Upcoming Events

PHENND Seeks Two AmeriCorps*VISTA members

The Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND) seeks two full-time AmeriCorps*VISTAs to develop a new partnership between PHENND and the School District of Philadelphia.

About PHENND

PHENND is a consortium of 33 colleges and universities in the greater Philadelphia area. PHENND works to build the capacity of its member institutions to develop mutually beneficial, sustained, and democratic community-based service-learning partnerships. The consortium actively seeks to revitalize local communities and schools and foster civic responsibility among the region's colleges and universities.

About the position:

The two AmeriCorps*VISTAs sought for this coming year will develop a new partnership between PHENND and the School District. This new partnership will itself be a multi-year VISTA project through which VISTAs are placed in schools to serve as “School Partnerships Coordinators.” This first year is a planning year; the selected candidates will work closely with PHENND and School District staff to develop systems and processes for:

  • selecting participating schools
  • training potential host schools
  • selecting and training future VISTAs
  • generating overall and school-specific goals and performance measures
  • determining the possible role of lead partners
  • outlining day-to-day roles of the VISTAs

AmeriCorps*VISTAs needed for this program should be:

  • self-motivated and self-directed
  • able to network and build relationships with diverse constituencies
  • comfortable in different institutional settings (academic, community-based, etc.)
  • quick learners
  • comfortable with a work environment that is primarily office-based, but with regular travel to public schools, nonprofit organizations, local universities, and other sites as needed
  • able to navigate public transit (or with access to a car though public transit preferred)
  • familiar with the general landscape of public schooling, community partnerships, community service and volunteering, and service-learning at both the K-12 and collegiate levels
  • passionate about improving educational opportunities for low-income youth

Timeline

  • April 26-May 15 – Applications accepted
  • May 21-25 – Interviews
  • May 29 – Candidates selected
  • June/July 2012 – VISTA terms begin
  • June/July 2013 – VISTA terms end

Compensation

AmeriCorps*VISTAs commit to a full-time year of service for a minimal living stipend of approximately $12,962 per year. VISTA members are provided health insurance and loan forbearance for any current federal student loans. Upon completion of the full year, they also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of $5500 that can be used to pay for future educational expenses and/or pay off student loans. The PHENND VISTAs will also receive a SEPTA transpass to facilitate their transportation throughout the year.

All interested applicants should contact Liz Shriver for more information at 215-573-2379 or . To be considered, please email a cover letter and resume to .

PHENND K-16 Partnerships Institute

Save the Date

2nd Annual PHENND K-16 Partnerships Institute June 6-7, 2012

Location: School District of Philadelphia 440 N. Broad Street

Questions? Contact Liz Shriver at or 215-573-2379.

Scholars in Service to PA Summer Institute

Attention all Community Service and Service Learning Administrators and Faculty!

The Scholars in Service to Pennsylvania program presents… 2012 Summer Institute

The Scholars in Service to PA Summer Institute will bring together community service and service-learning professionals from across the state. The institute is designed to focus on building skills and techniques for volunteer training, group facilitation, and student development. Check back for more details.

Date: July 17-18, 2012

Location: Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Altoona, PA

The Summer Institute will take place at the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, part of Penn State University - Altoona. While the primary audience will be those administering the Scholars in Service to Pennsylvania AmeriCorps Program, all other Community Service and Service-Learning professionals are encouraged to attend for a modest fee which covers all meals and materials. Workshops will focus on a range of topics, not all of which will be specific to AmeriCorps.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFZjLW1CQzJWZ29QSU1qcmpJR01Td1E6MA#gid=0

Lodging: Information will be available shortly.

Agenda: The agenda is still being finalized but we will begin on Tues. at 11 AM (Registration) followed by lunch at noon and sessions beginning at 12:45 PM. There will be a group dinner on Tues. evening at 6:30 PM. Wednesday will begin at 9 AM and conclude by 4:00 PM.

Workshops:

  • Understanding the AmeriCorps National Performance Measures
  • Best Practices of Volunteer Recruitment & Management
  • The LIFT Model
  • Best Practices for AmeriCorps Position Descriptions
  • Using Federal Work Study to Enhance your Service Program
  • Documenting Student & Community Impact