Posted By: Career Enrichment Network
There’s a dropout crisis in America and it disproportionately affects young people of color: 40% of all Hispanic students and 50% of all African-American students don’t graduate high school in four years. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Education, during the 2010-2011 school year, students of color were less likely to graduate from high school than white and Asian students in all but two states.
City Year partners with public schools to keep students in school and on track to graduate. In the 26 U.S. cities where we serve, City Year’s AmeriCorps members focus their efforts on students who are struggling. Corps members provide teachers extra support in the classroom, tutor students one-on-one in math and English, work with students to improve their attendance, and help them build the social and emotional skills that are critical to success.
City Year is a unique gap year opportunity for diverse young leaders to serve their community and gain powerful skills and experiences in the process. As a City Year AmeriCorps Member you’ll not only make a measurable impact in the lives of the students and communities you serve, but you’ll grow as an individual and professional as well. During your 11 months of service, you’ll develop leadership and professional skills that will help you advance in your career after City Year—whether you choose to go into nonprofit, law, medicine, or something entirely different.
What You’ll Do
You’ll spend 11 months serving hands-on with a small group of students to change their educational outcomes and their futures as a whole. The role is tremendously rewarding, but far from easy. Here is a great snapshot of the day in the life of a City Year AmeriCorps Member.
Leadership Skills You’ll Gain
Whatever your career path, we’ll give you the leadership skills you need to thrive as a skilled and effective leader in the classroom and beyond. From teachers and social workers to business consultants and dentists, City Year alumni pursue diverse professional fields.See how professionals got their start at City Year.
Furthering Your Education
Every City Year AmeriCorps member is eligible to receive an education award of $5,775 that can be applied to eligible student loans or future tuition. In addition, City Year collaborates with over 100 colleges and graduate schools, who provide exclusive financial scholarships to City Year alumni. Learn more.
Read more about City Year’s comprehensive benefits.
Who We Are Looking For
The role of a City Year Americorps Member is tremendously rewarding, but far from easy, which is why we’re so selective with our application process. In fact, only 1 in 4 applicants is chosen. City Year Americorps Members are as diverse a group as the communities they serve. We’re looking for student leader who are passionate about service and causes greater than oneself. We need individuals who have a desire and the grit to serve as a positive role model to children, to work alongside a diverse group of people, and who are ready to make a difference while becoming stronger leaders through a challenging and fulfilling experience. In addition, applicants must meet the following requirements:
To participate, you must:
- Have a college degree or have attended some college, have a high school diploma or GED
- Be able to dedicate 11 months to full-time service
- Be between the ages of 18 and 25
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Previous experiences with service, tutoring, mentoring and leadership help strengthen candidacy.
City Year is available to all, without regard to race, color, origin, gender, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.