Afterschool Program Mentor (AmeriCorps)

Overview

Aspire Afterschool Learning is seeking year-round mentors for our Learning ROCKS afterschool and summer camp program to provide daily holistic and academic support to historically underserved upper elementary school students in South Arlington, VA.

Our afterschool program bolsters students' reading by providing targeted daily support to develop both reading skills and a love of reading. Program activities strengthen their STEM/STEAM skills and reinforce general academic content through regular project-based learning activities, including our annual science fair. Our summer camp is a fun and interactive experience that prevents summer learning loss, which year-over-year can make it more difficult for students experiencing poverty to catch up with their peers.

Join our team and use your talents and skills to guide students as you engage them in reading, academic exercises, enrichment activities, and exploring new places on field trips. This highly-interactive position will also interact professionally with program volunteers, community partners, and parents. You will be committed to ensuring Aspire students make gains in their learning while being part of an integral team dedicated to students’ growth and organizational excellence.

The Lead Afterschool Program Mentor position is part of our Learning Links AmeriCorps program and is great for someone with prior experience tutoring or mentoring elementary school age children, interested in continuing to work with 3rd – 8th grade students, considering a career in education, giving back to their community, gaining professional experience, or earning money for school.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead lessons and activities while providing direct support to approximately 20 students each day, including appropriate supervision and assistance during classroom and recreational activities.
• Implement and plan lessons, activities, guest speakers, and field trips in collaboration with program staff.
• Volunteer in classrooms of Aspire students in assigned partner elementary schools to provide classroom/student support, ie: small groups, one-to-one help, etc.
• Provide meaningful guidance and support for volunteers.
• Interact and communicate with parents, volunteers, visitors, and community organizations in accordance with Aspire’s values.
• Provide programming and support to our Parent Connection events one evening per month.
• Support program staff in collecting and maintaining program data.
• Participate in relevant topic- and skill-based trainings and provide input into trainings and professional development sessions.
• Assist in the daily maintenance of the Aspire classrooms.
• Participate in required AmeriCorps Trainings and National Days of Service.
• Complete monthly AmeriCorps service reflections.
• Comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and agreements of the organization and AmeriCorps.

Who You Are...

• Experience tutoring or mentoring children in upper elementary or middle school
• Passionate about investing in the growth and potential of historically underserved students
• Committed to service and dedicated to serving through AmeriCorps
• Looking to gain marketable, hands-on experience in the nonprofit, education, and/or childcare fields
• Self-motivated, independent, flexible, and resourceful
• Able to communicate and interact with children, parents, teachers, volunteers, and program staff in a way that is consistent with Aspire’s values
• Good at managing your time and projects
• Able to walk a mile and supervise kids outside
• Comfortable and proficient with computers and smart phone apps
• Experience/knowledgeable with Google Suite or Microsoft Office, including basic Excel
• A U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien (Green Card)
• A High school graduate or equivalent, at least 18 years old

What Else You Should Know…

• The position ends on August 8, 2025.
• 12-35 hours/week
• This position is in-person.
• $950-$1,800/month living stipends with a $1956.35-$3,697.50 Segal Education Award that can be applied to future education goals or past student loans.
• Time off for spring break, 10 personal/sick days and federal holidays;
• Eligible for student loan forbearance or deferment.
• Hands-on training in a variety of topics including: learning content areas, tutoring skills, child development, behavior management, education theory, leadership skills, and team building.
• Free access to the community center gym
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (includes boosters for those eligible).
• Aspire values a positive working environment and culture, highly-impactful and values driven work, and professional and personal development.

*Aspire’s Learning Links AmeriCorps program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the position is contingent upon approved funding.

Aspire Afterschool Learning shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services

Who We Are…

Aspire Afterschool Learning (formerly Greenbrier Learning Center) is a non-profit organization based in South Arlington, VA. Aspire provides robust, comprehensive, and high-quality afterschool and summer academic enrichment to historically underserved students in Arlington. Our programs support and connect students, families, schools, and communities while using evidence-based methods to achieve results for upper elementary school students most impacted by the educational opportunity gap. Over 90% of our students improve their reading levels each year with our support.

Aspire values statement:

• Growth: We Aspire to support our students to empower them to reach their goals.
• Connection: We Aspire to bring our community together to create a sense of belonging for our students and their families.
• Equity & Access: We Aspire to provide access to the students and families most impacted by the educational opportunity gap and treat Aspire students and families with dignity, fairness, and respect.
• Excellence: We Aspire to strive for excellence in all that we do.
• Fun & Caring: We Aspire to approach every day with a nurturing spirit of playfulness and warmth.

For the past 12 years we have partnered with AmeriCorps to host AmeriCorps Members, individuals who use their compassion, determination, and creativity to help strengthen communities across the country. Our AmeriCorps Members directly serve the students in our program, by putting their values into action to make a difference where the need is greatest. Individuals who serve with AmeriCorps build new skillsets that they can take with them wherever they go. If you are not currently an AmeriCorps Member, we can help you become one and join our team.