Service Description 2024
Breakthrough Central Texas creates first-generation college graduates. The program admits students in middle school and makes a long-term commitment to helping them graduate from high school and college by providing academic summer programs, individualized academic support and enrichment and college-prep activities for students and families. Breakthrough Central Texas operates multiple summer sites located at The University of Texas, a campus in Manor Independent School District, in Del Valle Independent School District, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal school. Breakthrough seeks enthusiastic, creative, and successful high school and college students to teach and mentor during our academic summer sessions. Under the guidance of seasoned teaching professionals, high school and college students will teach English, math, social studies, science, or STEM content to classes of up to 12 students. Teachers will also serve on committees, lead study skills lessons, and design Explorations (electives) classes for their students. Members will have recurring interactions with vulnerable populations; our Breakthrough middle schoolers. Members are required to wear the AmeriCorps logo daily. All Breakthrough Central Texas summer teachers are AmeriCorps members for the duration of the program and low cost summer housing is available through a partnership with College Houses, Inc.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- Be 17 years or older (by start of program—June 3, 2024)
- Be enrolled and in good standing at a high school or four-year college or university
- Be a U.S. citizen, or U.S. national or lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Have a commitment to community service and the ability to provide service for the complete program
Essential Functions
All of the following duties and responsibilities are essential position functions, though some members may have a greater responsibility for some of the functions listed. Individuals may be asked to perform other position-related duties within the scope of their normal service activities as requested by their supervisor or other Breakthrough staff member in alignment with the grant and not unallowable or prohibited activities, all subject to reasonable accommodation.
- Act as a role model to Breakthrough students
- Communicate with students and families as needed
- Mentor students on the skills and strategies needed for success in school, including organization, time management, homework completion, study habits, and steps needed to enter or persist through college.
- Teach English, math, social studies, science, STEM content, leadership, and/or college application skills to classes of up to 12 students under the guidance of seasoned teaching professionals
- Middle School AmeriCorps Members serve on committees, lead study skills lessons, and design Explorations (electives) classes for their students
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Effective communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to follow through with assigned tasks and responsibilities
- Flexibility and openness to changing roles
- Ability to work on a team and be an active team member
- Responds well to constructive criticism and input on how to improve performance
- Effective tutoring and mentoring skills
- Willingness to learn and to attend all AmeriCorps trainings
- Commitment to working with youth and to community service
- Ability to manage several concurrent issues and solve problems effectively
- Ability to complete paperwork and meet deadlines
- Bilingual (Spanish) a plus
Hours, Benefits, and Compensation
As quarter-time AmeriCorps members, summer teachers are required to accumulate 450 hours within the service period of June 3, 2024 to August 2, 2024 (approximately 50 hours/week) with occasional Saturday or evening events. Members are responsible for tracking and receiving approval of their hours and receive the following:
- Living Stipend $4,250
- Education Award- upon completion of 450 service hours, all members are eligible to receive an Education Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service ($1,824.07)
- Non-monetary benefits (on-going support, professional development)
- Assistance securing on-campus housing
To apply please go to http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/teach/apply. The application deadline is February 29, 2024. You can also reach LaToya Sales, Associate Director of AmeriCorps at latoya@breakthroughctx.org for more information.
Disaster Recovery Response Clause
In the event of a local, state, or federal disaster declaration, AmeriCorps members may be asked on a volunteer basis or be required by OneStar to activate to assist in disaster response and recovery activities within their communities. This may involve virtual service opportunities or in-person service opportunities. This may include service opportunities outside of the member’s standard service hours or in place of their standard service duties. In the event of a large-scale, high needs local, state, or federal disaster, AmeriCorps members may voluntarily or be required by OneStar to deploy to an area outside of their service area to assist in disaster response and recovery activities.
Breakthrough Central Texas is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its applicants, staff members, and families, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.