Sitka AmeriCorps Member-Serve in the great state of Alaska

Serve One Year in Stunning Sitka, Alaska

Gain hands-on experience in education, mental health, and community-based service while living and serving in a rural Alaskan community.

PROGRAM PURPOSE

The Sitka AmeriCorps Program works to mitigate the impacts of high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs) scores common in rural Alaskan communities. We do this by fostering developmental relationships that support youth and families through:

Enrichment activities

Academic support and tutoring

Mentoring

Mental health and life-skills support

Community capacity building

AmeriCorps members serve in direct service roles such as tutors, mentors, outreach workers, and community organizers, averaging 36–40 hours per week.

Members live in intentional community housing with fellow AmeriCorps members, sharing responsibilities related to cooking, cleaning, and finances.

 Members are also encouraged to spend 10% of their service hours supporting service activities outside of their primary placement.

Through service, members often become active in local clubs, faith communities, support groups, and Sitka’s tribal community—learning firsthand about the joys and challenges of rural Alaskan life.

ABOUT Serve Alaska AND AmeriCorps

Serve Alaska promotes and supports volunteerism statewide and administers AmeriCorps programs throughout Alaska. Serve Alaska is overseen by a Governor-appointed Commission and operates under the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Community and Regional Affairs.

AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to address critical community challenges through national service. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors serve with organizations committed to strengthening communities nationwide. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

POSITION SUMMARY

Sitka AmeriCorps members serve across a variety of partner host sites, including:

Academic/SEL coaching and mentoring with the Sitka School District

Healthy futures and mental health support through local nonprofit organizations such as SEARHC, Youth Advocates of Sitka and Sitka Counseling

Service at Alaska Marine Safety Association

Service in recreation and academic/SEL support with Mt. Edgecumbe State Run Boarding High School.

Service in the Arts

Service at the University of Alaska Southeast.

And more!

POSITION SUPERVISION

Sarah Lawrie
Program Director, Sitka AmeriCorps Program

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree preferred (social services, education, or related field strongly encouraged)

Ability to follow oral and written instructions

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Ability to meet schedules and deadlines

Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules and procedures

Ability to withstand inclement weather

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

At least 17 years of age at the start of service

High school diploma or equivalent

U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident

Successful completion of a National Criminal History Check in accordance with 45 CFR §2522.202

TERM OF SERVICE

Full-time, 10-12-month commitment

1,700 and 1,200 terms

Service schedule averages 36–40 hours per week

Sufficient opportunity provided to complete hours, including holidays and approved time off

Members dedicate 5–10 hours to recruitment support for Sitka AmeriCorps

Opportunity to serve a second year, including a second Education Award 

PROGRAM TIME REQUIREMENTS

Participation in three mandatory national days of service:

Monthly mandatory individual and group meetings

Attendance at an all-member meeting in hosted by Serve Alaska typically in March 

Training hours comply with 45 CFR §2520.50

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

Program orientation upon arrival covering AmeriCorps, Sitka AmeriCorps, and life in Sitka

Monthly cohort-based team-building and training sessions

Monthly individual support meetings with Program Director

Weekly or regular mentoring meetings with host site supervisors

Site-specific training and professional development provided by host organizations

SKILLS YOU COULD GAIN

Classroom management

Behavior regulation strategies

Intervention techniques

Instructional planning

Organization and time management

Professional communication

Advocacy and youth development

BENEFITS

Members receive:

Monthly living allowance (~$1,800/month before tax)

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

Student loan forbearance and interest accrual (if eligible)

Healthcare coverage option

Childcare assistance (if eligible)

Additional benefits include:

Professional development and networking opportunities

Strong cohort-based support model

Over one-third of members secure employment at their service site

Access to AmeriCorps Alumni benefits and employer partnerships

Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

EVALUATION AND REPORTING

Formal performance evaluations twice annually-observations

Ongoing professional guidance from host site mentors and Program Director

Monthly qualitative and quantitative reports submitted to Program Director

Monthly timesheet submission required

SERVING CONDITIONS

Members must be able to:

Lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally

Travel daily in adverse weather conditions

Maintain appropriate service pace

Perform varied and sometimes complex tasks

Work effectively with youth and staff

Provide positive guidance and direction to youth