Clubhouse youth over the course of the school year and summer programs, as broken into two main subsets: (1) K-8 Clubhouse youth, with a primary focus on literacy, social emotional learning (SEL), and basic soft skills and career exposure, (2) Grades 9-12 Clubhouse youth, with a main focus on career readiness and financial literacy, as well as academics and SEL. The latter program will also include a focus on employability skills through experiences and skill development related to leadership, civic engagement, financial literacy, computer literacy, and resume/cover letter building and job searching, which prepare youth to be successful in school and/or the workforce. Members will also participate in team building activities, professional development, and experience in skill building for career growth.
Service Activities
Members will serve at their main host site for the majority of the time; however, there will be monthly trainings as a corps-team and with the greater Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA organization. There will also be service days (such as MLK Day of Service & AmeriCorps Week), one service project, and other team building activities.
Implement programming to include: Literacy, Social-Emotional Learning, STEM, art, mentoring, athletics and activities. Develop personal learning plans for youth utilizing the literacy platform Lexia and provide one-on-one and small group literacy instruction Implement the evidence-based SEL program Positive Action and assist with program reports. Encourage recruitment with youth and families to assist with communications in the community of what programs, services, and outreach BGCWPA has to offer. Promote and stimulate membership in the Clubhouse through programs, services, and outreach activities. Support monthly incentive programs that focus on literacy, STEM, Art, Mentoring, Athletics and Social/Emotional Learning activities. Implement educational programs that are stimulating and age appropriate for all members. Provide an environment that promotes creativity and exploration through learning. Offer input regarding programs, in partnership with the Program Manager.
Community Need Addressed
The program will address the multifaceted literacy and career development needs of 400 K-12 Clubhouse youth over the course of the school year and summer programs, as broken into two main subsets: (1) K-8 Clubhouse youth, with a primary focus on literacy, social emotional learning (SEL), and basic soft skills and career exposure, (2) Grades 9-12 Clubhouse youth, with a main focus on career readiness and financial literacy, as well as academics and SEL.
Position Outcomes
At least 80% of the youth served will improve their social-emotional skills based on pre- and post test scores using the Positive Action curriculum, an outcome based on analysis of prior years’ data. These interventions will result in increased on-time grade promotion, school retention, and ultimately increased graduation rates amongst program participants in the long-term.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Upon completion of the members’ service year, they will have the opportunity to be hired as a staff member at BGCWPA. They can then receive access to TEACH (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) programming to go to school and earn an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at 5% of the cost.
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma, Credential or Certification
CPR First Aid, Mandated Reporter Training, Associate's Degree or BA in Early Childhood Education if hired at BGCWPA after successfully completing service term.
Skills you will gain
Youth program management and implementation, time management, goal setting, conflict management, professional development, leadership development, financial literacy, resume development
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, 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
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, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
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, 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, 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, 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