VISTA position

> VISTA position, Service Learning Coordinator
>
> Service Learning Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to
> America) Program Service Learning Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA Program
> Position available 8/27/02
>
> The TECHCOM program at West Philadelphia High School is seeking a new
> service learning coordinator.
>
> Americorps is the 'domestic peace corps,' a federal program with
> thousands of Members that is based upon "Getting Things Done."
> (Information on the national program can be found at http://www.cns.gov;
> the important information on the local program follows.)
>
> Description: If you are interested in working with high school students
> and the West Philadelphia community, then this is a unique opportunity
> to get "behind the scenes" experience in the public education sector. The
> TECHCOM program focuses on teaching technology to high school students
> and providing hardware, software, and computer literacy service to West
> Philadelphia High School and beyond.  As service learning coordinator,
> the selected VISTA will work together with teachers and students on
> service learning projects by providing any help, support, and guidance
> needed to facilitate the implementation of these projects into the
> regular curriculum. Service Learning is a new teaching methodology that
> integrates academic work with community service by tying it to the class
> curriculum. This coordinator must also contact any partners within the
> community who can provide direct assistance to the students and teachers
> to ensure sustainability.
>
> Pay:
> - Standard VISTA living stipend (see http://www.americorps.org)
> - An additional $4,725 education award provided by AmeriCorps at the end
>   of term of service
> - Loan forbearance/postponement is also available
> - Health insurance is provided
>
> Responsibilities of the job include:
> - Recruiting University of Pennsylvania students and other potential
>   community volunteers to provide direct assistance to teachers and
>   students with technology, hardware, and computer literacy-related
>   service learning projects.
> - Coordinating meetings between high school staff, interested University
>   of Pennsylvania staff, and volunteers
> - Working directly with high school students, teachers, and community
>   members on these projects
> - Overseeing management of projects and incorporating any new ideas.
>
> - Address needs of school and community while managing to balance main
>   interests and desires of involved individuals, including volunteers.
> - Serving as liaison between TECHCOM and Center for Community
>   Partnerships at University of Pennsylvania
> - Willingness to learn service learning methodology and to train others,
>   as well as operate a center dedicated to service learning, called YDSLC
>   (Youth Driven Service Learning Center)
>
> Qualifications:
> - A desire and ability to work closely with inner-city youth, school
>   staff, and the West Philadelphia community
> - Organizational and communication skills with an ability to listen and
>   relate to others
>   Additional qualifications include:
> - Some experience working with the community and/or teaching highly
>   desirable
> - Knowledge of computer applications, hardware, and the use of the
>   Internet
> - College degree preferred, but not required (High School diploma a
>   must)
>
> If you have any questions about TECHCOM and service learning or about
> this position, please contact:
>
> Send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references.
>
> David Park
> Coordinator, Penn Program to Bridge the Digital Divide
> Phone: 215.898.8324
> Fax: 215.573.2799
> email: dspark@pobox.upenn.edu