This AmeriCorps project will support the aims of Soft Landing Missoula’s youth program to create opportunities for success, emotional and physical wellbeing, and social engagement for refugee and immigrant youth. By developing and offering a range of services for youth and young adults, this project will aim to create an environment and community space where clients have access to academic, social, and recreational opportunities that support positive social determinants of health. This project with SLM offers after school academic mentoring, college access support, and summer programming as well as social and recreational opportunities for elementary, middle, high school, and college refugee students.
Service Activities
The AmeriCorps College Coach will engage at least 16 first-generation and/or low-income college students in either two coaching sessions per month, seven coaching sessions per academic term, or fourteen coaching sessions per academic year. As an AmeriCorps member, you will collaborate with another AmeriCorps member serving with the International Rescue Committee to provide academic mentorship support for refugee and immigrant youth. You will assist in planning and implementing academic, social, and recreational programs and activities in order to provide increased accessibility to low-income refugee youth. You will oversee college support programming and support the volunteer coordinator in oversight of academic mentorship pair-ups for college students. You will also oversee weekly college support groups, coordinating volunteers, communicating with students, and providing support for volunteers and students
Community Need Addressed
The educational and assimilation needs of refugee and immigrant youth in Missoula, Montana.
Position Outcomes
Provide immigrant youth with access to academic, social, and recreational opportunities that support positive social determinants of health.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
As an AmeriCorps College Coach, you will receive 10 Days of Personal Leave; 10 Days of Sick/Medical Leave; Professional development and training opportunities; Eligible for hiring preference with Employers of National Service; Access to My Life Expert member assistance program.
Skills you will gain
Academic Advising
Career Exploration & Coaching
Communications
Curriculum Development
DEI Skills
Elementary Education Experience
Event Planning
Food Sovereignty
Intercultural Relations
Leadership
Marketing
Navigating the public school system
Nonprofit Administration
Partnership Development
Partnership Management
Post-Secondary Education
Program Development
Public Speaking
Secondary Education Experience
Refugee Resettlement
Rural Community Outreach
STEM Education
Student Affairs
Teamwork
Time Management
Volunteer 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