The NC Afterschool Corps will build the capacity of afterschool and expanded learning programs that serve low-income children and strengthen these programs’ connection to local colleges and universities. Corps members will work to recruit and train afterschool volunteers, develop cash and in-kind resources, and support implementation of “Design for Change" unit, a flexible, project-based curriculum that empowers young people to solve local programs through design-thinking and action. Seeking 16 members to serve 12-month, full-time positions, July 2017- July 2018. Corps members receive VISTA stipend and benefits. Applications are reviewed and offers made on rolling basis; apply before May 1 for priority consideration.
Service Activities
NC Afterschool Corps members will work with community agencies and campuses to strengthen afterschool and expanded learning programs that serve low-income children and families. In the process, Corps members will help develop a partnership between the afterschool agency and a local college or university. Service activities include: Assess community and agency needs and identify assets • Recruit and train volunteers • Develop systems for volunteer coordination • Create policies and procedures that increase agency effectiveness • Support citizen and student leadership and participation in service • Seek new resources through fund-raising and grant-writing • Facilitate service-learning placements, community-based research, and co-curricular opportunities that support communities • Create publicity and outreach materials • Coordinate afterschool awareness events and national day of service events.
The specific nature and context of the activities may vary depending on the host site.
Community Need Addressed
School children spend a significant portion of their time outside of school. According to research by the Afterschool Alliance and others, this "out-of-school time" is particularly crucial for low-income children and families, as it presents both risks and opportunities. Research shows children and youth -- especially those living in poverty -- are most likely to commit or become victims of violent crime, as well as engage in risky behaviors, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Out of school time is also important to kids' academic success, and research suggests as much as 2/3 of the academic achievement gap between high- and low-income children may be attributed to unequal access to academic enrichment outside of school.
Afterschool and expanded learning programs provide a safe, structured environment for the children during these times. Plus, a substantial amount of research demonstrates the effectiveness of afterschool programs in improving school attendance, building social and emotional skills and thus improving behavior, and providing academic enrichment.
Though quality afterschool can improve outcomes for low-income youth, an Afterschool Alliance study -- America After 3pm (2014) -- found that only 15% of school-aged children in North Carolina are in afterschool programs, below the national average of 18 percent. The study also found demand for these programs is great: 523,140 children -- or 36% of all kids -- in North Carolina would participate in an afterschool program if one were available to them. And, while 32% of North Carolina's parents have children participating in summer programs, 55% of parents are interested in enrolling their children in such a program.
By strengthening afterschool programs in North Carolina, the NC Afterschool Corps will allow more low-income youth to receive academic and social/emotional support in a safe environment.
Position Outcomes
NC Afterschool Corps members will work to:
1. Increase volunteer and financial resources to build capacity of afterschool programs that serve low-income children and families.
2. Increase opportunities for college and university students, faculty, and staff to engage with local afterschool programs.
3. Increase community awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and of national service.
4. Support the implementation of Design for Change (DFC) lessons that empower children through design-thinking and action.
Corps members, working with host organizations, will set targets and make progress on the following measures:
* number of volunteers recruited and/or trained
* $ value of cash and in-kind resources generated to support program
* number of children participating in Design for Change project-based learning
* complete assessments of organization's volunteer management and fundraising systems to identify process improvements
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Training
Sites offer direct or in-kind housing assistance in accordance with AmeriCorps VISTA guidelines. NC Afterschool Corps members may access professional development funds to allow them to attend a professional conference sponsored by the Compact or its partners. All members receive in-service training.
Skills you will gain
Some skills our members will develop include: ability to track and report quantitative and qualitative project progress, building and maintaining professional relationships with partner organizations, event planning, project management, fundraising or grant-writing, volunteer recruitment and training, experience in non-profit and higher education settings.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Maintain open lines of communication with others, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Capable of generating possible solutions, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers
Decisions
Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
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
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization