that looks good on your resume? Change a child’s life this summer by joining
Summer Reads, an AmeriCorps VISTA program at Minnesota Literacy Council. Summer
Reads VISTAs provide quality tutoring and literacy-focused creative enrichment
to children in grades K-3 from low-income families. Each year, approximately
60-75 VISTAs serve in pairs at one or two placement sites in summer schools,
libraries and community organizations across Minnesota, with the goal of
helping children improve their literacy skills and fight the summer slide.
Under the mentoring of an on-site supervisor, VISTAs serve in a variety of
program environments. They may use the site's curriculum or design their own
lesson plans; work with children one-on-one or in small or large groups; act as
a classroom assistant or lead a program themselves - depending on the site's
needs. Summer Reads is an exciting opportunity to experience direct service
with children and grow as tutors and mentors.
For more details visit our website
(www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/vista/summer-reads-vista).
Qualifications
Summer Reads VISTAs serve full-time for 8 weeks (10 weeks for Outreach
Specialists) from June to August and are not permitted absences for vacations
or personal time. With prior approval from Minnesota Literacy Council, they may
hold additional part-time jobs or take college courses during the term of
service.
Required qualifications include:
• At least 18 years of age at the time of placement
• A U.S. Citizen, National or Legal Resident
• Must be able to clear a general background check, including a search of the
Sex Offender Public Registry
• History of volunteerism, work with literacy or work with children
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be able to speak proficiently in English and read aloud to
groups/individual children
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Must be able to serve full-time (approximately 40 hours per week, no vacation
or personal time) – tentative 2016 dates (still subject to change):
o Most greater Minnesota locations: June 6-July 31
o Twin Cities metro and select greater Minnesota locations: June 13-August 7
o Outreach Specialists: June 1-August 9
Qualifications preferred but not required:
• Additional language skills, especially in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, or Karen
• Background (work/volunteer experience, education, or combination) in
Education, Youth Studies, Child Development or Social Work
Compensation
Summer Reads VISTAs receive a bi-weekly living allowance of approximately
$449-453 (pre-tax, depending on county of service) and are eligible to receive
a $1,212 Education Award or $230 cash stipend at the end of their service.
Reimbursement for travel between placement sites and trainings is also
provided. Public benefit assistance is not affected by VISTA service. VISTAs
are eligible for federal student loan forbearance.
To Apply
Visit our website for details on how to apply for the Summer Reads VISTA
positions: www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/vista/summer-reads-vista. Applicants
must create a My AmeriCorps account to apply. After you create your My
AmeriCorps account, you must then apply to the Summer Reads position
listing(s). Applications are accepted and interviews are granted on a rolling
basis until filled, by April 30, with a priority deadline of March 31.
Questions? Contact Meghan Paul-Cook, VISTA Coordinator,
<email obscured>, 651-251-9069.