2015-2016
APPLICATION
A City of Richmond
Community Building Collaborative
The AmeriCorps ACES (Action for Community Enhancement Services) program is
available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex or
CITY OF RICHMOND HUMAN SERVICES
Neighbor-to-Neighbor Volunteer Initiative 2015-2016 AMERICORPS PROGRAM What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a national service initiative. Through AmeriCorps, individuals of all ages and backgrounds, address the nation’s education, public safety, human and environmental needs through national service. In return, AmeriCorps members receive a bi-weekly living allowance and an educational award to help finance their college education or vocational training, or to pay their student loans with successful completion. While there is no typical AmeriCorps member, all people selected for AmeriCorps must demonstrate a commitment to service and a willingness to use their time and abilities to improve the AmeriCorps ethic of responsibility and community here in Richmond, Virginia.
What is the Richmond AmeriCorps A.C.E.S Program?
The AmeriCorps A.C.E.S. (Action for Community Enhancement Services) program focus through a partnership with the GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc. (GRASP) is to enroll the equivalent of 10 full-time* AmeriCorps members who will lead knowledge and skill-building workshops and
information sessions for students and parents to facilitate successful college and career pathway planning in the five comprehensive public high schools within the Richmond Public School system. At the end of the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for decreasing the number of graduating seniors who lack a clear and feasible plan and the necessary competencies to pursue postsecondary education. As a team our goal is to reach 1,000 students in a year. In addition, the
AmeriCorps members will leverage 290 volunteers from local colleges and community organizations who will be engaged in providing support such as SAT and ACT test preparation, job shadowing
opportunities, essay and cover letter writing insight, and financial aid planning. *Candidates interested in half-time service (900 hours) should also apply.
Facts About the AmeriCorps ACES Program
Terms of Service: The AmeriCorps ACES program operates from 9/8/2015 to 8/31/2016.
Terms of Service – Based upon 12 months of service:
1) Full-time members serve 1700 hours or approximately 35- 40 hours per week. 2) Part-time members serve 900 hours or approximately 20 hours per week.
Living Allowances – Every other Friday
1) Full-time members (1,700 hrs.) receive approx. $600 (before taxes) for living expenses 2) Part-time members (900 hrs.) receive approx. $300 (before taxes) for living expenses Educational Award: At the successful completion of:
1) 1700 hours of service, full-time members receive approx. $5,730; 2) 900 hours of service, half-time members receive approx. $2,865
The educational award may be used to pay for current educational expenses at qualified institutions of higher education, or to repay qualified student loans. Members have up until seven years after his/her term of service has ended to use the award. The award may be taxable. Members may also receive postponement of interest on existing loans during their term of service.
Application Requirements: Completed applications must be submitted by 8/28/15 to:
Jennifer Swinson, Administrator of Community Programs AmeriCorps ACES
East District Center
701 North 25th Street, 2nd Floor, Richmond, VA 23223 OR
Email:
[email protected]
We are pleased that you are interested in the Richmond AmeriCorps ACES (Action for
Community Enhancement Services) program. A program description and application
for the 2015-2016 Richmond AmeriCorps Program is enclosed for your information
and use.
As a member of the AmeriCorps ACES Program, you will play a significant role in
increasing the opportunity to help insure students have a plan of success before
graduation.
We appreciate your interest in becoming a member of the AmeriCorps ACES Team,
and hope that you will consider submitting an application. Our partnership with
GRASP provides exciting and meaningful opportunities to individuals committed to
providing service in the lives of others.
If you need additional information or have any questions, please email me at
[email protected]
.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Swinson
Administrator of Community Programs
Richmond AmeriCorps ACES
Please use the boxes below to select your interest as a Full time or Half-time
candidate and the Richmond Public High School site(s) of preference. Site
preference is not guaranteed.
Slots
Full-time (1700 hrs.)
Half-time (900 hrs)
Schools
Armstrong High
George Wythe High
Huguenot High
John Marshall High
Thomas Jefferson High
Position Description
The AmeriCorps member will:
Conduct pre and post-surveys
Conduct an initial review of each college senior’s Plan of Study and a coordinating
survey to assess each student’s preparedness to pursue a postsecondary
opportunity connected to that Plan;
Meet with students and parents during open “office hours*” to discuss college and
career search, application, financial aid processes, and interpretation of award
letters; * weekends will also be scheduled, as needed, to engage participants and
their families.
Offer and provide classroom (grades 9-12) and evening presentations regarding
diverse college and career topics;
Facilitate time-sensitive group workshops to help students prepare college
applications, complete a FAFSA, draft a personal statement or cover letter;
Connect students to outside resources regarding SAT/ACT test prep, financial aid
planning, job shadowing or apprenticeship opportunities, or other services as
needed;
Prepare materials to be used during workshops and presentations;
Conduct pre-graduation surveys of all seniors regarding the development of their
postsecondary plans during the school year;
Follow-up and optional college readiness/enrichment activities in the summer
following graduation to help students remain committed to implementing their
postsecondary educational plans in the fall.
AMERICORPS A.C.E.S. MEMBERSHIP
To Applicant: We sincerely appreciate your interest. A clear understanding of your background and
work history will aid us in considering you for the position that best meets your qualifications and our
needs. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. (Use additional sheets, if
necessary.)
The goal of AmeriCorps ACES in partnership with GRASP is to increase the opportunity
for students to have an education plan.
Other Desirable qualifications include:
High School Diploma or GED
Strong Verbal Communication Skills
Dependable
Customer Service
Proficient Computer Skills
Commitment to Community Service
Energetic & Creative
Personable
Ready for a Challenge
Valid Driver’s License and Use of a Car is a plus
AmeriCorps member responsibilities will also include the following:
Mandatory participation in scheduled trainings, service projects, and national service
days
Assist with volunteer recruitment to enhance services and submit weekly
documentation of efforts
Honor service commitment to successfully complete the program
AmeriCorps member benefits include the following:
Opportunity to learn new skills and be exposed to new opportunities
Opportunity to serve the Richmond community and make a difference
Upon successful completion of required service hours, members are eligible for an
education award.
Application Instructions
Please describe the skills and the experience you offer to AmeriCorps, as well as the reasons why you hope to be selected. Consider each section carefully and respond to the best of your ability. Think about your role in service activities, membership in community organizations, academic experiences, and personal talents. Take into account everything from your past and present. Your application and personal references help create a full picture of you and what you would bring to national service. Make sure that this application accurately reflects all the qualities that make you a good candidate for AmeriCorps ACES. Please type or print legibly.
Member Profile
Name Date of Birth
Current Address (Street, Apartment #, City, State, Zip Code)
Telephone: Home ( ) Work ( ) Mobile ( )
E-mail Address:__________________________________________________________________ Have you previously enrolled or participated in an AmeriCorps program? YES NO
If you answer yes, please provide the following: 1)Year(s) Served:_________________________
2) Full-Time; Half –Time ; ______________________
3)Program Location(s): ________________________________________ 4)Name of Program Director(s):__________________________________ 5)Contact number(s):___________________________________________ 6) Did you successfully complete the program(s)? YES or NO
If you answered no, please explain:______________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
Are you an U.S. Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident Alien? (Circle one) Please select desired AmeriCorps position below i.e. Full or Half-Time
Yes No
Full-time applicants: 1700 hours - Requires a commitment of 35 – 40* hours each week Yes No
Half-time applicants: 900 hours - Requires a commitment of 18- 20* hours each week
Yes No
Yes No
Do you have any special needs that require an accommodation? (Optional answer)
(If yes, please specify )
If you are currently attending school, please provide your academic hours of enrollment for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Name of School/College/University Fall 2015______________
Spring 2016 Summer of 2016
Do you have a valid driver’s license? (Circle one) Yes No
Do you have an automobile for use? (Circle one) Yes No
The Richmond AmeriCorps A.C.E.S. Program requires substance abuse testing. By signing this document you
agree to substance abuse testing and to abstain from illegal drug use.
Signature Date:
Skill Areas
Indicate those areas in which you have had significant training or experience, including volunteer or community service experience.
Youth Work/Coaching Public Safety/Law Enforcement Fathers and young men Teaching/Tutoring Mediation/Conflict Resolution Training/Facilitating
Community Outreach Public Speaking Job Development
Work in Schools Technology Health/Health Education
Juvenile Justice Parenting Skills Training Other (List) Mentoring Child Care/Development
Community Service Activities
List and describe your organizational memberships and community service experience. Include social, school, professional, and neighborhood programs.
Name of Organization Dates of Service
Start End
Duties Performed Contact Person
Educational Background (Check all that apply)
Did not graduate high school Current Technical School Student Graduate Classes (No Degree)
GED Some College completed Master’s Degree
High School Graduate Associate Degree Doctorate Degree
Technical School Graduate Bachelor’s Degree
Begin with your current school or most recent and list all schools attended. Include high school, trade/technical schools, college, job corps, etc.
College, Trade, Business or Other Schools / Training Attended Name & Location Start End Qtr Hrs Sem Hrs Other
(Circle One)
Graduated Degree Year Major or Studies Yes No
Yes No Yes No Yes No Licenses and/or Certificates you possess:
Special Skills and/or equipment you can operate:
Employment History
Please include any self-employment, home management, volunteer, military service, full or part-time, salaried employment. Start with your current or most recent experience. If available, attach resume to application.
Employment History (including Military Service)
(You may attach an additional page or a resume to show additional employment or volunteer history.)
Last or present job (start with last or present position and work backwards) From Month Year
Firm Dept To Month Year
Address Hours worked per week
Total Time Employed:
Type of Business Your Title Years Months
Specific Duties: Starting Salary Ending Salary
Immediate supervisor’s Name, Title & Office Phone
Reason for leaving: May we contact? Yes No
Previous job From Month Year
Firm Dept To Month Year
Address Hours worked per week
Total Time Employed:
Type of Business Your Title Years Months
Specific Duties: Starting Salary Ending Salary
Immediate supervisor’s Name, Title & Office Phone
References
List three individuals not related to you that we might contact as references. We encourage you to list
people who know you well such as instructors, employers, guidance counselors, or community members. Name:
Address: City, State, Zip:
Telephone: Home ( ) Work
Relation to you
Email Address:_______________________________________________________________________________ Name:
Address: City, State, Zip:
Telephone: Home ( ) Work
Relation to you
Email Address:_______________________________________________________________________________ Name:
Address: City, State, Zip:
Telephone: Home ( ) Work
Relation to you
Personal Background:
Citizenship Status (Please check only one)
U.S. Citizen by birth
U.S. Citizen by naturalization
Alien permanent resident
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
Yes
No
Criminal Background
The term “convicted” shall include: a finding of guilty by a judge or jury, a plea of guilty, or a plea of
nolo contendere. Acceptance decisions for applicants with a criminal history will be made on a
case-by-case basis.
Please note: Prior to admission to the program, all members will be required to submit to a criminal
background check, a substance abuse screening, child protective services registry check, national sex
offender registry check and FBI fingerprint check.
**Personal Statement**(Must be included in application)_
On a separate sheet of paper, type or print legibly a 400-word statement explaining (i) what you could
contribute to AmeriCorps, (ii) how the experience could advance your personal and professional goals
and (iii) what the term commitment means to you. Please spend time preparing your statement. Be
thoughtful and honest in preparing your answer. Attach your personal statement to your application.
Applications without a Personal Statement will not be considered.
Online Referral Form
A brief online referral survey will be emailed to your references should you be selected for an interview.
Certification
INFORMATION CERTIFICATION/AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION/AT WILL AGREEMENT
I certify the information given in this application for AmeriCorps is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize AmeriCorps to make inquiry of my former employers or references as to my experience, job suitability, and/or reasons for leaving. I understand that if I am accepted into AmeriCorps, the making of false statements on this application, omission of information or misrepresentation will be sufficient cause for immediate dismissal from the program. I agree to hold harmless AmeriCorps and any company and/or individual(s) for information they may release in regards to this application.
I understand that my acceptance is contingent upon proof of identity and verification of eligibility for participation in AmeriCorps in the United States. I also understand my participation may be contingent upon a satisfactory background check through Criminal History Record Checks, Child Protection Services, FBI Fingerprinting, National Sex Offender Registry and other potential screenings.
I hereby understand and acknowledge that, unless otherwise defined by applicable law, any relationship with this organization is of an “at will” nature, which means that the participant may resign at any time and AmeriCorps may dismiss participants at any time for reasonable cause.
Completed applications must be returned to the AmeriCorps A.C.E.S. office not later than August 28, 2015
