School Engagement Coordinator

Start Date: August 22nd, 2022

Location: Western North Carolina

Overview: Project MARS is a unique and fulfilling opportunity for college graduates and professionals who have a passion for youth development, education, and mentoring. Members will gain personalized hands-on experience working with youth based on their current strengths, or based on what members would like to learn more about during their service year.

Our Mission: Project MARS members serve students throughout Western North Carolina by providing them with Mentoring, Academic Assistance, and Resources for Success. While serving at their school site, members work closely with staff and community partners to help identify and address student needs and deficiencies.

By identifying these areas of need AmeriCorps members will be providing a balance of services to lift up the whole child. By understanding these deficiencies and how to address them, AmeriCorps members can help mitigate some of the negative impacts of poverty.

Mentoring: As part of the Mentoring component of Project MARS, our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters ensures that our members are matched with a site-based “Little” during their service year. In addition to serving as a mentor themselves, members will work with school counselors and teachers to help identify children who could benefit most from a "Big" and help to recruit volunteers.

Academic Assistance: Provide academic assistance to students identified by the school. They also provide guided activities designed to provide additional learning experiences for identified students (experiential learning activities, service-learning activities, enhanced play activities, life skill development activities, etc.) Lastly, members assist in school activities, guiding behaviors, and any duties assigned by teachers or counselors.

Resources for Success: Assist in the intake and interview protocol for potential volunteers. Ensure the best match between the skills, qualifications, and interests of the volunteer and the needs of the school/organization. Coordinate outreach to community organizations for food, clothing, school supplies, and health services.

National Service Member Benefits: Living allowance, health care, loan forbearance, childcare, food assistance, loan forbearance, eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service (~$6,495).