Overview
Jumpstart your career and make a lasting impact on first-generation college students through a year of AmeriCorps service at Breakthrough Silicon Valley!
About Breakthrough Silicon Valley
Breakthrough Silicon Valley launches talented students who have been historically excluded from higher education on the path to college, and inspires high school and college students to become the next generation of leaders, advocates, and educators. BTSV’s seven-year college access and success program, which supports students from 7th grade to first year of college, has proven to be effective in preparing these students for college: a stunning 99% of BTSV graduates attend college immediately after high school.
BTSV’s tuition-free program provides year-round out-of-school time academic support, counseling, and advocacy for a diverse group of talented students, most of whom come from under-resourced communities and will be the first generation in their family to go to college. Through our students-teaching-students model, BTSV also provides a consummate professional development experience providing talented high school and college students the opportunity to understand the K-12 system and the drivers of educational inequities, and to design and teach classes under the direction of seasoned educators.
Located in San Jose, California, Breakthrough Silicon Valley is an affiliate of The Breakthrough Collaborative, a leading national service organization that acts as the national voice for over 25 Breakthrough sites across the country.
The AmeriCorps Positions
We are looking for 9 full-time AmeriCorps Members to provide academic and college readiness/planning support to 7th to 12th grade students in the Breakthrough Silicon Valley program. AmeriCorps Members will serve full time from September 19, 2022–August 10, 2023.
The AmeriCorps members will work alongside and be supported by the BTSV program team while preparing students for their college journey. This is a fantastic opportunity for passionate recent college graduates to make a difference in the educational trajectory of aspiring first-generation college students.
Academic and College Readiness Advisors (7th-8th grade, 3 positions)
- Build supportive relationships with approximately 30 students in grades 7-8 who aspire to be among the first generation in their families to graduate from college and who are just starting their Breakthrough journey.
- Provide coaching on academic and non-academic pursuits. Support students as they set goals for themselves that may range from grades and test scores, to getting involved in their community or exploring a career interest. Support students as they create their own plans for reaching their goals and meet with them regularly to encourage their progress!
- Lead after school and occasional weekend sessions, such as study skills workshops and “Super Saturday” community-building events.
- Staff program office hours and provide drop-in services including homework support as needed.
- Take leadership over a committee of summer Corps Members that will oversee key aspects of the hallmark Breakthrough summer program, such as Spirit Committee or End of Summer Celebration committee, and assist with building of culture and community and organizing of special events.
Academic and College Planning Advisor (9-12th grade, 6 positions)
- Build supportive relationships with approximately 30 students in grades 9-10 who aspire to be among the first generation in their families to graduate from college OR support 11th-12th graders with their college exploration, application, financial aid, and decision-making process.
- Provide coaching on academic and non-academic pursuits. Support students as they set goals for themselves that may range from grades and test scores, to getting involved in their community or exploring a career interest. Support students as they create their own plans for reaching their goals and meet with them regularly to encourage their progress!
- Encourage students to take advantage of their summers to develop their leadership skills and broaden their horizons through work, enrichment camps, academic study, or volunteerism.
- Support evening and occasional weekend workshops on topics such as professional skills, career and major exploration, and college research; and organize social and community building events.
- As part of Breakthrough’s summer program for rising 9th graders, teach BTSV’s High School Prep curriculum that will help prepare students for the transition from middle to high school.
Learn more about AmeriCorps and national service here!
Training and Professional Development
BTSV wants you to learn and grow as much as your students will. At the start of your service, you will receive a comprehensive orientation to your new team, to BTSV, our work, and your role. Throughout the year, you will work with your manager and the AmeriCorps Program Director to pursue training specific to your role and your own goals for professional development.
Requirements
- Have a commitment to community service and the ability to serve the complete program year: a service term of 1,700+ hours from September 19, 2022–August 10, 2023
- Bachelor’s degree or enrolled in college pursuing your degree
- US citizen, US national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Access to reliable transportation to our program offices and summer program sites via personal vehicle, public transit, or other means
- As BTSV is an out-of-school time program, availability for evening and occasional weekend work is a must
Compensation
AmeriCorps positions are volunteer roles which carry a living allowance. BTSV’s AmeriCorps Members will receive:
- $27,000 living allowance (pre-tax) paid semi-monthly over the 11-month service term
- Health insurance, if needed
- Most AmeriCorps Members will be eligible for food supplement programs, like SNAP/CalFresh to help cover monthly grocery expenses
Corps Members who complete their service are eligible for a $10,000 education award via the California for All Education Award and the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award. This award can be used for continuing education or to even repay certain student loans. Learn more about AmeriCorps Education Awards here!
Location
BTSV maintains two offices in San Jose:
- Bridges Academy: 1702 McLaughlin Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
- Herbert Hoover Middle School: 1635 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
AmeriCorps Members are required to serve full-time in person. This is not a remote position.
COVID-19 Information
BTSV requires all employees and AmeriCorps Members to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (one dose of Johnson & Johnson, two doses of Moderna, or two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech). Proof of vaccination must be provided prior to your first day of employment. Employees may request accommodation if they have a qualifying medical condition or on the basis of sincerely held religious beliefs and practices.
BTSV is also continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation locally and will continue to comply with all state, county, city, and/or school district directives on PPE, social distancing, vaccination, and remote work as they evolve.