The AmeriCorps program serves the Langley park community by providing literacy tutoring and enrichment activities to underserved middle school youth from the community. We have developed a program which directly aims at eliminating the educational gap through direct tutoring and homework assistance. The primary goal of the project is the development of an effective community-based model that addresses the educational needs of low-income youth through the service of AmeriCorps Members. The primary activities of the program are as follows: Academic Year: 1) Literacy tutoring. 2) Homework assistance 3) Enrichment classes such as daily yoga, nutrition, sports, dance, and drama classes. 4) Summer Program
Service Activities
Our AmeriCorps program trains young adults who are interested in becoming youth developers themselves the chance to try their hand in a real-world setting and gain tons of useful skills. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: -Provide academic assistance in literacy to assigned students in both small groups and individually -Establish positive communication with teachers and other school administrators -Help students in developing self confidence, improving self concept, and reducing anxiety or fear of failure in academic work -Attend periodic training sessions as assigned -Help students develop study skills necessary for academic success -Help students develop positive attitudes toward learning and studying -Keep confidential computer records of student interaction and progress including learning objectives completed, attendance, and student report cards -Participate in monthly or bi-monthly community service projects
Community Need Addressed
RoadMap AmeriCorps Members will address the need for supplemental academic support to low-income students attending Buck Lodge Middle School and William Wirt Middle Schools.
Both Schools are Title 1 schools with a majority school population from low-income homes, with greater needs for academic and enrichment services. The MMYC AmeriCorps program will focus on serving youth below the proficient levels in English and Math, most of whom receive free and reduced meals. These students’ test scores are lower than their peers. This puts them at high risk for truancy; problems in transitioning to high school and dropping out prior to graduation. A good number of the ESOL students are recent immigrants to this country and are facing many challenges with cultural assimilation, language acquisition, legal status, and family reunification issues.
Position Outcomes
Increased academic performance, providing academic services to 80 students in the 6th through 8th grades in the in-school, after-school, or summer programs.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
timekeeping, ETO Data base, CPR/First Aid, Youth Development, Lesson Planning, Facilitation, Classroom Management
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
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, 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, 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