US2020, an initiative of Citizen Schools, Inc., was developed from a White House call to generate large-scale, innovative solutions to our science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education challenges. Announced by President Obama at the 2013 White House Science Fair, US2020’s mission is to dramatically scale the number of STEM professionals mentoring and teaching students through hands-on projects with a focus on serving underrepresented communities -- girls, underrepresented minorities, and low-income children. US2020 is building the national supply and demand for STEM mentors by partnering with Fortune 500 companies and best-in-class nonprofits. We are matching committed STEM skills-based volunteers with quality programs and creating evaluation systems to measure volunteer and student impact. The match-making process and data collection is supported by a dynamic online platform and backend database. US2020 also supports the City Network, a group of city-based, multi-sector coalitions developing powerful STEM mentoring movements at the local level.
Service Activities
Depending on the VISTA position title & location, service activities can range from recruiting mentors to building systems to help streamline coalition projects to creating pilot programs at different site locations.
Community Need Addressed
This will address the ever growing opportunity gap that is present in the STEM industry. Our deep partnerships with schools & private corporations put young adults on track to succeed by connecting the resources of communities, companies, governments, and philanthropies.
Position Outcomes
Every student, especially those in low income areas, has access to a quality mentor in the STEM field and has the potential to envision themselves pursuing a STEM career.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Training
Depending on your site location, some of these benefits may vary.
Skills you will gain
Leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, self-starter, communication, etc
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, 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, 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, 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 plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, 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