NESS AmeriCorps serves pre-school, elementary, middle and high schools. With a primary purpose of mentoring and tutoring underserved students, our members also deliver standards-based STEM enrichment programs during the school day or after school, under the guidance of NESS Educators. AmeriCorps members are trained to support schools with standards-based enrichment programs that teach innovative environmental and STEM-based education. The programs follow standards such as the Ocean Literacy Principles and Next Generation Science Standards. Member's host sites will be schools in the local area where they will serve during the school week.
Service Activities
• Serve in Connecticut schools for academic day or after-school programming providing classroom support and mentoring.
• Develop NESS STEM-based lesson plans aligned to state and national standards.
• Lead and assist in the delivery of NESS experiential education programs.
• Lead and assist in the creation and delivery of field-based programs using kayaks, sail boats, marine science, powerboats, fishing, and more.
• Participate in community events to educate local students and families.
• Help implement NESS’s safety plan by always maintaining campus and offsite safety.
• Serve as a team with other AmeriCorps members and staff from NESS and host sites.
• Participate in orientation training at the beginning of the term and regular training throughout the service term.
• Travel to multiple locations each day may be required.
Community Need Addressed
Connecticut youth in the NESS SEA AmeriCorps program catchment area face challenges that can be considered risk factors associated with lower academic achievement. The COVID-19 pandemic curtailed in-person opportunities for students to build relationships, work collaboratively with peers, and receive and act on teacher feedback—all of which contribute to social-emotional development in youth. In a 2021 survey of school district leaders, 77 percent reported that their students had fallen behind in their social-emotional development compared to two years earlier.
Position Outcomes
The NESS SEA AmeriCorps program provides STEM-based ocean adventure learning programs and social-emotional mentoring to underserved students using marine science, adventure sports, and sailing as the educational platforms delivered via academic day interventions, including classroom support and mentoring. Members also implement academic day enrichment programs , afterschool extended learning programs, and summer learning programs.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Benefits of Service:
• AmeriCorps living allowance of approximately $19,000 over a 12 -month term of service.
o Paid in weekly installments.
o Subject to all applicable local, state and federal income taxes.
• Eli Segal Education Award of up to $7,395 from the National Service Trust for qualifying education expenses or loans upon successful completion of the term of service.
• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision insurance benefits at no cost.
• Extensive training and certifications.
• 8 days off for holidays each calendar year.
• Childcare assistance for those who qualify.
• Positions are eligible for student loan forbearance (available for qualified loans).
Training also available to members:
• First Aid & CPR for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross certification)
• Kayaking Instruction (American Canoe Association skills assessment)
• Powerboat instruction and practice
• Sailing instruction and practice
• Introduction to experiential-based teaching practices
• Career Development Mentorship
Education Benefits
College Degree
• Waterfront Lifeguarding (American Red Cross certification)
• First Aid & CPR for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross certification)
• Kayaking Instruction (American Canoe Association certification)
• Powerboat instruction and practice
• Sailing instruction and practice
Skills you will gain
Social and Emotional growth, public speaking, time management, professional development
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, 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
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, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, 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