The mission of The Choice Program is to strengthen communities through innovative, family-focused strategies that connect youth to opportunities for positive choices. The mission is accomplished using a community-based approach which:
Identifies and links young people and families with social supports;
Fosters caring relationships;
Develops high expectations; and
Provides meaningful participation.
The AmeriCorps Service Year is a one-year service-learning opportunity through UMBC's The Choice Program, The Shriver Center and AmeriCorps. We have several exciting opportunities for Fellowships based in the Greater Baltimore area as well as in Prince George's County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.
Service Activities
Working within a team model, AmeriCorps Members share case management responsibilities for youth, including client intake and assessment interviews, establishment of goal-oriented service plans, classroom support, recreational outings, as well as informal counseling and mentoring, outreach, and daily home visits and advocacy.
Community Need Addressed
- Disproportionate percentage of youth of color in detention
- Inappropriate detentions of youth of color
- School to Prison Pipeline
- Economic injustice/inequity
- Access to vocational opportunities/training
- Access to college and career preparation activities
- Disconnect between residents and community resources
Position Outcomes
- Reduced numbers of youth of color involved in the Department of Juvenile Services
- Strengthened youth and family connections to community resources
- Decreased in-school suspensions, arrests, expulsions, referrals, etc.
- Increased percentage of youth with paid vocational opportunities
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
- SNAP Benefits
- Mileage reimbursement (56 cents/mile)
Education Benefits
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention
- Restorative Practices
- Cycle of Change (Motivational Interviewing)
- Disability Advocacy in the school setting
- Trauma Informed Care
- Strengths-Based practices
- Navigation of human services systems
- Navigation of justice system
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, 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, Select and implement well-considered solution
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, 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, 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