The Campus Climate Action Corps (CCAC) AmeriCorps program is now seeking Connect Science AmeriCorps Members! CCAC is a nationwide AmeriCorps program that builds the capacity of campuses and their community partners to create change that leads to increased energy efficiency and improvements for at-risk ecosystems by implementing local solutions for underserved households and communities.
As a Connect Science AmeriCorps Member, you’ll implement the Connect Science (CS) curriculum, an environmental education project-based learning unit, at a participating elementary school, after school program, or youth-focused community organization in an underserved community in Massachusetts. You’ll help 3rd-5th-grade students explore the topics of energy and natural resources, teaching science through service learning, with a focus on social emotional learning (SEL). Connect Science uses a high-quality, data-informed curriculum that addresses the Next Generation Science Standards. By utilizing this curriculum, you’ll expose students to hands-on, multidisciplinary, collaborative learning; help them explore positive solutions to critical energy and air quality issues; and inspire them to climate action!
As a CCAC Connect Science AmeriCorps Member, you’ll receive valuable environmental education skills training, coaching, and the Connect Science Curriculum Manual with lessons along with related books and science materials.
Position Responsibilities:
Connect Science Program:
- Teach 30 lessons on science, social and emotional skills, and civic skills, utilizing Connect Science Curriculum Manual and other lesson materials
- Support students through a Connect Science student-led service learning project
- Assist students to identify, plan, and lead an energy-related service project in their community
- Engage in community events to educate family members and the broader community about energy use and how it links to environmental, health, and financial wellness, and ways to advance energy efficiency and affordable energy use
Environmental Education Events:
- Coordinate and facilitate environmental education events in underserved communities to provide strategies for reducing energy use and carbon emissions
Ecosystem Health Project:
- Plan and execute a community-driven project that improves a local at-risk ecosystem (e.g. removal of invasive species, tree planting, installation of rain gardens)
Evaluation & Reporting Requirements:
- Member performance will be assessed through a mid-term evaluation and end-of-term evaluation that informs the program’s service delivery and helps the Member successfully complete the term of service
- The Member is required to complete and submit weekly timesheets and data reports
The responsibilities above are essential position functions and are subject to reasonable accommodations.
Non-Essential Functions:
The Member may be required to perform other position-related instructions within the scope of their normal service activities as requested by their site supervisor and/or AmeriCorps program staff in alignment with the grant and not unallowable or prohibited activities.
Service Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Must be located in or willing to relocate to a host site area
- Must pass a national service criminal history check
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; high school diploma or equivalent is required
- Valid driver’s license and car, and/or dependable transportation
- Must have a personal commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and comfortable with public speaking
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience teaching in a K-12 setting
- Experience with outreach, volunteer recruitment & management, or event planning
- Experience in environmental education, environmental stewardship, sustainability, or home energy efficiency
Term of Service: The term of service will run from December 2, 2024 through no later than July 31, 2025. As Minimum-time AmeriCorps members, CCAC Connect Science AmeriCorps Members must complete 300 hours during the service term.
Location: AmeriCorps Members will serve at participating elementary school programs, afterschool programs, summer programs or community-based organizations in Massachusetts. Service location details are still being finalized.
Training: CCAC Connect Science AmeriCorps Members will attend a 5-day Connect Science training at the start of their service.
CCAC Connect Science AmeriCorps Members must attend CCAC AmeriCorps Orientation on their first day of service. Members will attend weekly Member Meetings with the full CCAC AmeriCorps cohort and may attend additional training opportunities.
Benefits: CCAC Connect Science AmeriCorps Members will receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award in the amount of $1,565.08. The Segal Education Award is contingent upon the successful completion of the program and can be used to pay for college or technical school or to pay back qualified student loans, good for up to 7 years.
Additional benefits include:
- Student loan forbearance and interest payments for qualifying members
- Professional development, including green jobs training, support in developing a personal career action plan, and an enhanced professional network
To Apply: Please submit your application here: https://campuscompact.tfaforms.net/13
For more information, please email Glennys Navarrete at [email protected]. The application priority deadline is November 1, 2024. Applications are received on a rolling basis after that.
About AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges.
AmeriCorps Disaster Requirements: In the event of a local, state, or federal disaster declaration, AmeriCorps Members may be asked on a volunteer basis or be required by AmeriCorps to activate to assist in disaster response and recovery activities within their communities. This may involve virtual service opportunities or in-person service opportunities. This may include service opportunities outside of the Member’s standard service hours or in place of their standard service duties. In the event of a large-scale, high needs local, state, or federal disaster, AmeriCorps Members may voluntarily or be required by AmeriCorps to deploy to an area outside of their service area to assist in disaster response and recovery activities.
About Campus Compact: Campus Compact is a coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to advancing the public purposes of higher education and an intermediary sponsor for an AmeriCorps VISTA program. We support our member institutions—helping them build the knowledge, skills, and capacity needed to enable a just, equitable, and sustainable future.
Campus Compact does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member), or any other basis prohibited by law.