We are now accepting applications for the Y.O.U. AmeriCorps Y.O.U.th Serve 2024-2025 program. AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. Whether your service makes a community safer, gives a child a second chance, or helps protect the environment, you’ll be getting things done through AmeriCorps!
About Y.O.U’s AmeriCorps Y.O.U.th Serve
Y.O.U.’s AmeriCorps program is called Y.O.U.th Serve. Its goals are
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To increase academic performance, social and emotional development, and gang resilience in youth.
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To increase levels of parental engagement in youths’ lives and Y.O.U. programming.
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To leverage volunteers as a result of our program.
What You’ll Do
Y.O.U.th Serve Members support youth by serving in Y.O.U.'s afterschool and summer programs. Y.O.U.th Serve Members will provide youth with crucial academic support and help lead workshops on social and emotional enrichment and life skills. Y.O.U.th Serve Members will also assist the program in building relationships with families, community members and school administration.
Your Supervisors
All Y.O.U.th Serve Members will report to Y.O.U.’s AmeriCorps Manager and an After-School Program Site Manager.
Roles
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Activity Leader (2nd Year Term)
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Activity Assistant (w/ expectation to develop as an Activity Leader – 1st Year Term)
Choice of Commitment
We will ensure you meet the service hour requirements by considering your schedule and the time you have available. We have full-time, part-time, and summer hour commitments. Current College Students are encouraged to apply and possibly receive a Segal Education Award to apply toward qualified tuition expenses at the end of your service.
Primary Responsibilities
Direct Service (70%)
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Assist with a variety of enrichment activities on a daily basis including but not limited to social justice, anti- racist, cultural, artistic, physical fitness, STEM, adolescent identity and self-exploration, and other academic enrichment activities on a daily basis.
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Integrate and adapt educational best practices learned and curriculum during programs.
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Assist instructors and service providers with small group instruction and facilitate homework help in a safe and structured environment including but not limited to one-on-one academic support for students.
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Provide individual and small group tutoring sessions in partnering schools.
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Incorporate feedback in daily tasks from Y.O.U. out-of-school time leadership and school district administrators.
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Set classroom management expectations and agreements based on Y.O.U. guidelines and standards.
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Engage youth in meaningful service learning projects.
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Cultivate positive relationships with youth that support their success and well-being in and out of school time.
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Assist in planning, coordinating, and hosting periodic family nights.
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Assist in planning, coordinating, and transporting youth on field trips.
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Coordinate and implement Y.O.U. summer learning camps.
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Participates in community and organizational events as volunteers as guided by the organization.
Administrative (10%)
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Facilitates youth surveys.
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Create monthly newsletters and calendars to send out to program families.
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Attend weekly site-based team meetings, bi-weekly grade-level team meetings, and monthly direct service team meetings.
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Complete assessments as needed in support of OST data and evaluation efforts.
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Assist with daily snack prep for the program.
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Inventory and supply shop for educational program supplies on an ongoing basis.
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Participates either as volunteers or paid attendees at organizational fundraisers.
Training & Other (20%)
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Participate in, lead, and attend all required volunteer activities.
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Attend all AmeriCorps cohort meetings and training as scheduled.
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Attend all in-house OST department professional development training.
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Work with the After-School Program Manager to align individual goals with OST department goals.
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Strategize and collaborate with After School Program Managers to identify and attend external training opportunities.
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Implement knowledge and skills learned into the OST curriculum and program.
Organizational Background
Founded in 1971, Y.O.U. is an Evanston-based non-profit that partners with families, schools, and the community to provide academic, social, and emotional support to close the opportunity gap and prepare all youth for post-secondary and life success. Each year, Y.O.U. provides over 1,600 youth across 9 school sites with free, holistic, out-of-school support, including afterschool and summer learning programs, mental health counseling, and experiential learning through partnerships. Our staff are a diverse collection of passionate individuals, committed to social justice, trauma-informed care, inclusion, equity, and anti-racist ideologies, and helping youth realize their full potential.
Youth and Opportunity United is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Youth and Opportunity United welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.
