Open Meadow's Post-Secondary Readiness AmeriCorps Members serve closely with middle and high school students working to identify and develop the skills and character traits students need in order to be successful throughout school and in their post-secondary pursuits.
Service Activities
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaborate with instructors and mentors in the development and delivery of character-building workshops aimed at empowering students to thrive in post-secondary education and independent early adult life.
Work with students each day individually and in groups to:
Survey and clarify academic and life interests associated with post-secondary education paths and related career opportunities.
Guide the creation, monitoring and revision of an individualized multi-year middle and high school success map.
Develop and deliver curriculum and work one-on-one with students on non-cognitive skills in collaboration with instructors and Open Meadow staff.
Coordinate college preparation events such as college visits, FAFSA preparation sessions and family nights focused on post-secondary preparation.
Organize, plan, recruit volunteers and coordinate (in partnership with other members) two large scale post-secondary exposure events (“Discovery Days”) for upwards of 100 students that would provide opportunities to learn more about careers and college opportunities.
Identify and organize community opportunities that will support volunteer service activities by students throughout all four years of high school and provide summer and after-school internship offerings.
Maintain awareness of and willingness to embrace the cultural orientations of the populations we serve, and a commitment to examine our own cultural biases.
Develop and maintain mutually respectful relationships across differences.
Community Need Addressed
At Open Meadow we recognize that there is an historic and persistent achievement gap between white students and students of color; closing that achievement gap while raising the achievement of all students is a top priority of our organization. Race must cease to be a reliable predictor of students’ achievement and success. In order to achieve this goal we are committed to creating and fostering racial diversity at every level of the organization including but not limited to, partnerships, staff, students, and leadership.
Members can expect training around the following (not exhaustive): Working with high risk youth, redirection of behavior, classroom management, strength-based approach, working across differences, teacher partnerships, family outreach, youth development, equity, feedback, event planning, volunteer recruitment, and curriculum development.
Position Outcomes
We strive to close the academic achievement gap that persists between white students and students of color. We do this by providing tutoring and mentoring for all students to make sure they are on track to graduate, are prepared for college and career, and are wholeheartedly supported by the Open Meadow community.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
AmeriCorps members at Open School receive extensive professional development opportunities, training, and professional mentorship. Areas for professional development include: equity, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching, Dismantling Racism, strengths-based communication, leadership, education reform, intentional mentoring, family and community outreach.
Skills you will gain
High risk youth experience, Team Work, Education, General Skills, Youth Development, Teaching/Tutoring, Writing/Editing
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
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, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, 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