Seattle Education Access (SEA) is dedicated to providing opportunity to young people struggling to overcome poverty and adversity in King County through access to higher education. Founded in 2002, SEA provides young people with navigation into and through the world of higher education to put them on a path to long-term financial stability. SEA places particular emphasis on serving high-need young people, those with ambition but with profound financial and systemic barriers to completing their college studies.
Of the 1,000+ low-income students we have served since 2011, 84% have either graduated or persist in good academic standing in their program of study. By comparison, the national average for all students in community college is 58%, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Responsibilities
This VISTA position will seek to provide mentors, tutors, and funding to young people who are struggling to overcome poverty through the pursuit of higher education. Throughout the year of service, the VISTA will recruit, train, and place volunteer tutors and mentors with SEA students; organize volunteer appreciation events; solicit donations to support student needs; and will work with the Development Director to secure funding for the position to become a full-time staff position once the VISTA program is complete.
Develop a volunteer training manual & protocols
Recruit volunteer tutors and mentors
Match volunteer tutors and mentors with active students
Procure community contributions to support student needs
Hours Needed
The VISTA Member is expected to serve a flexible 40 hour week. Hours will typically be Monday – Friday 9am-5pm. Sound Youth VISTA Team meetings and trainings are held twice a month, usually on Fridays.
Qualifications
Commitment to social justice and working to undo all forms of oppression
Dedication and commitment to 12 months of service
Ability to take initiative, with a willingness to be flexible and do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Strong work ethic and positive attitude
Strong writing, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to skillfully manage others
Holds a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
Experience with volunteer or personnel management, fundraising, and event planning desired
Proficiency with word processing and database management
Driver’s license and daily access to a vehicle required
About Sound Youth VISTA
AmeriCorps*VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. AmeriCorps*VISTA members are stipend volunteers that serve for one year, full time at nonprofit or governmental organizations building capacity. Sound Youth VISTA recruits and places VISTA members in nonprofit organizations that work with underserved youth in the Seattle area. During their service, Sound Youth trains members in social justice issues relevant to their work and personal development, and offers the support of a team of VISTAs. Sound Youth sites offer the professional development support necessary for successful completion of VISTA projects. Upon successful completion of one year of service, volunteers are eligible to renew their commitment for another year.
About VISTA
AmeriCorps*VISTA Benefits
A living stipend of $12,828/year (pre-tax)
A three day Pre-Service Orientation (PSO)
Loan forbearance or deferment for qualified student loans.
An education award of $5,730 or end-of-year cash stipend of $1,500 (pre-tax)
Health coverage
A child care subsidy
10 personal days and 10 sick days
Some subsidized transportation for service-related travel
A relocation allowance for people moving >50 miles
1 year of non-competitive eligibility for Federal jobs
Note: VISTA members ARE ALLOWED to hold secondary jobs or make additional income during a VISTA service term.
Qualifications
Must be at least 18 years old
Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred, however some college combined with work experience may substitute for a degree
Significant experience with community service and/or non-profit organization work
Must be available to serve full-time for one year
How to Apply
Before applying, please read additional information about serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member.
Submit an AmeriCorps application online no later than Tuesday, June 30th. The AmeriCorps application includes an online form to be filled out by 2 references, and two short essay questions. It can be accessed online at the national “My AmeriCorps” site. You can find our listing by searching for “Sound Youth” here.
If you have any questions, please contact the Sound Youth Director Eden Lord by email at elord@ywcaworks.org.
Sound Youth has a commitment to diversity and inclusion. People of color, people with disabilities, LGBTIQ people, and people whose experiences and identities reflect those of the communities served are strongly encouraged to apply.