AmeriCorps Scholar Coach Recruitment for 2013-2014

by Alicia B. Johnston, AmeriCorps Scholar Coach

The 2012-2013 AmeriCorps Scholar Coaches participated in the National  Day of Service by volunteering with A Safe Place, an organization providing comprehensive services addressing domestic violence in Lake County, IL.

For college students, spring semester is underway and seniors are making big decisions about the future. For students with an interest in public service, the AmeriCorps Scholar Coach position with the Schuler Scholar Program (SSP) provides a meaningful opportunity to impact the lives of young people. We are currently recruiting 2013 college graduates to commit to two years of service with the SSP.  The ideal candidate has displayed outstanding academic achievement coupled with strong leadership ability, a passion for service, and a commitment to fostering cultural awareness and leadership in high-potential youth. Does this sound like you or someone you know? Read on for more information!

The SSP hosted its first AmeriCorps volunteers in 2007. Part of a nationwide network of volunteers serving in areas like education, the environment, and public safety, AmeriCorps Scholar Coaches play an integral role in delivering enrichment programs to highly motivated youth from under-resourced communities. Our program currently partners with eight high schools and is host to 27 Scholar Coaches (SCs), nine of whom are in their second year of service. We expect this number to grow to at least 31 SCs for the 2013-2014 school year. During their service term, SCs receive a living stipend, and upon completion of their service, they receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, a sum that can be used to repay student loans or finance future education. Additionally, SCs receive housing and a cell phone and transportation stipend.

While the education award could appeal to all recent college graduates intent on furthering their education, SCs don’t volunteer for financial reasons. Service with Schuler is most valuable for the intangible benefits to be gained: building meaningful mentor-student relationships with incredible high school scholars; crafting a creative and critical tutoring practice; and developing a wide range of skills to contribute to future positions in education, nonprofits, and other professions. Schuler Scholars are typically first generation college-bound, come from populations underrepresented on college campuses, and are in need of financial assistance to attend college. Participation in Schuler offers Scholars the critical support and assistance needed to recognize their dreams of matriculating to and succeeding at some of the best colleges in the country.

In order to recruit the best possible team to support our Scholars, we have developed a thorough application process for potential SCs. Candidates participate in a phone interview with our AmeriCorps Program Manager, Amanda Marshall, or Program Associate Kerry Pearson. Selected applicants continue to a Skype interview with one of our School Directors. Finalists are then flown to Chicago to attend a dinner and interview day, which includes a meet and greet, interviews with multiple staff members, and assessment activities. This process allows us to evaluate each candidate based upon interpersonal skills, academic strengths, and perceived fit in the SSP culture. Above all, we look for the spark of intellectual curiosity that allows SCs to relate to scholars on a personal and intellectual level.

We are currently recruiting AmeriCorps Scholar Coaches and AmeriCorps Math Scholar Coaches. To learn more about these positions, please click the titles to read the position descriptions. For questions and to apply, interested candidates should send a resume and transcript to Amanda Marshall, AmeriCorps Program Manager, at Amanda@schulerprogram.org. Resumes will be accepted until all positions are filled. To find out more about the Schuler Scholar Program, visit our website at www.schulerprogram.org.

We will be participating in the following upcoming fairs:

ALANA Career Fair at University of Massachusetts - Amherst - Tuesday, February 19^th

Silicon Valley Nonprofit Career Fair at Stanford - Thursday, February 28^th

Nonprofit and Public Service Career Fair at Pitzer - Friday, March 1, 2013