Communities In Schools of Central Texas AmeriCorps Program Details

Communities in Schools of Central Texas AmeriCorps is currently accepting applications for the 2010-2011 program year.  Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2010.  Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

The Communities In Schools AmeriCorps program is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens age 18 and older.  Members serve full or part-time over a 11-month period.  CIS Interns (EAO members) can serve on a full year, semester, or quarter-time basis.

To apply, you should do the following:

1. Complete our application. Once you apply online, you will receive a confirmation page detailing the next steps in the process. Please note that we do not accept resumes and cover letters; you must fill out our online application.

2. Complete and have references submit reference forms. Please note that part-time and full-time applicants must submit two reference forms from professional contacts. Those applying for EAO positions only need to submit 1 reference form from a professional contact. References can e-mail their forms to americorps@cisaustin.org.

3. Begin to gather the required documentation: a valid driver's license; your birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport; and your social security card. Failure to provide these documents at your interview may delay or revoke your acceptance into the program.

4. We will contact you about setting up an interview time after it has been determined that you meet our qualifications.

5. Let the Communities In Schools of Central Texas AmeriCorps staff know if you have any questions! We can be reached at americorps@cisaustin.org or (512) 464-9733.

Why Serve?
AmeriCorps members who have served with Communities In Schools in the past have said:

"I don't know how to tell you and everyone at CIS, thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of something so wonderful!"

"I want to be a social worker, so this year has been such a tremendous opportunity for growth and development.  I've developed better listening skills, used my Spanish, learned how to relate to kids and gain trust, about boundaries, coping skills, time management, etc.  I'm so grateful for this experience!  Thank you!"

"Being a CIS AmeriCorps mentor has been the most fulfilling and rewarding experience of my life!"

"My biggest success was my kids realizing the capabilities they have within themselves and thanking me for their success."

Where Will I Serve?
Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CIS of CT) AmeriCorps members will be placed at one of the many CIS of CT public schools in Travis, Hays, Williamson and Caldwell counties. Members are placed at schools based on personal preference and school needs.

• A living stipend during your term of service
• Money, in the form of an Education Award, to pay tuition or qualified student loans for up to 7 years after you have completed your service
• Professional training and experience
• An incredible experience for your resume and memories that last a lifetime
• The satisfaction of seeing the students you help begin passing all of their classes and gaining self-esteem

Note: All monthly living stipends are pro-rated based on the date you begin the program.

Note: All monthly living stipends are taxed. All information above are the pre-taxed amounts.

Part-time applicants, please note that although a part-time schedule has some flexibility, all part-time members will need to be able to perform 23 - 25 hours of service between the hours of 7:30am - 4:00pm. If you are a student, it is possible that these times will conflict with your school schedule. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Education Award Only (EAO) applicants, please note that the majority of our EAO applicants are planning to complete a school internship through Communities In Schools. If you are interested in an EAO slot but are not interning with CIS through your university, please contact us to discuss this further.

What Will I Do?
Lots of kids need help with their academics; need guidance from an older person, and a need a sense of belonging. As a Communities In Schools of Central Texas AmeriCorps members you will serve in Austin-area public schools helping dozens of young people achieve some of their needs by providing:

• Mentoring and supportive guidance
• Tutoring and academic support
• Leadership and facilitation of student service learning projects

To learn more about the daily experiences on our campuses, take a look at the following "Day in the Life" essay, written by a current Communities In Schools of Central Texas AmeriCorps members.

A Typical Day as an AmeriCorps Member

By Keri Stephens, full-time AmeriCorps members at the

Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders

 

7:30
	Arrive to school.  Prepare my schedule of students for the day and write passes.  Check CIS e-mail.
8:00	ASSEMBLY
	Go to morning assembly and hand out students' hall passes.  Grab coffee.
8:30	ADVISORY
	Pull students' files and read over notes for students I am seeing today.  Outline flexible activities to do with each student.
9:00	1st PERIOD
1st half	First student arrives and we discuss family conflict issues.  Give student a journal for expressing anger.
2nd half	Take notes on first student's meeting.  Research possible activities for next week on the computer.  Create, laminate and assemble two spelling games.
10:35	2nd PERIOD
1st half	Scheduled student doesn't show.  Catch up on data entry.  Read AmeriCorps-related material.  Talk to co-workers.
2nd half	Student arrives.  Talk about family, friends and goals.  Update on homework and grades.  Help student with math homework.
12:05	LUNCH
	Seven students show up for Animal Lovers Lunch Bunch.  Do icebreaker activity, chat about pets, brainstorm ideas for Service-Learning Project.  Closing activity to summarize group and discuss what we learned.
12:50	3rd PERIOD
1st half	No student scheduled.  Take notes for student meeting during second period.  Reflect on group and take notes.  Make plans for next group meeting:  phone calls for veterinarian visit, research online for local volunteer opportunities.
2nd half	Go to gym to pick up student.  Talk about stress.  Create a "Wish Box" with arts and crafts materials and write down wishes to go inside the box.  Discuss activity with student.
2:25	4th PERIOD
1st half	ESL student arrives a little late.  Take turns reading aloud from a book selected by student.  Play spelling game.
2nd half	No student scheduled.  Take notes on previous two students.  Check CIS e-mail.  Straighten office and put away files.  Talk with co-workers.
3:30
	Leave campus.  No after-school activities or service projects today.

As you can see, every day is different but each holds boundless opportunities for creativity and making a difference in the lives of the students! 

An AmeriCorps Member's Success Story

The majority of my students are students who are struggling in Math. One particular young lady started the year off with a 50 in Math. She had a hard time with basic multiplication and division, which affected her confidence in Math in general. She was disruptive in class and didn’t do her work because she said it was “too hard.” We practiced multiplication and division outside the classroom to build her confidence. I sat with her in the classroom and showed her different tips and techniques. She began to grasp concepts on her own or with little help. She noticed her multiplication and division getting easier and easier through practice and repetition. This boosted her classroom participation and interest in Math. Her behavior in class improved and her grades went up dramatically. The 5^th six weeks she made a 91 in Math! Up from a 50! She thought she was “stupid” and that she “sucked” at Math. Now she has an A. All she needed was someone to steer her in the right direction and help her to overcome her self-doubt.

I met up with this student in her gym class when 5th six week grades were posted to tell her how she did. At first she was in shock. When she realized that I was telling the truth and the reality of it sunk in, her hands went to her cheeks and her mouth dropped open. She started jumping up and down and screaming like she had just won the lottery. It was the cutest thing ever!