The NEED:

Young people in Minnesota are facing a graduation crisis. Nearly 1 in 5 Minnesota high school students did not graduate on time in 2018. Those who do not graduate are disproportionately lower-income students and students of color. These young people are not just statistics. They are students with great potential but who become academically disengaged over time, not showing up for school, receiving suspensions, failing to turn in homework, and earning failing or low course grades. As these young people become increasingly disconnected from the school and community, they become more and more at risk of dropping out.

AmeriCorps Promise Fellows support, mentor, and build positive relationships with young people in 6-12th grade on their path to high school graduation. Fellows provide one-on-one and small group support to a focus list of students in a school or non-profit organization. This is a perfect opportunity for individuals interested in exploring a career in counseling, teaching, or youth work.

Fellows receive training in student-mentor relationship building skills and goal setting techniques. Fellows receive support and training throughout the year and are encouraged to explore their own goals and have the opportunity to be paired with a Life Coach. 20% of AmeriCorps Promise Fellows return for a second year of service.

You SERVE:

Promise Fellows serve students in 6th-12th grade students. Your service includes providing direct support to up to 30 students in:

• Attendance: Provide attendance coaching, call home if students miss class, organize field trips or other special events to make learning and being at school more engaging and relevant
• Engagement: Provide avenues for increased youth engagement in school and the broader community by coordinating lunchtime mentoring programs, promoting youth leadership development, and connecting youth with civic opportunities.
• Course Performance: Provide before, in, and after school academic support for individuals and small groups.

Promise Fellows are placed at a school or community-based organization during their term of service. There will be monthly opportunities to connect as a larger team with other AmeriCorps Promise Fellows. Service locations sites are located in, though not limited to, Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro, St. Cloud, Northfield, and Duluth.

You EARN:

• AmeriCorps Living Stipend: $687 twice per month
• AmeriCorps Education Award: $6,345 Education Award upon successful completion of service. This award can be used toward federally qualifying student loans or future post-secondary education.
• Benefits: Health and dental insurance, qualified student loan forbearance, qualified child care assistance, AmeriCoach life coach, TAP transportation card (metro area), support applying for SNAP benefits (if eligible)
• Training: Establish-Maintain-Restore Relationship Building, WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) Goal Setting, Motivational Interviewing, and a series of relevant Equity focused training pertinent topics to supporting middle school and high school students in Minnesota.

Learn more & apply today – www.mnyouth.net/AmeriCorps

Please note: This program is available to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request for interviews and service activities. This document is available in alternative formats.