We are looking for AmeriCorps Members to provide academic and college readiness/planning support to 7th to 12th grade students in the Breakthrough Silicon Valley program. The AmeriCorps members will work alongside and be supported by the BTSV program team while preparing students for their college journey. This is a fantastic opportunity for passionate recent college graduates to make a difference in the educational trajectory of aspiring first-generation college students.
Service Activities
Academic and College Readiness Advisors (7th-8th grade)
Build supportive relationships with approximately 30 students in grades 7-8 who aspire to be among the first generation in their families to graduate from college and who are just starting their Breakthrough journey.
Provide coaching on academic and non-academic pursuits. Support students as they set goals for themselves that may range from grades and test scores, to getting involved in their community or exploring a career interest. Support students as they create their own plans for reaching their goals and meet with them regularly to encourage their progress!
Lead after school and occasional weekend sessions, such as study skills workshops and “Super Saturday” community-building events.
Staff program office hours and provide drop-in services including homework support as needed.
Take leadership over a committee of summer Corps Members that will oversee key aspects of the hallmark Breakthrough summer program, such as Spirit Committee or End of Summer Celebration committee, and assist with building of culture and community and organizing of special events.
Academic and College Planning Advisor (9-12th grade)
Build supportive relationships with approximately 30 students in grades 9-10 who aspire to be among the first generation in their families to graduate from college OR support 11th-12th graders with their college exploration, application, financial aid, and decision-making process.
Provide coaching on academic and non-academic pursuits. Support students as they set goals for themselves that may range from grades and test scores, to getting involved in their community or exploring a career interest. Support students as they create their own plans for reaching their goals and meet with them regularly to encourage their progress!
Encourage students to take advantage of their summers to develop their leadership skills and broaden their horizons through work, enrichment camps, academic study, or volunteerism.
Support evening and occasional weekend workshops on topics such as professional skills, career and major exploration, and college research; and organize social and community building events.
As part of Breakthrough’s summer program for rising 9th graders, teach BTSV’s High School Prep curriculum that will help prepare students for the transition from middle to high school.
Community Need Addressed
The specific need that this position will address will be vital academic resources for young students within the community. Services will be provided through year-round support, including academic advising, leading cohortes, out-of-school-time academic and enrichment programs, and recruiting volunteers to enhance services.
Position Outcomes
The desired result will be to have BTSV Students increase math skills, also to increase the number of 7th-12th graders who meet grade-level academic and college-readiness milestones, and support low-income, first-generation college students to enroll into college immediately after high school. Another desired result would be to have BTSV students excel with resources such as tutoring, career exploration, and developing professional career navigational skills.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree
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
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, 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