Roles & Responsibilities

The following outlines the general expectations of performance:

1. Devote your time to accomplishing the Education Alliance AmeriCorps goal for your specific program:

Mentor:  To improve student attendance, behavior and course completion.

College Ambassador: To facilitate college enrollment for interested adults/graduating seniors and provide ongoing support to students to maintain enrollment in local postsecondary instituions of learning. 

GYO Member:  To enhance student engagement and academic support while deveping your own skills as future professional educator.  

VISTA:  To build program capacity in the educational setting.  

2. Mentor or coach elementary, middle or high school students through your specific service role.  

3. Work as a member of a team to develop and implement strategies that will help students succeed in school

4. Recruit volunteers to support your county’s/school's program efforts

5. Promote the Education Alliance AmeriCorps program and your county’s/school's specific program efforts

6. Maintain confidentiality at all times

7. Maintain appropriate records

8. Complete all member forms and reports by the due date (time sheets, mileage reimbursement, etc.)

9. Meet deadlines for all data reporting requirements

10. Attend and participate in all training sessions (on site, local and statewide) and AmeriCorps service projects

11. Develop and adhere to a schedule that ensures completion of service requirements 

12. Keep Site Supervisor informed of progress and/or problems

13. Adhere to all rules and policies of the Education Alliance and your assigned service site

14. Not participate in prohibited activities during service hours or when wearing AmeriCorps gear (See training video for details)

Each year AmeriCorps members plan and implement at minimum two community service projects by working together with members serving in the same (or nearby) community. Members should take a leadership role in planning and implementing at least one of the projects.

Members must conduct at least two service projects throughout in honor of the following:

• MLK, Jr. Day of Service (Projects occur locally at the discretion of AmeriCorps Program Staff.)

• Spring Service Projects (These projects can align with Global Youth Service Day, AmeriCorps Week, or National Volunteer Week.)

All projects should be approved in advance by AmeriCorps program staff. 

After completion of the project, one person from each project team will complete and submit a report on behalf of the service project team. (You may be working alone, with others from your AmeriCorps program, or with other AmeriCorps members from a different program. Please designate a lead and submit one report.)

Reports are due within one month of project completion and can be submitted via an online portal. 

Members will send all attachments, documentation of your project, press or media files, photos and other information about your project via email attachment to AmeriCorps@EducationAlliance.org.  

101 Community Service Project Ideas:

1. Make a Read Aloud CD for individuals in a nursing home.

2. Write letters to soldiers overseas.

3. Collect items for a flood relief drive.

4. Organize a blood drive.

5. Clean up along the highway.

6. Make dog biscuits for dogs in the local animal shelter.

7. Paint at the local Habitat for Humanity house.

8. Collect winter coats, hats and mittens for a local homeless shelter.

9. Paint a local community playground.

10. Organize a baby food/formula drive for a local food pantry. 

11. Take photos during an event and donate them to the event organizers.

12. Clean cages at the local animal shelter.

13. Collect canned food through a Halloween Food Drive.

14. Prepare and serve meals at a local soup kitchen.

15. Play cards or BINGO at a senior center.

16. Clean up trash after a local fair.

17. Repair steps on a neighbor's house.

18. Organize a community chorus, orchestra or band.

19. Volunteer to help plan a community event.

20. Distribute leaf bags during the fall encouraging residents to clean leaves from their streets and yards.

21. Teach a free computer class at a local community center.

22. Make bears for children waiting to be adopted.

23. Create and send care packages for soldiers overseas.

24. Make baby blankets and donate them to a hospital birthing unit.

25. Paint a fence in the park.

26. Build a park bench.

27. Organize a recycling day.

28. Collect blankets and sleeping bags for homeless shelters.

29. Organize hygiene kits for homeless shelters.

30. Collect unused perfume, makeup and nail polish for a center for women who are abused.

31. Collect crossword puzzle books to distribute to nursing homes.

32. Weed a flower garden for a neighbor.

33. Become a penpal with a soldier who is serving away from home.

34. Make dog toys for the local humane society.

35. Volunteer at a Relay for Life event.

36. Paint outdoor games (hopscotch, 4 square, etc.) on the local school's parking lot.

37. Become a penpal with someone who lives in a nursing home.

38. Collect and distribute school supplies and backpacks to children in the community.

39. Start a butterfly garden at home, at a community center, senior home or school.

40. Clean up trash along a river.

41. Paint signs along a walking trail.

42. Plant flowers along a walking trail.

43. Donate old eyeglasses to an organization or place that recycles them for the needy.

44. Build a ramp for a person in a wheelchair so it is easier for them to get in and out of their house.

45. Prepare sack lunches and deliver them to homebound people.

46. Design a campaign to promote tolerance and understanding of differences.

47. Volunteer at or organize a health fair.

48. Get your class to put together a library at a children's hospital or a homeless shelter.

49. Give valentines and other cards to individuals who are in the local hospital.

50. Organize a recognition program for the volunteers who lead community organizations.

51. Set up a buddy system for kids with special needs at your school.

52. Plant a community garden.

53. Replace trees that have died.

54. Form a study group to help younger kids with their school work.

55. Collect children's books for the needy.

56. Take a pet to a nursing home.

57. Collect grocery coupons to give to a local food bank.

58. Donate art supplies to kids in a homeless shelter.

59. Start a food drive - set up collection bins in stores, banks, movie theaters, and schools.

60. Do a Saturday Reading Hour at the homeless shelter, bringing books to share and leave behind.

61. Make bird houses for the local park or a nursing home.

62. Start a collection drive for old sports equipment and donate it to local community center.

63. Organize a back to school celebration where school supplies are given out as prizes.

64. Clean up after a natural disaster.

65. Collect and organize snack packs to go home over the weekend with needy kids.

66. Identify corners where bushes and trees make it difficult for drivers to see.

67. Recognize veterans in your community.

68. Participate in National Youth Service Day in April.

69. Build furniture for a homeless shelter.

70. Organize a collection of pet food to give to the local food pantry.

71. Assist in restoring a historic building.

72. Make informational signs that describe a historic building.

73. With the support of a vet clinic, organize a neuter/spay campaign to neuter/spay pets at a reduced rate.

74. Make tray favors for hospital patients.

75. Hand out food in a food pantry.

76. Organize and hand out clothing at a community clothing center (Salvation Army, etc.).

77. Rake leaves, shovel snow, clean gutters or wash windows for a senior citizen.

78. Organize a diaper drive for babies and donate them to the local food pantry.

79. Volunteer at a hospital.

80. Record nursery rhymes (read or sung) and give to a daycare center.

81. Host a Stories in the Park series where kids are read to and make art activities to go along with the books.

82. Host a community carnival for families where admission is a canned food item donated to a food bank.

83. Hold an Adopt a Pet Drive for the local Humane Society.

84. Collect food for a Thanksgiving basket to give to a needy family.

85. Organize free after school sports clinics for elementary age children.

86. Remove graffiti.

87. Hand out books to kids during a parade.

88. Perform a play at the local nursing home.

89. Walk dogs at a local animal shelter.

90. Collect loose change from people and donate to local homeless shelters.

91. Hold a community dinner where admission is a canned food item that goes to the local food pantry.

92. Host a run/walk for a cause (cancer, AIDS, etc.)

93. Organize a canned food car wash and donate food to local homeless shelters.

94. Organize a Volunteer Fair to get more volunteers to local nonprofits.

95. Read books or the newspaper on tape for blind or visually impaired people.

96. Organize a resume building class for community members.

97. Make simple reading and math flash cards for a preschool or daycare center.

98. Decorate windows/doors of patients’ rooms in a nursing home. 

99. Write thank you notes to veterans. 

100. Host a safety fair for families.

101. Help elderly neighbors winterize their home.

• Reach out to your service site’s head administrator (principal, vice principal) prior to your first day of service—if able, ask to visit the school, have a tour, etc.…

• In your first two weeks you will be meeting with supervisors, other members, creating relationships with the administration, developing schedules for meetings, and compiling your lists of kids. During this time you can send home your permission slips, and create folders/ file keeping systems for each student.

• Once you meet your administration and school staff, create a plan for collecting the information that will be required for data collections. Work with your site supervisor, guidance staff, and administration to have a system in place for obtaining this information (e.g. GPA, tardies, absences, etc.). This will make it much easier to complete each required data report. 

• As you move into your first two months, you begin meeting with your students to build trust, security, and rapport within your students.

• It is best to begin with a one on one session to gauge where the mentee is. As you build a relationship with the student you can introduce group sessions based on common factors among the students. Use your judgment! If a child will not do well in a group, do not force a group.

• Let the students’ needs guide your mentoring sessions and read the current situation. Just because a student needed one type of session last week does not mean that is what they need this week.

• Make a friend out of the main office administrative assistant, the counselor’s administrative assistant, and the guidance counselors themselves (they will be very helpful when it comes time to compiling data).

• Ask the guidance counselors or the office administrative assistant to print out a copy of each grade’s team of teachers with their scheduled planning times (Most schools will split each grade into two teams and will divvy up the grade’s teachers for each team…e.g. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B)

• Try to sit down with each team (of teachers) during their group planning to introduce yourself within the first couple weeks—depending on which team your students are on.

• Ask the main office administrative assistant or the guidance counselors to print you off a copy of the daily bell schedule. 

• Attend different events that are put on by the school to show your support not only for your students but for the school itself (sporting events, choir performances, band performances, school dances). 

• During the school day, walk throughout the hallway during class exchanges to allow your face to be seen and known not only by teachers, but by the entire staff and student body.

• When in the hallways, or in a classroom, office, etc…be conscious of trash, paper, pencils, etc., that you see on the ground. Pick them up. You’ll never know the impression you make when someone sees that you care about the cleanliness of the school.

• Visit your students during their lunch hour, if allowed, and sit with them. This is a really easy way to get to know your students outside of the classroom and more in their natural element around friends.

• Play games or activities as an icebreaker with your students. For example, in Jenga you can ask your mentee a question for each Jenga block pulled, and then have them ask a question. 

• Bring a deck of Uno cards to play during their intramural period (free time after lunch).

• If you’re having trouble with getting students to open up or speak, try keeping a dual journal with one another. Allow the student to write what they feel in the journal and then you reply to it. Write how you feel and allow them to counsel you; the exchange of advice giver and advice seeker will build a sense of trust between the two of you.

• Sit in on some of your students classroom sessions to dock their class behavior (this works well if the student has behavior issues because then you are there to witness their behavior first hand). 

• Pick up any lost pencils or pens off of the ground while in the school because your students will come to you in need of them.

• Ask your guidance counselors if they have any additional school supplies that you can hold for the duration of the school year in case your students come to you for supplies (this way you won’t feel pressured into buying supplies).

• Keep small incentives to give to your students for doing good deeds within the school (doing well on a test, bringing up a grade in a class they’ve struggled with, coming to school consecutively, or just to make them feel appreciated).

• Call the parents of your mentees to introduce yourself within the first couple weeks. You’d be surprised at how happy some parents will be to know that their child is getting extra support in school. Most parents (especially those of at-risk students) feel as if their child doesn’t get the support they need from teachers. This is a great opportunity for you to build a healthy relationship not only with yourself and your mentee but with everyone involved (yourself, the student, teachers, administrators, and parents—all will praise you). 

• Tell students upfront that you are a mandatory reporter and are required to report any potential harmful information that they share. If a student shares potentially harmful information, tell the student that you are required to report the information they shared and then go directly to the counselor. 

• It is important that you stick to your agreed schedule with the school so always let your counselor(s) and/or site supervisor(s) know when you will be absent.

• Most importantly, try to always keep your word (whether it be given to the administrators or your students).

When a student is struggling with…

• Attendance: Give your students a reason to want to come to school. Help the student realize their attendance affects their course performance. 

• Behavior: Talk to students about why they are acting up. Help them develop ways to handle their behavior.

• Course Performance: Work with the student’s teachers to help identify where they are struggling and connect them to tutoring services. 

Basic Advice from Returning Members

• Be Dependable and Reliable – Don’t break promises

• Tell the Students upfront that what they share is confidential unless its harmful

• Be flexible

• Tailor sessions (one on one OR small group) based on your style, school, students’ needs

• Don’t expect perfection

• Be prepared, be direct, be honest for hard conversations

• Love what you do, be sincere, celebrate the baby steps

Suggested Mentoring Techniques 

• Use a “get to know you” form to break the ice

• Use “you teach me” activities

• Engage students in goal setting

• Discuss decision making scenarios (good, bad, worse, etc.) 

• Use Games (Connect 4, Uno, Monopoly) to talk about good/bad decisions

• Use manipulatives (pipe cleaners, foam dice, basketball) while talking about skills or conflict management

• Help students build new skills (i.e. crochet, golf, archery, radio club) and allow the students to re-teach the skills to other students

• Invite community members (i.e. Mary Kay, JROTC, self-defense, volunteer firefighters) to speak with your students 

• Encourage students to join clubs and connect to resources 

• Uncover problems and help them find the solutions 

• Showcase/visit local careers (i.e. beauty shop, newspaper, nursing home, car garage, bank) and ask the students “what does it take to get a job here?”

• Help students plan individual service projects (i.e. Christmas/Thanksgiving cards for military, fleece blankets for police)

• Organize/sponsor school-wide service projects (food drive, pet drive, penny drive)

As an Education Alliance AmeriCorps Mentors member you should provide 20 or more 30-minute individual or group mentoring sessions to 18 at-risk students.

Identifying Participating Students 

The Education Alliance AmeriCorps Mentors program targets at-risk students. The term “at-risk youth” typically implies a future with less than optimal outcomes. Youth are considered at-risk for a number of reasons. Examples include youth who may be:

• Homeless or transient 

• Involved in drugs or alcohol 

• Abused sexually, physically or emotionally 

• Learning disability 

• Neglected at home or live in stressful family environments 

• Lacking social or emotional supports 

• Involved with delinquent peers 

At-risk students often have low academic performance. Education Alliance AmeriCorps Mentors targets students with attendance, behavior, and course performance issues. These factors are defined below: 

• Attendance – a student determined to be absent (unexcused and/or excused) 5 or more days during the previous school year

• Behavior – a student determined to have 3 or more discipline referrals, or 1 or more suspensions/ expulsions during the previous school year 

• Course Performance – a student with a 2.5 GPA or lower or has not met the grade level benchmark for literacy and/or math (special exemptions may be requested for students who have failed 2 or more classes but do not meet the GPA requirement) 

Recommendation for Participation 

Sites are required to identify a minimum of 18 students per member assigned to their location and are encouraged to target economically disadvantaged students. We recommend that you recruit additional students to replace students who will not participate in 20 or more 30-minute mentoring sessions or transfer from your school. 

Teachers, counselors, AmeriCorps members and administrative staff can recommend potential students for program participation. A recommendation form will be completed for each student identified for program participation. 

Parental Consent Form 

Counties can select to use an active or passive consent process:

• Passive Consent Forms should be mailed to the address the school has on file for the student’s parent/guardian. If the form is not returned to the school by the date listed on the form the students may be enrolled in the program. 

• Active Consent Forms mailed to the address the school has on file for the student’s parent/guardian. Students can only be enrolled in the program after a signed copy of the consent form is returned. 

A combined PDF with both forms is avaialble here:  drive.google.com/file/d/1xz6PUbhPrZO9GuIwuthebY7ZOXSEaySP/view?usp=sharing 

Program Enrollment

A copy of all documentation on each participating student should be stored for the academic school year in a locked, secure file on site. After consent forms are distributed, students should be entered into the Mentoring Session Report. The spreadsheet should include: the students’ West Virginia Electronic Information System (WVEIS) number, date permission form is mailed and if applicable date received, and identified risk factor, demographic data (previous year). The Mentoring Session Report should be completed online and is emailed toward the beginning of your service. 

Mentoring Session Report Instructions

Instructions for completing your monthly session report can be found in the linked document:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U4owmyBQQeUciM09IGxqHvGqpxfMZJDU/view?usp=sharing 

As an Education Alliance College Ambassador, your role is to help students make a successful transition to college life. Below are a few ways you can help your students prepare for college. 

Connect to Experts: Often you will work with students who have an issue that you are not sure how to solve. It is important to connect them with experts at your campus who can help. From the financial aid department to the course professor, there will be a staff member at your campus who knows how to solve the problem. Some examples of people who can help on campus include: 

• Academic advisors help students register for classes, guide them through degree programs, developing class schedules and keeping them on track to graduation.

• Financial aid officers help students complete the financial aid application and help students determine if they are eligible for federal aid such as the Pell Grant, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant), State Grants, Federal Work Study, Subsidized Student Loan, Unsubsidized Student Loan, and Parent Loan. 

• Student services provide effective academic assistance, professional testing, student assessment services, tutorial services, and academic advising.

• Career services can offer help with planning for the future, internships, summer work opportunities, practice interviews, job fairs, connecting with recruiters and more.

Communicate and Follow Up: It is important to clearly communicate the requirements to apply for and enroll in your institution. Missing one step in the process could prevent a potential student from being accepted, so it is important to make sure they clearly understand the requirements. You should work with your students to ensure there is no missing paperwork, remind them of deadlines, answer questions, and advocate for them. Frequent reminders and other follow-up will ensure potential students stay on track and complete all requirements. 

Build Relationships: Colleges are a unique environment where there are a multitude of offices, departments, groups, and relationships that are hard to find elsewhere. These connections can last a lifetime and make a huge difference in a student’s life. From connections with college staff to peer relationships, connections are key to ensure students are effective both personally and academically while on campus. Some examples of people to build relationships with include:

• Strong relationships an instructor can have a substantial impact on academic success by ensuring students understand course expectations and can ask for help or tutoring. 

• Academic advisors can help students monitor their academic progress. Helping students develop a relationship with their academic advisor will provide them with an advocate to ensure they stay on track for graduation. 

• Developing relationships with their peers provides students with personal support, connections to what is happening on campus, and a partner to work on class work with. 

• Volunteer service and connections with the local community improves a student's resume. Volunteering looks great to employers and shows an employer that the student cares about their community. In addition, volunteering can serve as an unpaid internship.

As an Education Alliance College Ambassador you will serve at a West Virginia college or univeristy to empower students to see their potential by providing support and information about college access. You will also recruit and train community volunteers to continue this service to provide organizational and community sustainability. A portion of your time will be spent in training and in service projects. During your service, you should accomplish the following key performance indicators (KPI):

Strategy 1: Outreach 

KPI: each Ambassador contacts 300 potential students to assist the enrollment process

• Call or email campaign to targeted potential students 

• Reminders of missing admission checklist items

• Reminders to register for class to fully admitted students 

KPI: each Ambassador will ensure 75 (of the 300 students contacted) are accepted 

Strategy 2: Promote

KPI: each Ambassador attends/provides support for 2 events that promote college enrollment 

• Recruitment event 

• Financial Aid workshop 

• Community information session 

• Open house or orientation 

• Job or college fair 

KPI: each Ambassador implements/supports 2 activities that promote college enrollment 

• Develop and schedule a social media campaign

• Develop and promote a print marketing campaign

• Create a promotional video about the college, a department or specific major  

• Host a training sessions provided in-person, by webinar or video

Strategy 3: Support

KPI: each Ambassador contacts 300 existing students to assist the retention process

• Call or email campaign to targeted students 

• Reminders to register for class 

• Information sharing about the WV Invest Grant to students who qualify

KPI: each Ambassador will ensure 75 (of the 300 students contacted) are accepted 

KPI: each Ambassador plans 2 service projects for WV Invest students to earn volunteer hours (Aligns with Volunteer West Virginia’s service project requirement)

College Ambassador Report

Instructions for completing your monthly report can be found in the linked document.  

🛎️ Preparing for your GYO AmeriCorps Service

Before stepping into the classroom,colalborate with your GYO instructor in order to build a solid foundation that will help you feel confident, organized, and ready to make an impact.

📞 Making Contact with Your School

• Reach Out Early: Send a polite email or make a phone call to introduce yourself to the school contact or mentor teacher. Share your role, practicum goals, and availability.

• Confirm Logistics: Clarify your start date, daily schedule, dress code, sign-in procedures, and any required paperwork or ID badges.

• Ask About Expectations: Inquire about the school’s priorities for your role—what kind of support is most needed? Are there specific students or subjects you’ll focus on?

🤝 Connecting with Staff

• Meet Your Mentor Teacher: Schedule a brief meeting or arrive early on your first day to connect. Ask about their teaching style, classroom routines, and how you can best support them.

• Introduce Yourself to Key Staff: Say hello to office staff, instructional aides, and other teachers. A warm introduction builds rapport and opens doors for collaboration.

• Be Respectful of Time: Teachers are busy—keep communications clear and concise, and always express appreciation for their guidance.

📘 Know the School Culture

• Review the School Website: Learn about the school’s mission, values, and programs. This helps you align your approach with their culture.

• Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to how students and staff interact. Mirror respectful language, tone, and behavior.

• Ask About Student Needs: Understanding the community context—language diversity, learning challenges, or social-emotional goals—helps you serve more effectively.

🧰 Come Prepared

• Bring a Notebook or Journal: Use it to jot down observations, questions, and reflections. It’s a great tool for growth and accountability.

• Pack Essentials: Have pens, sticky notes, a watch or phone for timekeeping, and any required doan item tcumentation.

• Dress Professionally: Choose attire that’s neat, comfortable, and appropriate for working with children. When in doubt, ask your mentor teacher.  Be sure to wear an item that identifies you as an AmeriCorps member.  

👋 Building Relationships with Students

• Learn Names Quickly: Use name games, seating charts, or personalized greetings to remember students’ names—it builds trust fast.

• Show Genuine Interest: Ask students about their hobbies, favorite subjects, or weekend plans. Small conversations go a long way.

• Be Present and Attentive: Make eye contact, listen actively, and respond with empathy. Students notice when you care.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge effort, not just achievement. A “great job staying focused today!” can boost confidence.

🧑‍🏫 Tutoring & Mini-Lesson Tips

• Start with Clear Objectives: Know what you want students to learn before diving in. Keep goals bite-sized and achievable.

• Use Visuals and Examples: Diagrams, drawings, or real-life analogies help students grasp new concepts more easily.

• Check for Understanding Often: Ask questions like “Can you show me how you’d solve this?” or “What do you think happens next?”

• Be Flexible: If a student doesn’t get it one way, try another. Adapt your approach based on their learning style.

📚 Supporting Struggling Students

• Be Patient and Encouraging: Avoid rushing or showing frustration. Your calm presence helps students feel safe to try.

• Break Tasks into Steps: Scaffold learning by guiding students through one manageable piece at a time.

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Focus on effort and progress. “You’re improving every day!” can be more powerful than “You got it right.”

• Ask for Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to check in with the classroom teacher for strategies or insights.

🌟 Being a Role Model

• Model Respect and Kindness: Treat everyone—students, staff, and peers—with courtesy. Your behavior sets the tone.

• Stay Professional: Dress appropriately, be punctual, and follow school rules. You’re representing both AmeriCorps and future educators.

• Share Your Passion for Learning: Let students see your excitement about education. It’s contagious.

• Reflect on Your Impact: Keep a journal or log of meaningful moments. It helps you grow and recognize your influence.

🛠️ Service Mindset & Growth

• Ask Questions Often: Teachers love when practicum students are curious. It shows initiative and helps you learn.

• Be Open to Feedback: Constructive criticism is a gift. Use it to sharpen your skills and deepen your understanding.

• Stay Organized: Track your hours, jot down lesson ideas, and keep notes on student progress.

• Celebrate Your Journey: You’re not just helping students—you’re shaping your future. Take pride in every step.

As an Education Alliance AmeriCorps GYO member you will serve in West Virginia elementary or middle school.  Through your practicum and AmeriCorps service you will have the opportunity to engage students in learning while developing your own educator skill set.  Your service matters and you will have the opportunity to impact the lives of students.  To show your monhtly impact, you will complete a form that you submit online. Below is a link to a set of instructions to guide you in completing the form. 

Instructions  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d2RKKfqSOvW61hVhWJ7cB0yhEWHidtzb/view?usp=sharing 

VISTA members focus on building the capacity of individuals, organizations, and communities as a whole to set and attain their goals and respond to problems confronting communities in need. You serve as a catalyst and change agent, assisting in creating or expanding programs and mobilizing community resources. VISTA members serve in community organizations, schools, and national parks. Members may serve at several different locations, and travel to help other communities in their area. One of the strengths of VISTA is the range of services its members provide: helping make children healthier, schools better, streets safer, and the environment cleaner.

As an Education Alliance VISTA you will provide one (1) year of service at a West Virginia public school or nonprofit organization to help enhance their capacity to provide innovative education programming. You will work with your ogranization leaders to supports programming to prepare students with world class knowledge, college and career ready skills, and life ready characteristics. In this position you will help build the capacity of the school or nonprofit organization to engage students in innovative educational offerings; support program implementation; recruit volunteers to enhance program offerings; provide high quality professional development and technical assistance opportunities for teachers; develop partnerships between schools and business partners in their communities; leverage support through grant writing and fundraising; and promote program offering through marketing campaign.

See VISTA Assignment Description (VAD) for a complete list of tasks you should complete this year. 

If you have questions about how your position helps fulfill the overall mission and objectives of VISTA, discuss it with your Supervisor or your program director. And if you have suggestions about how VISTA can better serve your community and the nation, please share your ideas with your program director, your state commission, or the staff of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

For more information about VISTA and the accomplishments of your fellow members across the country, visit the VISTA website at https://account.americorps.gov/ 

VISTA impact will be measured through program specific targets that are aligned with CNCS national performance measures. The targeted national performance measures include: 

Output:

• G3-3.16A: Dollar value of cash or in-kind resources leveraged

• G3-3.1A: Number of Community volunteers recruited or managed

• G3-3.4: Number of organizations that received capacity building services

Outcomes:

• G3-3.10A: Number of organizations that increase their efficiency, effectiveness, and/or program reach

Semiannual Progress Report

VISTAs should work with their Supervisor to submit the Monthly Progress Report. The Monthly Progress Report form collects information in five categories: 1) volunteers, 2) resources, 3) staff and volunteer training, 4) partner organizations, and 5) narratives. Reports are due on the 17th of each month and cover the activities that are completed in the previous month. 

Monthly TEAM VISTA Meetings 

VISTAs are required to attend monthly VISTA Team Meetings. They will occur on the third week of each month. This is a chance for you to share successes, challenges, and to get an update on your service.