AmeriCorps VISTA member will provide the energy and human resources to form relationships in several communities in and around the Harris County area, laying the groundwork for CASE for Kids' capacity building efforts. Additional work includes conducting research, asset mapping and data analysis to identify community needs, issues and resources. The VISTA will convene communities, schools, government agencies and businesses to expand CASE for Kids' collaborative networks and create materials and publications to support sustainability efforts. Their work will include researching and identifying innovative approaches to OST programming and untapped funding sources at the local, regional, state, and national levels.
Service Activities
Children/Youth , Education , Entrepreneur/Business , Community Outreach , Community and Economic Development .
Community Need Addressed
Houston and its surrounding communities are in need of engaging individuals who are ready to mobilize resources in order to support the youth of city. The time is now to create solutions for Houston’s at-risk youth to have a brighter future. AmeriCorps VISTAs will help educate community members on how to prepare students for academic success; give partners the tools to create or sustain out-of-school-time (OST) programs; and provide sustainable solutions for high quality programs that yield positive outcomes for students and adults in the communities served. All of which will provide long-term solutions for education and economic empowerment. Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) was established in 1889 by the Texas legislature to equalize educational opportunities for children in the greater Houston area. Throughout its history, HCDE's programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of students and educators.
Position Outcomes
The Center for Afterschool, Summer and Expanded Learning (CASE for Kids), is a division dedicated to supporting high quality (OST) programming to over 7,000 students each year. CASE for Kids helps communities by build collaborative partnerships to support at-risk students and their families; and educate elected officials, foundations and businesses on the importance of sustaining effective programs.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Student loan forbearance, Training
Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours .
Skills you will gain
Communications , Non-Profit Management , Project Management , General Skills , Recruitment , Youth Development , Community Organization , Public Speaking , Urban Planning , Leadership , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Social Services , Writing/Editing , Education .
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
Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers
Decisions
Accepts responsibility
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers