Education Success Project Leader (AmeriCorps/VISTA), YouthBuild Charter School

Posted by YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School on May 25, 2015

The full-time AmeriCorps/VISTA Education Success Project Leader serves a 12-month term (July 24, 2015 to July 23, 2016) at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School, an alternative 12th-Grade-only, diploma-granting high school for high-school dropouts ages 18 to 21.

To apply, send letter of interest and resume to Frederick Bader, HR Coordinator, at fbader@youthbuildphilly.org with the words “VISTA Education Success Project Leader” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School
1231 North Broad Street, 5th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19122
http://www.youthbuildphilly.org

Background
YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School is a nationally-recognized leader in alternative education. We help transform the lives of older urban youth through a holistic approach that includes academic instruction and vocational training. Most students attend YouthBuild for one year, during which they work towards earning a competency-based high school diploma and a vocational-trade certification. Our committed staff and talented students make YouthBuild an inspiring place to work. The school is known for its positive climate and culture. Staff and students benefit from being part of a close -knit community built through community meetings, school-wide service projects, and a restorative-justice approach to discipline. Mission To provide out-of-school youth in Philadelphia with the broadest range of tools, supports and opportunities available to become self-sufficient, responsible and productive citizens in their community. We develop the character, knowledge, and skills of our students so that they will succeed in top-quality colleges, trade schools and the competitive world beyond.

Responsibilities
The Education Success Project Leader will work with YouthBuild’s academic team to increase the number of YouthBuild students who attain a diploma and are academically prepared to be successfully placed and retained in postsecondary settings. We are seeking a college graduate, with: excellent communication skills, the ability to proactively develop positive relationships, and a commitment to community engagement and education. The ideal candidate is passionate about education justice, is interested in creative thinking and problem solving, and is prepared to undertake a variety of projects to support student success.

Specifically, the Education Success Project Leader will be charged with the following:
 Coordinate and enhance a volunteer program to support our students’ academic success in the academic curriculum (examples: tutors, mentors, teacher assistants)
 Help to develop partnerships, curricula and programming to support students’ success on standardized tests, including the TABE, SAT and community college placement tests, like the Compass.
 Research, and support the development of, curriculum and staff-development opportunities that enhance the tools and skills staff have for preparing students for postsecondary success.

Benefits
 a living (pre-tax) allowance of $12,312 annually ($473 bi-weekly),
 an education award of $5,350 upon successful completion of term of service,
 college-loan forbearance with interest accrual payment,  child care coverage (if applicable), and
 health benefits.

Requirements Successful applicants must:
 Hold a Bachelor’s degree.
 Be available to attend a mandatory VISTA Pre-Service Orientation in Philadelphia, July 20-23, 2015.
 Be in a position to offer full-time service for one year (July 24, 2015 – July 23, 2016).
 Be willing to live among, and at the economic level of, the low-income people served by the project and have a desire to provide needed community services to an underserved community.
 Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status.
 Not listed in the National Sex Offender Registry database as convicted of a sex -related crime.
 Be able to exhibit previous education, training, military, or work experience, and any other relevant skills or interests necessary to perform a specific VISTA assignment.
 Understand that VISTAs serve on a full-time basis and cannot be the subject of legal proceedings (civil or criminal) that may consume time needed for their assignments.