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
• Assist in the delivery of NESS experiential education programs with a direct focus on mentoring students in social and emotional learning.
• Serve alongside NESS educators to provide academic day or after-school programming by providing classroom support.
• Assist in developing NESS STEM-based lesson plans aligned to CASEL Social and Emotional Learning competencies.
• 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 build relationships within the community.
• Help implement NESS’ safety plan by always maintaining campus and offsite safety.
• Serve as a team with other AmeriCorps members and staff from both NESS and host sites.
• Participate in orientation training at the beginning of 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, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
• Waterfront Lifeguarding (American Red Cross certification)
• 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
GED/High School Diploma
• Waterfront Lifeguarding (American Red Cross certification)
• 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
Skills you will gain
Youth Development , Education , Environment , Team Work , Public Speaking , General Skills
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
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, 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