16 NESS SEA (STEM Education Ambassadors) Members implement our AmeriCorps program. The NESS SEA Members will help impact young people’s lives by providing opportunities for transformational experiences and personal growth through integration of NESS’s STEM-based adventure education program with school curriculum.
Service Activities
In-school service activities include classroom support, tutoring and mentoring students in the STEM areas in Connecticut. Members create and implement after school and summer extended learning programs that use Marine Science, adventure sports and sailing as the educational platforms.
Community Need Addressed
The NESS SEA AmeriCorps Program addresses low standardized test scores primarily in Math and Science along with providing classroom support and mentoring for underserved students.
Position Outcomes
Outcomes include: Improved school attendance for participants in the NESS After-school and Summer Learning Programs, increased self-confidence, life skills and citizenship, improved academic engagement especially in STEM classes, heightened interest in STEM careers and college, decreased high school drop-out rate.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
The NESS SEA AmeriCorps program provides members with extensive trainings and certifications. Trainings and certifications currently offered include: American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding, American Red Cross First Aid and CPR, US Powerboating -Safe Boating, American Canoe Association Level 2 Skills, US Sailing Level 1 Instructor.
Education Benefits
College Degree
American Red Cross – Waterfront Lifeguarding
American Red Cross – CPR and First Aid
American Canoe Association – Sit-on-Top Level 2 Skills Assessment
US Powerboating – Safe Boating training
Skills you will gain
lesson planning and curriculum development, waterfront lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, Sailing concepts, sailing skills, sailing instruction, kayak concepts, kayak instruction, teaching skills, classroom management, behavior management, snorkeling instruction, marine science content knowledge, time management, flexibility
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, 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
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, 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, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment