Summary of Position and Project Goal
Saturday Academy engages 2nd-12th grade students in hands-on, out-of-school time learning by connecting them to community experts as instructors and mentors. We emphasize science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to best prepare our students for 21st century careers. Underserved students in our programs benefit from personalized instruction, interaction with professionals, and introduction to new career paths and hands-on exploration. The VISTA will work to increase our ability to engage, train, and retain volunteers and build our capacity to educate underserved students by strengthening our community partnerships. Through VISTA, Saturday Academy will be able to better serve communities of color and students from low-income households through direct outreach; financial aid; efficient use of volunteer time; and partnerships with business, other nonprofits, and schools.
As an AmeriCorps VISTA position, the Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator will begin a 12-month year of service beginning in August 2017.
Essential Responsibilities/Activities:
- Outreach to local organizations and schools connected to low-income students, learn about the needs of their students, and advocate for the development of sustainable partnerships with Saturday Academy
- Outreach with and build relationships with local businesses who have the resources, expertise or team-volunteer capacity to increase our ability to serve low-income youth
- Develop a volunteer retention program to engage community members in service to our students on a long-term basis
- Recruit new volunteers, especially community experts with STEM backgrounds who can serve as instructors or mentors to our students
- Attend relevant community events as a representative of Saturday Academy
AmeriCorps VISTA Member Responsibilities:
- Attend all Campus Compact of Oregon AmeriCorps VISTA required trainings and events
- Complete and submit all Campus Compact of Oregon AmeriCorps VISTA required progress reports, timesheets and other paperwork
Required Qualifications:
- 18 years and older
- Must have at least an Associates Degree or equivalent credits
- Demonstrate a commitment to or willingness to explore issues of racial justice and equity
- A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
- Able to serve full-time for 365 days
- Ability to pass a criminal history background check
Site Specific Requirements:
- A valid Driver’s License and access to personal vehicle
- Customer service, account management or partnership management experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Project management experience
- Volunteer coordination experience
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office software
- Conversational or fluent Spanish speaking abilities
- A passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
AmeriCorps VISTA Member Benefits:
- A living allowance of $11,676 for the term of service, dispersed monthly
- An education award of $5,730 or cash stipend of $1,500 upon successful completion of service
- Health benefits
- Loan forbearance and interest accrual payment on qualified student loans
- Child care (if eligible)
- Low-cost life insurance (optional)
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Access to an extensive network of AmeriCorps Alums
- Federal jobs non-competitive eligibility for one year after service
Site Specific Benefits:
Saturday Academy’s VISTA participation is coordinated by Oregon Campus Compact. To apply for this position, please follow the application instructions on their website: http://www.oregoncampuscompact.org/apply-to-vista.html
For any questions about Saturday Academy or the position requirements, please email Anna Kelly at anna@saturdayacademy.org.