7 VISTA positions, PA Service-Learning Alliance

Posted by on September 3, 2004

The Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance announces 7 new Americorps*VISTA positions. Program and job descriptions are listed below. For more information, contact Faith Goldstein at 215.573.2380, faithg@sas.upenn.edu, or apply directly online at <a href="https://recruit.cns.gov">https://recruit.cns.gov</a>.

Please share this email with other folks who may be interested. Thanks!

—
Faith Goldstein
Pennsylvania Service Learning Alliance
215.573.2380
faithg@sas.upenn.edu
***********************************************

Service-Learning Outreach Coordinator
Positions available: 2
Location: PSLA offices, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
Description:
The Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance (PSLA), with offices in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, works in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and schools across the state to promote service-learning. Service-learning methodology engages students to use academic skills to solve real world community problems. The Outreach Coordinator VISTA will work out of the PSLA office, and make regular visits to area schools and community organizations.
VISTA Responsibilities include:
*Expand outreach and provide service-learning resources to a wider range of schools, teachers and students by organizing training workshops and developing teacher toolkits
*Strengthen existing school partnerships by conducting site visits and connecting teachers to service-learning centers in nearby schools
*Update the PSLA web site with school information, service-learning resources, and other exciting iniatives
*Share information about other exciting PSLA initatives with schools, and recruit teachers and students to participate in these PSLA programs

Digital Miracles Coordinator
Positions available: 1
Location: Philadelphia PSLA office and participating schools
Description:
Digital Miracles is an innovative curriculum designed to engage middle school students in bridging the digital divide in their communities. Participants learn how to take apart a computer and put it back together again. The students also install the software and hardware necessary to make the machine functional. Students use the skills they gain in the program to provide a service to their community, such has refurbishing a computer for a community member who does not have one, or helping a teacher develop a power point presentation for a lesson plan. Through this service-learning component, students earn their computer, with Internet access, to take home! As part of the program, participants also develop a presentation for their families and help lead a parent training on computers and Internet safety.
VISTA Responsibilities include:
*Connect with participating schools to schedule the programs, arrange for teacher trainings, and collect materials for program evaluation
*Recruit volunteers to support the program
*Develop and maintain curriculum materials and teachers guides
*Organize parent and community technology trainings
*Connect with community partners to develop service-learning projects for participating students

Youth-Driven Service-Learning Center Community Coordinator
Positions available: 2
Location: Philadelphia PSLA office and area schools.
Description:
Youth-Driven Service-Learning Centers (YDSLCs) are located in middle and high schools. YDSLCs are "hubs" of service-learning that help connect teachers, students, and community members in an effort to foster successful service-learning and community building partnerships. The YDSLC Community Coordinator VISTAs will spend the majority of their time working in a school YDSLC, as well as the surrounding community.
VISTA Responsibilities include:
*Engage more teachers in utilizing service-learning methodology in their classroom, and in utlizing the resources of the YDSLC
*Outreach into the community to get citizens and local organizations involved with the students, teachers, and Youth-Driven Service-Learning Centers at the school.
*Work with student leaders to facilitate the goals of the Youth-Driven Service-Learning Center and to promote service-learning activities in the school.
*Act as a liaison between the Youth-Driven Service-Learning Center and Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance. Engage the students and teachers in city-wide, state-wide, and national conferences and initiatives.

Special Projects Organizer
Positions available: 1
Location: United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, office in Philadelphia
Description:
The Special Projects Organizer is a key organizer of public engagement activities at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. This includes the nationally recognized Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service. The position offers an opportunity to learn first hand how programs are started, maintained and evaluated for effectiveness. A focus of the position will be on volunteer management, sustainability building, and integration of service-learning opportunities and youth engagement.
VISTA Responsibilities include:
* Increase the number of volunteers and mentors
* Increase the quality of public engagement experiences
* Build the capacity of community serving organizations
* Assist in planning and implementing community events/campaigns with aim to educate and support anti-poverty efforts (e.g., Martin Luther King Day of Service, Day of Caring, etc.).
* Assist with marketing and strategic planning to promote civic engagement.
* Assist in measuring the success and effectiveness of events/campaigns.

Youth Organized for Disaster Action (YODA) Coordinator
Positions available: 1
Location: Institute for Global Education and Service-Learning, office in Levittown, PA
Description:
Youth Organized for Disaster Action (YODA) presents an opportunity for students to contribute to national homeland security efforts. Students will be engaged in service-learning activities that encompass mitagition and prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Schools will apply for and receive grants to organize YODA teams, focusing on curriculum links, teacher professional development, and student participation.
Responsibilities include:
*Develop marketing and outreach strategies for YODA program.
*Assist schools in identifying local homeland security organizations and emergency management units
*Develop online YODA resources to provide successful program models, progress updates, and replication handbooks
*Assist YODA teams in development and distribution of family disaster plans and emergency kits to the community.