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CIS-CT AmeriCorps Program Details
Communities in Schools - Central Texas, Inc. AmeriCorps is NOW ACCEPTING new applications for our current program year. Applications will be accepted until September 2nd, 2008.
The Communities In Schools AmeriCorps program is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens age 17 and older. Members serve full- or part-time over a 11-month period. CIS Interns can serve on a semester, quarter-time basis.
To apply, you should do the following:
1. Complete our application. We encourage you to apply online! 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 application.
2. Complete and submit three reference forms. Please note that part-time and full-time applicants must submit three reference forms (2 need to be from professional contacts and 1 can be from a personal contact). Those applying for EAO positions only need to submit 1 reference form from a professional contact. References can email their forms to .
3. Begin to gather the required documentation: a valid driver's license; your birth certificate; your social security card or a valid U.S. passport; a high school or college diploma (or college transcript for current students). 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 CIS-CT AmeriCorps staff know if you have any questions! We can be reached at or (512) 464-9733.
Why Serve?
AmeriCorps members who have served with Communities In Schools in the past have said:
"(AmeriCorps) gives you experience in a new career - it helps you explore different career options!"
"Being a CIS AmeriCorps mentor has been the most fulfilling and rewarding experience of my life!"
"I really enjoyed the service projects we did as a group. I like going back and seeing that what we accomplished is still there."
Where Will I Serve?
CIS-CT AmeriCorps members choose one of the many CIS-CT public schools in Travis, Hays, Williamson and Caldwell counties.
Who Benefits?
YOU will benefit by serving as an AmeriCorps member. You get:
- 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
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AmeriCorps Member Benefits Table:
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Position
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Hours
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Living Stipend
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Awards
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Benefits
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Full Time
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1700 (40 hrs/wk)
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$950-$1,036 per mo. ($11,400 max per yr)
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$4,725
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Health and Child Care
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Part Time
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900 (20 hrs/wk)
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$502-$548 per mo. ($6,030 max per yr)
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$2,362
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N/A
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EAO*
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450
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NA
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$1,250
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N/A
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* Education Award Only
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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, there are certain times you will be required to be on your campus in order to meet with students. 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- Central Texas (CIS-CT) AmeriCorps members you will serve in Austin-area public schools helping dozens of young people achieve some of their needs by providing:
To learn more about the daily experiences on our campuses, take a look at the following "Day in the Life" essays, written by former CIS-CT AmeriCorps members.
A Typical Day as an AmeriCorps Member
by Tess Martin, full-time AmeriCorps member at Fulmore Middle School
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Time
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What I Do
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7:30
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Arrive at school. Make coffee. Check phone messages, CIS email, look at schedule for today.
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8:15
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1st period starts. No students today. Work on required reading for extra hours, help around office, and talk with co-workers.
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9:05
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2nd period starts. Go to math class to meet student. Work with student on math in the class for the whole period.
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10:25
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3rd period starts. Go to English class to pick up student. Go back to the office and work on reading/vocabulary with student. Talk about family and grades.
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11:25
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4th period starts. No students today. Read up on history, math, and science to prepare for other students this week.
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12:45
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Middle of 5th period. Go to art room and pick up student. Talk with student about grades, family, and friends. Ask student to think about service learning project.
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1:10
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Lunch. Talk with students who come during lunch and with co-workers about students and work. Check email. Clean up.
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2:40
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7th period starts. Pick up student from ESL class. Work on reading and writing skills.
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After school until 6 p.m.
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Go to the SmartKids after-school program. Work with students on homework and fun activities.
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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 5th 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!
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