Grinnell
AmeriCorps
Partnership
Summer Learning Corps Service
Application
Self-motivated, socially-minded individuals who have a
passion for youth and education in rural America are
invited to apply for a 2016 Summer Learning Corps
position with the Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership
program. For the Summer Program, 30 AmeriCorps
Members will be placed at Grinnell service sites to
implement literacy based programming. With the
support of program leadership, successful applicants will
engage youngsters in activities that help build literacy
skills through one-on-one and group-based projects.
How to Apply
Please review the attached program
information and complete the application
to describe your interest and qualifications
for serving as a Summer Learning Corps
Member. Responses do not need to be
submitted on the application form itself,
but answers must be typed and may not
exceed 100 words for any question.
Eligibility and Member Selection
To comply with AmeriCorps guidelines and
partnership goals, all applicants must meet the
basic eligibility requirements listed on page 4.
Preference will be given to applicants who meet
additional qualifications also listed on page 4.
Member Benefits
AmeriCorps service members are eligible to
receive a range of benefits. See the full list of
member benefits on pages 4.
To Submit Your Application
Submit completed applications to:
Community Enhancement & Engagement
Grinnell College, Old Glove Factory
733 Broad Street
Grinnell, IA 50112
communityenhance@grinnell.edu
Application Timing
The deadline to apply is Monday, April 11.
For More Information
For more information, visit the program
website at www.grinnell.edu/about/officesservices/community-enhancement/grinnellamericorps-partnership or contact us:
Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership, Grinnell
College, 733 Broad Street, Grinnell IA, 50112,
(641) 269-3900
communityenhance@grinnell.edu
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 members
in intensive service annually to serve through
nonprofit, faith-based, and community
organizations at 25,000 locations across the
country. These members help communities
tackle pressing problems while mobilizing
millions of volunteers for the organizations they
serve. Since 1994, more 900,000 Americans
have provided more than 1.2 billion hours of service to their communities
and country through AmeriCorps. For more information, visit
NationalService.gov.
AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community
Service, a federal agency that engages more than 5 million Americans in
service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and
Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads the President’s national call
to service initiative, United We Serve.
Member Service Application (page 3)
Application Packet Contents
I....................................................................................................... Program
Background
a. ............................................................................................ Program
Information ..................................................................... Page 3
b. ........................................................................................... Member
Information ..................................................................... Page 4
c. ............................................................................................ Service
Member Position Description .......................................... Page 6
II. ..................................................................................................... Member
Service Application ............................................................... Page 7
Member Service Application (page 4)
I.
Program Information
About Grinnell Iowa
Grinnell is a small town in rural Iowa with a population of 9,049 located approximately one hour's drive
equidistant between Des Moines and Iowa City on I-80. Grinnell aspires to be a thriving "micropolitan";
that is, a vibrant small Iowa town with excellent quality of life, strong public schools, and sustainable
economic stability. With fewer than 10,000 residents, Grinnell relies on a vibrant, but fragile, non-profit
environment in which few non-profits benefit from extensive paid staff.
About the Summer Learning Corps Opportunities
To supplement the work of other AmeriCorps Members currently forming the Grinnell AmeriCorps
Partnership, 30 additional AmeriCorps Members are being sought to support summer literacy efforts to
help make sure Grinnell’s kids don’t lose reading skills over the summer. Research identifies summer
learning loss as a key factor in a student’s failure to progress in school. Selected AmeriCorps Members will
facilitate enrichment activities. Examples may include: one-to-one or small group enrichment activities
such as reading or listening to reading by youngsters and engaging kids in fun literacy based activities.
Members may serve at school sites, community parks, and other locations throughout Grinnell during
their 11 week term of service.
This new summer enrichment programming is particularly important because of Iowa’s new law which will
go into effect at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. At that time, Iowa law states that all 3rd graders
who are not reading at grade level will be required to repeat the 3rd grade unless they take certain steps.
Participating in summer programs to help enrich literacy is one of those options.
Member Service Application (page 5)
II.
Member Information
Eligibility
To comply with AmeriCorps guidelines and partnership goals, all applicants must meet the following
basic eligibility requirements:
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Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service
Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (or be in the process of obtaining one). College
coursework, college degree, or equivalent work experience preferred.
Be a U.S. Citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
Successful completion and clearance of required background checks (including: 1) a nationwide
National Sex Offender check; 2) a Statewide Criminal History check; and 3) a fingerprint-based FBI
check)
Ability to serve approximately 30 hours per week for 11 weeks (Tuesday, May 31st through Tuesday,
August 16)
Ability to start on Tuesday, May 31st to participate in mandatory trainings
Additional Qualifications
In addition to basic eligibility requirements, preference will be given to candidates who:
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Enjoy working with children and have a positive and encouraging attitude
Have interest or experience in reading or education
Are organized, self-motivated, reliable, and dependable
Have demonstrated ability to work with other people in order to get something done
Interested in using their talents to serve the greater good
Are able to lift 30lbs
Can comfortably speak, read and write English
Have basic computer skills that include navigation of online resources and email
Have reliable transportation to reach service sites within Grinnell
Benefits
AmeriCorps team members are eligible for the following service benefits:
Living Allowance
a. 2015-16 Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership members are eligible to earn a fixed annual living allowance of
$2,215 for minimum-time service.
Education Award
a. Upon successful completion of service, service members are also eligible for an education award, bringing
total compensation for the position to 3,427.44 for the summer. The education award is good for up to
seven years. If the member is 55+, the award may be transferred to a child, grandchild, or foster child. For
minimum-time service, the education award is $1,212.44. More information about the Education award
can be found at: (http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/segal-americorps-educationaward/amount-eligibility-and-limitations-education)
Loan Forbearance
a. Qualified student loans are eligible for forbearance during AmeriCorps terms and many members qualify
for income-based deferment of their student loans. (For more information on deferment/forbearance, visit
here: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/deferment-forbearance.)
Member Service Application (page 6)
Member Information (cont’d)
Responsibilities
Depending on program enrollment, AmeriCorps team members will be responsible for assisting with enrichment
activities for kids K-6th grade:
1.) Setting up, (co)leading, and managing small and large group literacy-based enrichment activities with kids;
2.) Providing one-on-one time helping youngsters improve reading skills;
3.) Facilitating single and group activities including a variety of literacy activities;
4.) Supervising children at lunch and recess;
5.) Supporting/assisting various educational instructors with enrichment programming.
6.) Conducting play activities with children, such as running, kneeling, squatting, sitting on the ground,
bending and jumping.
7.) Monitoring and ensuring the safety of program participants.
The complete job description is listed on page 6.
Reporting and Workspace
Service Members will report to both their Host Site Supervisor and the Grinnell College Program Manager.
Members will work closely with the AmeriCorps Summer Learning Coordinator to carry out assigned day-to-day
activities. All host sites are located in Grinnell, Iowa.
Training
All AmeriCorps team members will receive group training at the beginning of the service term. The 4-day training
will cover AmeriCorps specific requirements, as well as background preparation for summer responsibilities.
The Service Year: Attendance and Schedule
Successful completion of service requires a minimum of 300 hours served during the service period. Selected
AmeriCorps Summer Learning Corps Members will serve approximately 30 hours per week for 11 weeks (Tuesday,
May 31st through Tuesday, August 16th). The Service term will be broken into four distinct segments:
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
Training: Tuesday, May 31 through Friday, June 3
Summer School and Afternoon Enrichment Program: Monday, June 6 through Friday, June 24,
Community Based Literacy Activities: Monday, June 27 through Friday, July 22
Summer School and Afternoon Enrichment Program: Monday, July 25 through Tuesday, August 16
Service Members will be assigned to shifts based on availability, experience, and interest. Training session #1 is
tentatively scheduled 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Schedule options for sessions #2 & #4 (see above) are 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or
11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For session #3, all Summer AmeriCorps Members will be required to
serve 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Member Service Application (page 7)
III.
Member Position Description
Summer Learning Corps Members will support and assist the Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership with the
goal of providing 100 percent of the district’s K-third grade students with new summer learning
opportunities.
Depending on program enrollment, responsibilities may include assisting with enrichment activities for
kids K -6th grade:
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Setting up, (co)leading, and managing small and large group literacy-based enrichment activities;
Providing one-on-one time helping youngsters improve reading skills;
Facilitating single and group activities including a variety of literacy activities;
Supervising children at lunch and recess;
Supporting/assisting various educational instructors with enrichment programming.
Conducting play activities with children, such as running, kneeling, squatting, sitting on the
ground, bending and jumping.
Member Service Application (page 8)
IV.
1.
Member Service Application
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name
E-Mail Address
Phone Number
Address
2.
BASIC ELIGIBILITY
To comply with AmeriCorps guidelines and partnership goals, all applicants must meet the following basic eligibility
requirements. By checking the boxes below, please certify that you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
3.
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Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service
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Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (or be in the process of obtaining one). College coursework,
college degree, or equivalent work experience preferred.

Be a U.S. Citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States

Successful completion and clearance of required background checks (including: 1) a nationwide National Sex
Offender check; 2) a Statewide Criminal History check; and 3) a fingerprint-based FBI check)
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Ability to serve approximately 30 hours per week for 11 weeks (Tuesday, May 31 st through Tuesday, August
16)
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Ability to start on Tuesday, May 31st to participate in mandatory trainings
SHIFT PREFERENCE
For sessions #2&#4 (June 6-24 and July 25-August 16), please indicate your shift preference below. If you don’t have a
preference, please select both options. Shifts will be assigned based on experience, interest and availability.
□ 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
□ 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
**Please note: Training session #1 is tentatively scheduled 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all Summer Learning Corps Members. For
sessions #3 (Monday, June 27 through July 22), All Summer AmeriCorps Members will be required to serve 9 a.m. to 3:30
p.m.
Member Service Application (page 9)
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Please answer each of the questions in the space below. You do not need to answer these questions on this form, but if
submitting your answers separately, please type your responses and do not exceed 100 words for each question.
4.
INTEREST AND EXPERIENCE
A. GENERAL INTEREST. Please explain why you want to serve as an AmeriCorps Service Member with the Grinnell
AmeriCorps Partnership.
B.
EXPERIENCE. What evidence is there in your background that indicates that you have the experience to perform the
service requirements outlined? Make sure to consider your paid and non-paid experience when describing your
relevant background.
C.
EDUCATIONAL ISSUES. This service opportunity is focused on summer learning with kids in grade K-6. Please describe
any particular interest or experience in working with youth and/or leading youth-based activities, if any.
Member Service Application (page 10)
Member Service Application (page 11)
D. COMMITMENT. What evidence is there in your background that indicates your ability to fulfill the required service
term 300 hour minimum commitment (approximately 30 hours per week, up to 11 weeks) in this capacity?
E.
COLLABORATION. Describe one example of a time you have successfully collaborated with others to complete a
project.
Member Service Application (page 12)
5.
RESUME AND REFERENCES.
A. RESUME. Please include a current resume with your application (not to exceed one page).
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B.
Resume Attached
REFERENCES. Please list 2-3 references (non-family members) that we may contact who can attest to your work ethic
and performance.
Name
Company/Organization
Relationship to You
Phone
E-Mail
Member Service Application (page 13)
6.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please share anything else you’d like the program manager to know, explaining why you should be selected for the specific
service opportunity for which you are applying.
Applicant’s Signature
Date
With my signature, I certify that I meet the basic eligibility requirements and that the facts put forth in this application are true
to the best of my knowledge. I also acknowledge my understanding that federal and state background checks are required for
participating AmeriCorps members.
APPLICATION CHECK LIST. Please ensure you have included the following elements in your application:
 Completed Application Form (pages 7-11)
 One-Page Resume