August 2007
Students: AmeriCorps Provides Unique Opportunities to Combine Education and Service
AmeriCorps programs in Austin offer University of Texas at Austin students diverse opportunities to serve the wider community as tutors, mentors, and academic coaches for disadvantaged elementary to high school students. Earn a stipend, and be eligible for an education award (up to $1,800) at the end of the year. Openings are still available in the AmeriCorps for Community Engagement and Education (ACEE) program and in the College Forward AmeriCorps program. Both of our programs work to bridge the achievement gap between children from low-income communities and those from more advantaged communities. ACEE works with children at school entry to build a strong foundation in reading that will prepare them for success in school. College Forward prepares high school juniors and seniors to enroll in a four-year college and supports them throughout college to graduation.
ACEE
ACEE still has a few openings for work-study eligible tutors for the 2007-08 academic year. UTeach interns can also apply for these spots. ACEE work-study tutors serve 10-12 hours per week at the Lucy Read Pre-K Demonstration School, and must be able to work sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. ACEE work-study tutors work in the classrooms, the library, and the science center, providing small-group early literacy activities to build knowledge and skills. While some members come to the program with a background in education, no prior tutoring or teaching experience is required. ACEE provides all the training and support tutors need to be successful!
To apply to be a work study tutor in ACEE, please contact Chetan Makan, ACEE Program Coordinator at chetanmakan@mail.utexas.edu or 512-608-3095.
College Forward
College Forward has several openings for part-time academic coaches. You do not need to be work-study eligible for these openings. College Forward AmeriCorps Classroom Coaches will team-teach after-school college-preparatory classes to approximately 20 juniors or seniors at an area high school. Each coach will closely monitor the progress of 10 students; perform client phone calls and/or home visits as required; establish relationships with parents; maintain weekly timesheets and database and spreadsheet files; grade classroom assignments; conduct research on students' behalf; and maintain excellent working relationships with supervisors, fellow coaches, school personnel, and students and families. College Forward encourages personal growth and supports a fun, team-oriented environment in which members are treated as professionals and held to high standards.
Requirements: Flexible hours, but must be available Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Fridays 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Some weekends required (1-2 per month). Members are responsible for completing at least 725 hours of service, for an average of 18-20 hours/week. Length of Service: 10 months, September 4, 2007 to June 16, 2008. Education: Minimum of 30 hours of course credit at an accredited four-year college or university, or a baccalaureate degree. Spanish/English bilingual preferred but not required. Reliable transportation required; uniform provided and required.
To apply to be a College Forward AmeriCorps Classroom Coach please call 512-452-4800 or email khollis@collegeforward.org for details. On-line application and a full position description available at www.collegeforward.org/involved_americorps.html.