Intermountain AmeriCorps: Service & Education Team (SET)

Service & Education Team (SET) members serve all age levels, anywhere from Kindergarten up to adults in the community.  The common goal is to improve the basic and essential skills of those they serve.

A SET member is assigned to a certain site, where he or she focuses on students in a specific age range or grade level.  Some members assist in the lower age levels (mostly in reading) and other members assist in high schools where they help in all subject areas and leadership classes.  Some sites also focus on the adult skill-building side of the spectrum.  Across all grade levels, members serve a large percentage of students with limited English.

A SET member’s day is divided into time for tutoring, time for AmeriCorps-related responsibilities, and time for after-school programs.  Sites typically look to see what a member's specific talents and skills are and try to work with them to bring out those passions to those they serve.  Many members have the chance to develop programs in an after-school setting that are based on their passions, skills, and talents.


What you may be doing as a SET member:

  • Provide students with tutoring and academic mentoring to increase their competence in study and organizational skills, in grades, and on tests.
  • Assist students with limited English skills to improve their comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar, as well as build communication skills.
  • Educate students in citizenship skills such as leadership, peer mediation, and team building.
  • Collaborate with other members to develop and implement service-learning projects to address a community priority.
  • Mentor youth to help them see their potential in life and help them build self-esteem.
  • Provide computer-based learning opportunities to supplement or reinforce school curriculum in specific skill areas.
  • And much more!

2007-2008 Service Term Sites:
We may bring on different sites in subsequent years, but all sites will always have a youth or education focus.


YWCA (Wenatchee) (filled)

The member at the YWCA will be responsible for assisting the Youth Programs Program Assistant in preparing and delivering programs to interested youth.  The member will work in the YWCA office and also in the YWCA teen center.  The member will be working on designing and implementing the Club Chameleon Diversity programs on site and at local middle schools.

The member will also be responsible for creating and advertising programs for the YWCA Youth Program.  They will work to find a pool of students to come to the programs and work to promote and publicize the program in the community. Some of the programs taught in the past with the Youth Program include a summer program with classes on Introduction to Photography, Video Production, self-awareness issues and a Fashion/Design class.

In addition, the member will design, plan, promote, and deliver YWCA diversity and anti-racism adult education events for the community at large.

  • Grade Levels: 4th-HS
  • Required Qualifications: An interest in diversity and anti-racism efforts. Proficient in MS Office and office machines.  Good telephone, spelling, math, and communication skills.
  • Preferred Qualifications: AA degree and one year experience.
  • Car: Optional

http://www.ywcawen.com/

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DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE CRISIS CENTER (DSV) (Wenatchee) (filled)

The services of the member will enhance community education of services at the DSV agency.  The member at this site will be responsible for helping with the "Strengthening Families" program and implementing the “Prime Time for Families” project for at-risk youth and non-offending parents.

They will provide early intervention and prevention services through a mentoring relationship to high-risk youth and non-offending parents/caregivers.  The program targets eight to ten at-risk families per seven-week session, and focuses on reducing the risk of drug and alcohol abuse, improving academic levels and attendance, strengthening the family bond, improving parenting skills, and encouraging active and respectful communication.  The member will also work to recruit high school and community volunteers to participate in the program.

The member at this site will also have a great opportunity to obtain over 50 hours of State mandated Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault trainings.  She will provide crisis interventions and advocacy to adult clients.

  • Age Levels: Middle School, High School, Adult
  • Required Qualifications: Able to function in a stressful and emotionally charged atmosphere, able to multi-task, able to maintain professional and personal boundaries.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual; prior experience with social services, working at a non-profit, or working with clients who may have been economically or socially disadvantaged; background in domestic violence, sexual assault, crime victims' advocacy, or advocacy-based programs; women's studies classes; experience with community outreach on a variety of levels and mentoring youth.
  • Car: Optional

http://www.findsafety.org/index.htm

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CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY (Wenatchee)

The member will serve with the organization's Readiness to Learn Program, which focuses on at-risk students whose school success is limited or affected by social, emotional, and family issues.  The volunteer will work with students referred to the program from seven surrounding school districts. Basic roles will include meeting with the student at school, home visits, supporting and encouraging parents to participate in the child's education, identifying additional community resources for the student and family, and serving as a mentor for the student.

In addition, the member may develop various groups at schools that would focus on building social skills, bullying prevention, and gang-related issues.  Other mentoring roles that would be part of the member's duties include assisting Hispanic high school seniors in college and scholarship applications, and to contribute to the Mentoring Program which matches adult volunteers with children of incarcerated parents.

  • Grade Levels: K-12
  • Required Qualifications: 21 years of age, two years of college education, good interpersonal skills, the ability to function as a member of a team, an interest in helping children to succeed, a valid driver's license, a clean criminal history investigation, basic computer skills, adequate auto insurance, reliable transportation, and a great attitude.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in social/health services or education, bilingual in Spanish, experience working with at-risk children of all ages.
  • Car: Required

http://www.chs-wa.org/2_northcentral.htm

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WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER (Wenatchee) (filled)

Homeless children will be the focus of the AmeriCorps volunteer placed at this site. The member will address the needs of the children living in emergency shelter and transitional housing by interviewing with parents, assist school-age children to meet school attendance and academic requirements, and recruit volunteers to serve as mentors and positive role models. In addition, the volunteer may develop activities and opportunities for the children to improve social skills relating to communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

  • Grade Levels: All
  • Required Qualifications: Education, experience, or interest in working with children and youth; ability to work independently and as a team member, to work with diverse populations, and to maintain confidentiality; and sensitivity to issues of homelessness and poverty.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Ability to speak, understand, read, and write in Spanish.
  • Car: Optional

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WENATCHEE LITERACY COUNCIL (Wenatchee)

The member placed with the Literacy Council will be responsible for tutoring adults in ESL as well as recruiting and supporting volunteers.  He or she would interview new students, tutor individuals or small groups, act as an advocate for students, and develop lesson plans. Indirect services performed would include recruiting new tutors, assessing student progress, publishing the Literacy Council newsletter, and creating new literacy tools as needed.

  • Grade Levels: Adult
  • Required Qualifications: Organized, self-motivated/self-starter; strong work ethic; flexibility; excellent verbal and written communication skills, telephone and interview skills; excellent computer and people skills; approachable.  Possess the ability to teach ESL to individuals and small groups, ability to develop lesson plans.  Strong desire to make a difference.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Creative, ability to get along with a variety of people, good sense of humor, some Spanish.
  • Car: Optional

http://www.wvlc.org/

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COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (filled)
of Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council
(Wenatchee)

The AmeriCorps volunteer will create and deliver a curriculum utilizing technology for training to parents and students at the Wenatchee Community Center and to seven middle schools within Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties. The Community Technology program is expanding their service of technology-related classes to provide classes at the Community Center. The classes for students will be after-school and evening enrichment activities. The parent classes at the middle schools are intended to help parents understand the technology their students use in the school and increase the parents' knowledge of applications so that they can better help in their child's educational process.

  • Grade Levels: K-12 and Adult
  • Required Qualifications: Knowledge of computer operating systems and office applications. Interest in teaching and working with students of all grade levels. Interest in working with and teaching parents. Typing skills. Must have own transportation as some travel will be involved. Good communication skills.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual, motivational skills, energetic.
  • Car: Required...mileage reimbursed.

http://www.4nccn.org/

http://www.cdcac.org/


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EASTMONT JUNIOR HIGH (East Wenatchee)

Eastmont Junior High is in its second year of school improvement, just completing year one of implementation. EJHS has identified four major areas of focus: improving Math and Reading scores; increasing parent involvement at the school, especially with our families living in poverty and with limited knowledge of English; and lastly, improving school climate. The AmeriCorps volunteer will serve as a team member who will share responsibility in developing services and activities that would support the school improvement goals. As an additional team member, the AmeriCorps volunteer will provide and bring services into the building that would not otherwise be available. Key roles will be to develop an after-school program, both as a homework center and to offer enrichment activities. For this after-school program to be successful, the volunteer will need to recruit other volunteer community members. During the school day the member will work closely with teachers and the school counselor to identify students at risk, and to develop strategies for success, mentoring, etc. The AmeriCorps volunteer will primarily support students who are failing the majority of their classes.

  • Grade Levels: 8 and 9
  • Required Qualifications: Math and Reading skills, computer skills, interest in and desire to work with at-risk junior high students. Strong communication skills: ability to communicate effectively with students and adults. Good organizational skills.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual, motivational skills, energetic.
  • Car: Not required.

http://www.eastmont206.com/ejhs/html/ejhsmain.htm

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WENATCHEE HIGH SCHOOL (Wenatchee) (filled)

The member placed at Wenatchee High School would serve the 50 students involved with the GEAR UP Program (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs).  The member would serve as a role model for these students as they prepare to go on to higher education and also offer extra academic support.  Key roles and responsibilities would include managing student data, publishing the monthly newsletter, tutoring students, and chaperoning college and career field trips.

  • Grade Levels: 9th Grade
  • Required Qualifications: BA in social science, education, or related field; computer experience; attention to detail; experience working with young adults; understanding of the public school system; responsible; mature.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Spanish-speaking, excellent writing skills, newsletter publishing experience.
  • Car: Optional

http://whs.wsd.wednet.edu/

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STERLING INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL (filled)
(East Wenatchee)

The member at this site will serve to help coordinate and supervise activities relating to the extended-day program.  Some of the roles and responsibilities that the member may share include (some but not all): tutor in classrooms during the day, directly supervising students and leading extended-day activities; helping to supervise daily operations of the after-school program; tracking student attendance and registration records; contacting parents regarding absence or discipline issues; coordinating, collaborating and recruiting parent and community volunteers; facilitating classes and clubs; maintaining and posting current activities calendar; and attending all professional development opportunities regarding after-school and extended-day practices.

  • Grade Levels: 5-7
  • Required Qualifications: Experience working with and supervising youth, dependable, reliable, leadership skills, strong organizational skills, works well and collaborates well with groups of adults, willing to learn new skills and information (teachable), energetic.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Basic computer skills, AA degree.
  • Car: Optional

http://www.eastmont206.com/sms/sterlmain.htm

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ORCHARD MIDDLE SCHOOL (Wenatchee)

The member will serve as a tutor both in class and after school for individuals or small groups of students in a variety of subjects. He or she will also facilitate small-group academic discussion in AVID classes, college preparatory classes for middle school and high school youth who are the first in their family to pursue a college education.

In addition, the member may be involved in leading after-school enrichment projects, recruiting students to attend after-school activities, and other activities designed to enhance student self-esteem. The exact responsibilities will be determined by the member's skills, interests, and previous experience.

  • Grade Levels: 6-9; occasionally 9-12 as well.
  • Required Qualifications: High school diploma, strong academic and human relations skills, able to work in a noisy and crowded environment, positive and professional attitude, computer skills, ability to relate well to middle school students, ability to assist students with a wide variety of school subjects, ability to encourage and motivate students.
  • Preferred Qualifications: College credits, AA, or BA highly preferred; Bilingual in English and Spanish; previous experience teaching, leading, or supervising middle school students; strong math skills.
  • Car: Optional

http://oms.wsd.wednet.edu/

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KENROY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (East Wenatchee) (filled)

Kenroy Elementary is seeking to develop interventions for their students in Reading and Math. The AmeriCorps volunteer will work with teachers to supervise intervention activities, organized by the teachers. Special emphasis is on academic tutoring and mentoring as well as to work with the all-day Kindergarten classes. The AmeriCorps volunteer will also provide units of after-school enrichment with assistance from teachers. He or she will also help plan and organize parent involvement events especially for migrant/bilingual parents, to help parents become involved in their children's educational process. The AmeriCorps volunteer will also provide summer assistance during the final weeks of service using an existing summer curriculum.

  • Grade Levels: K-4
  • Required Qualifications: Math and Reading skills, Strong communication skills: ability to communicate effectively with students and adults. Solid English skills.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual (not required), motivational skills, energetic.
  • Car: Not Required

http://www.eastmont206.org/kenroy/main/kenroymain.htm

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GRAND COULEE SCHOOL DISTRICT
(Grand Coulee)

Three members will be placed at the three schools within this district at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.  They will be assisting with the efforts of providing one-on-one and small group tutoring, before- and after-school programs, and summer programming.  The volunteers will assist the brainstorming, planning, gathering and recruiting of resources, gaining community involvement, and continuing the implementation of a sustainable volunteer program.

  • Grade Levels: K-6, MS, HS. Two positions are available that may be divided between the three schools.
  • Required Qualifications: Math skills, reading skills, leadership ability, strong communication skills, teaching/mentoring skills, creativity, caring, alternative learning/teaching styles, self-motivated
  • Preferred Qualifications: College graduate; organizational skills; experience in program development, parent involvement, and community service.
  • Car: Strongly Recommended

http://www.gcdsd.org/

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BREWSTER ELEMENTARY (Brewster)

The members at this site will help to run an effective after school program as well as work with small groups of students throughout the day.  The members would work with staff to support what is being done in the classroom and to help below-level students improve. Members will be working with small groups to reinforce basic Reading and Math skills during the day and then coordinating an after school program to extend the learning time for students.

  • Grade Levels: K-6 (one Reading position and one Math position)
  • Required Qualifications: Each member should be able to work with kids of all ages. They must also be able to work with adults. SET members will be working with students and staff, they must have personal and communication skills to allow them to do that effectively.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge about the teaching of Reading and the five areas of Reading, the ability to use manipulatives to teach Math.
  • Car: Strongly Recommended

http://www.brewster.wednet.edu

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BRIDGEPORT SCHOOL DISTRICT (Bridgeport) (filled)

The member at Bridgeport School District will supporting current efforts being made at the middle school and high school GEAR UP programs.  The main components include the extended school program to assist students to increase academic proficiency, evening enrichment for parents, improvement of student and parent English skills, and activities that will improve student behavior, attitude, self-esteem, and homework habits.

During the day, the volunteer will provide student tutoring, focusing on the students who are struggling with the many challenges of second language acquisition and other challenges inherent to coming from migrant families.  After-school hours will be spent planning and implementing activities for the after-school program.  Other duties may include creating learning opportunities for students as well as recruiting high school tutors and facilitating communication with families through a newsletter.

  • Grade Levels: 6-12 (one middle school position and one high school position)
  • Required Qualifications: At least an AA or working towards one, basic computer skills with MS Office and other computer programs, interest in migrant population and helping in the process of academic achievement and second language learning.  Member should also have knowledge of the process of acquiring and obtaining of post-secondary education. Ability to be organized and carry out duties and responsibilities.  Should be comfortable and enjoy working with middle school to high school aged students from a Hispanic background.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual a plus but not required. A rudimentary knowledge of and/or appreciation of Mexican Spanish and the Mexican and Latin American cultures would be an asset.  Some tutoring/teaching experience.
  • Car: Strongly Recommended

http://www.bridgeport.wednet.edu/

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ENTIAT SCHOOL DISTRICT

The member at this site will assist junior high and high school students most at-risk of failing to meet standards, whether due to language limitations, learning disabilities, or general difficulties with academic proficiency.  One way in which he or she will be utilized is in the classroom by providing assistance to small groups of high-need students.  Another possible duty will be after-school tutoring.

  • Grade Levels: Middle School and High School
  • Required Qualifications: BA degree, proficient in academic reading and writing, varied interests and a willingness to share these interests with the students.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual in Spanish and/or additional languages, previous experience working with youth, passionate about own personal interests and willing to incorporate them into their year of service.
  • Car: Optional

http://www.entiatschools.org/

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OMAK LEARNING CENTER

Similar to the Main Street Learning Center placement, the member placed at the Learning Center will serve as a one-on-one tutor and mentor to the students who attend this alternative high school, organizing and implementing projects and students groups.  He or she will be responsible for trying to expose students to community resources by organizing presentations and providing literature and brochures to students, as well as offer alternatives and solutions to conflicts and issues with which the students may be faced.

  • Grade Levels: HS-Adult
  • Required Qualifications: Excellent communication skills, developed leadership skills, strong academic ability, basic computer skills, sensitivity to diverse cultures.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience in tutoring, facilitating groups, garnering community resources, knowledge of service learning, public speaking skills.
  • Car: Strongly Recommended

http://www.wa.gov/esd/okanogan/learncntr/learn.html

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What do past members have to say about SET?

"My time with the IMAC SET program taught me so much. I also made some amazing connections with students and community members."


TERM LENGTH
10.5 Months:
September 1, 2008-
July 15, 2009

QUALIFICATIONS

Interested in working with youth.

Committed for 10 ½ months.

Self-motivated with the ability to function with minimum supervision while remaining accountable to the site and regional offices.

Excellent communication and relationship building skills.

Ability to coordinate activities and collaborate with other programs.

Strong organizational skills in order to collect and organize data in a systematic fashion.

Proficiency in basic computer applications.

Adaptability and skills to succeed within diverse environments.

Ability to act as a liaison between schools, students, community members, and program sponsors.

Background and/or experience in education, training, or tutoring.

 


BENEFITS

$4725 education award

Monthly living allowance of $925

Health care

Childcare (according to eligibility)

Gain experience in mentoring

Gain experience in the education field

Gain experience in program development


VISTA vs SET/WRC

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VISTA AND OUR SET and WRC PROGRAMS

VISTA members provide indirect service while SET and WRC members provide direct service. By this we mean that VISTA members concentrate mainly on the program development and sustainability. VISTA members help organize Family Literacy Nights, go to community meetings, ask for donations from community businesses and organizations, recruit volunteers for the school, and keep information important to reading tutors organized. VISTA members do not participate in as much hands-on tutoring as SET and WRC members. They typically tutor about 2-3 hours per day

VISTA members serve a 12-month term (starting August 23rd).

VISTA members receive a relocation allowance. The relocation allowance is received approximately two to three months into service. (Ask our recruitment coordinator or supervisor for more information).

We prefer VISTA members to have a vehicle (for going to community meetings, picking up donations, etc.). We have had some VISTA members come without vehicles, but it is definitely easier if you have a vehicle you can bring.

VISTA members receive travel reimbursement during the week for driving to community meetings, picking up donations, but not daily travel to sites. SET and WRC members do not receive travel reimbursement for daily travel related to their site responsibilities.