Capitalizing off of existing educational resources (continuing education and curriculum education), the initiative seeks to improve/increase the education and employment of Rockingham County low income and disadvantaged students/residents. In addition to improving economic opportunity for Rockingham County students, the initiative will employ VISTA members to work with the host educational institutions and others to address improving educational outcomes for low-income and economically disadvantaged students located in designated poverty areas of Rockingham County.
Service Activities
Assess community and agency needs and identify assets. Recruit and train volunteers. Develop systems for volunteer coordination. Create policies and procedures that increase agency effectiveness. Seek new resources through fund-raising and grant-writing. Facilitate community-based research. Create publicity and outreach materials. Coordinate educational awareness events and national day of service events. Promote RCC, AmeriCorps, VISTA, and national service.
Community Need Addressed
The Rockingham Community College VISTA project is a county wide initiative dedicated to addressing improvements in the areas of Economic Opportunity and Education within rural Rockingham County, NC. Capitalizing off of existing educational resources (continuing education and curriculum education), the initiative seeks to improve/increase the education and employment of Rockingham County low income and disadvantaged students/residents. In addition to improving economic opportunity for Rockingham County students, the initiative will employ VISTA members to work with the host educational institutions and others to address improving educational outcomes for low-income and economically disadvantaged students located in designated poverty areas of Rockingham County. Also included within the project is a focus on financial literacy and its impact on effecting positive outcomes and personal economic growth. Minimum Education level: Associate Degree or higher.
Position Outcomes
increased capacity in services used through service organizations, increased capacity in secondary and post secondary institutions, increased job skills.
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), Stipend, Training
Regarding health care: The healthcare plan is an option between either a Healthcare Allowance or a Benefit Plan. The Health Care Allowance is a reimbursement program that covers out-of-pocket costs associated with healthcare expenses. The Benefit Plan is available for members who are legally exempt from needing to maintain qualifying healthcare coverage. The Plan covers eligible medical office visits, most lab and x-ray services, and limited preventative care. Dental and Vision insurance is provided.
More information on Life as a VISTA may be found here: https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorpsvista/life-americorps-vista
Frequently asked questions re: Life as a VISTA member may be found here: https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorpsvista/frequently-asked-questions
Skills you will gain
Team Work , General Skills , Community Organization , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Computers/Technology , Leadership , Youth Development , Public Speaking , Counseling , Writing/Editing , outreach , Recruitment , Education , Communications .
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
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise
Teamwork
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, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, 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, 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, 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, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization