AmeriCorps*VISTA, Scholars in Service to PA Program

Posted by on May 26, 2006

The Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND) seeks an AmeriCorps*VISTA to organize, implement, and sustain the Post-Secondary Readiness iniative, a component of the Scholars in Service to Pennsylvania AmeriCorps Education Awards Program. This is a statewide, multi-university project concerned with increasing college readiness among low-income students across Pennsylvania. The VISTA member will work to train college students to deliver college preparatory services to middle and high school aged students, work to expand the Scholars program to meet this need, and also help create a summer experience in Philadelphia for Scholars members who will provide post-secondary readiness in summer school settings.

AmeriCorps*VISTA Member will:
– work with 5 campuses affiliated with both the CORE Philly Scholars program and the Scholars in Service to Pennsylvania program
– coordinate a summer experience program for approximately 60 Scholars in Service to PA members (who are also CORE Philly Scholars alumni) who will provide post-secondary readiness preparation to Philadelphia youth enrolled in summer programs.
– develop and implement evaluation procedures such as participant surveys and the like
– document processes and outcomes

AmeriCorps*VISTA 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.)
– a quick learner
– familiar with the general landscape of service, service-learning, and work-study at colleges and universities
– passionate about improving college readiness for low-income youth

Term of service: The term of service for this AmeriCorps*VISTA postition is the end of August 2006 through the end of August 2007. Compensation is a living allowance of approx. $10,000 plus an education award of $4,725. To learn more about AmeriCorps benefits visit http://www.americorps.gov.

To apply, contact PHENND Director Hillary Aisenstein at hillarya@pobox.upenn.edu or 215-573-2379.