AmeriCorps Members will support designated at-risk first-year high school students by providing mentoring and academic support to help give students the tools they need to have a successful high school experience. The Americorps member will also recruit and mentor multiple high school students to become peer mentors themselves to younger students in either elementary or middle schools. AmeriCorps members will also promote school-based extended learning opportunity (ELO) programs to high school students. Finally, Members will have the opportunity to support a teacher or other staff person in the school (based on mutual interest) and receive mentoring from that staff person.
Service Activities
Members will support cohorts of students by providing mentoring and participating in meetings, classes, and activities at the rural Maine high school where placed.
Members will schedule weekly check-ins with assigned students - and during those meetings will check in on the progress and successes made from the previous meeting, will provide tools for social and emotional skills as appropriate, and will provide tutoring or study skill support as needed.
Members will receive support from both a site supervisor at the school as well as overall training and support from the Maine Department of Education specialists.
Members will implement and/or assist others with planning and supporting student mentoring.
Members will recruit and work with community volunteers to scale mentoring and community connection.
Members will assist with program evaluation and survey processes.
Community Need Addressed
Mental health needs are at an all-time high, and supporting at-risk teenagers as they enter high school is a huge need - especially in rural Maine where limited resources are available. Through this project we aim to improve the mental health for all involved - students, staff, and school leaders while also exposing AmeriCorps members to the potential of a career in public education.
Position Outcomes
Students served through this program will have improved mental health and increased academic performance.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
In addition to having access to MDOE specialists and leaders, as well as highly qualified school and district staff, Members in this initiative will have the ability to earn teacher or educational technician licensure for future employment. This is an exciting and fulfilling career opportunity that can change lives. Join our team!
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
Mandated Reporter and CPR/First Aid (re)certifications
Educational Technician I, II, or III certification
Skills you will gain
In addition to changing the trajectory of a young person's life, members will also have hands-on experience in public education by exploring whether or not a career in this area is of interest. Members will learn classroom pedagogy/practices and subject matter in an area of interest, will learn how to interact with others in trauma-informed ways, will learn the basic daily structures of public education from a staff perspective, and will be part of a larger team connecting youth to their community in numerous ways.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, 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, 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