AmeriCorps VISTA Hosted at WPI - STEM Education Center

STEM Education Center (SEC) VISTA

The STEM Education Center VISTA position will collaborate with the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) and its Strategic Planning Advisory Board to evaluate its new plan focused on access and availability of higher level learning for all WPS students. This work will include evaluating the ability of all WPS high school students to access and participate in advanced learning opportunities that inform their future success as well as identifying barriers for specific WPS subgroups such as English Language Learners and out of school youth. The VISTA will collect and analyze data, and make future recommendations. Additionally, the VISTA will work to develop trainings on diversity and access issues in PreK-12 STEM education, as well as inclusive pedagogy for STEM outreach activities. Trainings will be developed for an internal WPI audience working with PreK-12 educators/students as well as for after school educators. The VISTA will work in conjunction with a second VISTA who will be supporting the Pre-collegiate Outreach Programs.

A successful VISTA should have a high level of interest in the state of public education and passion for closing the opportunity gap in STEM. In this position, the VISTA will have an opportunity to enhance their professional skills while contributing to improved access to STEM higher education for urban public school students through systems-level analysis and collaborative solutions generation. This position requires good communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, organization, good judgement, high level of adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.  This individual will also exhibit a positive attitude, a sense of humor, and an interest to work with students and staff from diverse backgrounds. 

This position is through AmeriCorps VISTA hosted at WPI. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in research of the current state of advanced learning opportunities for Worcester Public School (WPS) students as well as issues of access, inclusion, and diversity in PreK-12 STEM education.
  
• Work with Institutional Research and others to determine appropriate evaluation processes.
  
• Reach out to partners to assess current data collection practices with WPS youth and families.
  
• Develop a communication plan and timeline for administration of survey, focus groups and other evaluation plans.
  
• Coordinate the collection of data, assess and evaluate data, compile data report, and present data for internal and external audiences through use of visual aids.
  
• Identify barriers specific to certain subgroups in WPS.
  
• Identify best practices and present recommendations to key stakeholders.
  
• Coordinate meetings with key partners (such as WPI and WPS).
  
• Co-create trainings for various stakeholders of issues of equity, access, and STEM education.
  
• Participate in staff meetings, meetings with VISTA team and one-on-ones.
  
• Report on progress to supervisors.
  
• Other duties as required to complete the VISTA Assignment Description (VAD) outlined objectives.
  

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or Education preferred.
  
• Demonstrated interest in or knowledge of PreK-12 public education.
  
• Demonstrated interest in or knowledge of working with diverse populations.
  
• Experience using the Microsoft office suite. Additionally, experience with Qualtrics preferred.
  
• Experience with data collection (including surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups) and analysis.
  
• Ability to create data visualizations using Excel or other similar tools.
  
• Ability to research journals and other resources for relevant information.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Strong out-of-the-box, creative brainstorming skills.
  
• Good teamwork skills and collaborative attitude.
  
• Attention to detail.
  
• Valid driver’s license preferred.
  
• Conditional offer pending a criminal background check.
  

BENEFITS OF AMERICORPS VISTA SERVICE:

• Bi-weekly living allowance (stipend) of $542.22
  
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($5,920) or post-service stipend ($1,800) upon successful completion of the program
  
• Student loan forbearance or deferment (depending on lender)
  
• Relocation assistance (for candidates moving more than 50 miles to serve)
  
• Healthcare benefits
  
• 10 days of personal leave and 10 days of sick leave
  
• Access to professional development opportunities
  
• One year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal government positions
  
• Child care assistance
  

 

WPI SITE BENEFITS

• $100/month discount for WPI housing including utilities
  
• Meal card
  
• Gym pass
  
• Free parking
  
• Opportunities for professional growth