Students at Yoncalla Elementary Middle School will get a new kind of education in the next school year – mentorship. Two classes from the school are going to be “adopted” by a college access coach from Oregon State University.

The year will begin with these students meeting their adopted college student. Thereafter, every two weeks, this coach will have Skype sessions where he or she will go over topics such as comparing college to elementary school and how to financially plan for college.

This program is a partnership between the OSU Precollege Program, the Oregon State University GEAR UP program and the Oregon and Washington Campus Compact program the College Access Corps,. The College Access Corps is funded by a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The Adopt-A-Classroom/Adopt-A-College Student program was piloted in 2012 and 2013 academic years with Alder Elementary and Hauton B. Lee Middle School. Two OSU college mentors reached 250 students over the course of these years.

Kyle Cole, Precollege Programs Director, said the program did well but is limited by funding.

“The program was very successful but we do not have the funds to scale the program up,” Cole said.

With the introduction of the College Access Corps, the Adopt-A-Classroom program can expand its reach. The College Access Corps provides a full-time AmeriCorps member to coordinate and train 11 college students to be college access coaches.

Each of these 11 coaches will adopt two classrooms and will engage and mentor at least 50 students. This will allow the Precollege program expand its reach to Ford Family Foundation GEAR UP schools, according to Cole.

“The CAC Coordinator will enable us to increase the capacity of the program and offer it to the Ford Family Foundation GEAR UP Schools,” Cole said. “The partnership will allow us to connect at least 550 new GEAR UP students with a college student mentor.”

This is good news for Yoncalla Elementary Middle School, a K-8th grade school with 209 students. It is a small school serving a small town of about 1000 people. 87 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch according to the Oregon Department of Education income eligibility guidelines.

Yoncalla Elementary Middle School will join ten other schools such as Joseph Lane Middle School in Roseburg, North Douglas Elementary Middle School in Drain, and the Reedsport Community Charter School.  All Ford Foundation GEAR UP schools chosen as host sites have at least a 50 percent or higher student population eligible for free or reduced priced lunch.

At the end of the school year, the students meet with their coach a second time at Oregon State, according to Cole.

“Many of the GEAR UP students will visit OSU through our Campus Field Trip program where they can meet their college student mentors in their natural habitat,” Cole said.

No one knew what to expect the first time the college mentor visited his adopted students. Cole wondered if the students would even recognize him or connect with him.  Thankfully, those fears were misplaced.

“They didn't know he was coming for a visit and when they recognized him in the hall, they mobbed him,” Cole said. “He was a rock star to them.”

We at ORCC wish Arashi Young well as she moves on to new ventures.  We asked her to reflect on her time at ORCC and what life lessons she took home from her experiences.

Before I worked at ORCC, my only exposure to AmeriCorps was a close friend who served two years at Trout Lake in Washington. I remember visiting and feeling in awe at the camaraderie they had with each other.

Working at ORCC brought me close to that same feeling of service and teamwork. Now, I am in awe of the people I have met through this experience. They are some of the most determined and unflappable folks I have ever met. They get amazing work done and yet still manage to be thoughtful, caring, silly, and sweet.

I have worked in small businesses and large corporations, I have worked in governments, public radio and I have freelanced by myself. Oregon Campus Compact is the first non-profit that I have ever worked for. I had this idea that non-profits were the scrappy second cousin of businesses or governments. ORCC has opened my eyes to the world of local and regional non-profits and the network of support in the Portland area. 

I feel lucky that I got a first-hand look at all the good work being done to change the world: mentorship programs, service-learning, food drives, neighborhood cleanups, college access programing, equity and social justice reforms... the list goes on. It is uplifting to know that there are so many people are constantly fighting to do this good work.

I am grateful for this experience and the wonderful people I have met here. I wish ORCC the best as they continue to push for equitable college access.

Position responsibilities:

College Access Corps Program Coordination (50%)

• Lead, coach, and provide technical assistance to a team of 13 AmeriCorps members across the State of Oregon to achieve service performance and develop as leaders.
  
• Maintain rigorous oversight for all AmeriCorps compliance requirements related to our national service program, including background check processes, enrollment, exit timekeeping practices, quality assurance and careful monitoring against CNCS Prohibited Activities;
  
• Conduct site visits to campuses & community partners throughout the year;
  
• Support campuses & community partners throughout the member recruitment and placement process;
  
• Provide technical assistance to campus supervisors, including training and support in the management of AmeriCorps members.
  
• Assist in developing training plan to enhance AmeriCorps member service and increase professional development and leadership skills;
  
• Act as liaison with Washington Campus Compact, the grant holder for College Access Corps and has lead responsibility for all grant reports and documentation

Connect2Complete K12 AmeriCorps Program (25%)

• Support a team of 12 minimum time AmeriCorps members serving to improve attendance for K12 students.
  
• Manage recruitment, selection and onboarding of AmeriCorps members;
  

• Support candidates throughout the member recruitment and placement process;
  
• Train and orient AmeriCorps Members;
  
• Provide on-going technical assistance and project support to team, in coordination with the Connect2Complete Community College Program Manager.
  
  

Communications and Development (25%)

• Develop content and design for the ORCC Enews and AmeriCorps Corps Report newsletters;
  
• Lead staff on updating and developing agency website (self publishing weebly platform);
  
• Coordinate and promote ORCC mission and activity on social media;
  
• Grant writing, event planning, and other development work as assigned.
  
  

Desired knowledge/skills

• Ability to support and train members across racial, cultural, class, and gender differences;
  
• Experience with AmeriCorps or national service programs is desired;
  
• Knowledge and/or experience with service-learning, higher education/community partnerships;
  
• Program coordination and management;
  
• Event planning, training/adult education, media/public relations;
  
• Excellent organizational and communication skills;
  
• Fundraising and grant writing experience preferred;
  
• Valid Driver’s License required.
  
  

Education Requirements: Associates Degree or higher required with 1-3 years of project management experience.

Parameters

The starting annual salary rate for this position will be between $36,000-$44,000, dependant upon qualifications and experience with a competitive benefits package including health, dental, mental health, alternative care, retirement, short-term and long-term disability, and vacation package.

This position requires travel out of state, as well as in state. Valid driver’s license required. Out of state applicants, if chosen must obtain an Oregon’s driver’s license within 3 months.

Relationship With Others

Employees have regular contact with the public, in person, via email, and by telephone, to promote awareness of and interest in AmeriCorps and to persuade the public to take an active part as AmeriCorps Members or as participating sites. Employee will have occasional contact in person, via email, and by telephone with members of the media or legislature to promote awareness of a program, project, or event.

Supervision Received

Employees receive general supervision from the Executive Director who reviews the work through daily informal personal contact and/or weekly or monthly meetings and conferences. Work is reviewed to assess progress and conformance to program goals and objectives. Work is also reviewed through written narrative reports and observation of written program documents to determine effectiveness and conformance to agency/program procedures. Employees use agency policies and procedures, State and Federal rules and regulations, and program procedural manuals as guidelines in providing program services and dealing with the public.

To apply

Please send cover letter, resume, responses to supplemental questions, and 3 references to collegeaccesscorps@oregoncampuscompact.org with College Access & Communications Program Manager in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.


Supplemental Questions:

1) Both the College Access Corps and Connect2Complete K12 are new programs starting up this year. How would you ensure ORCC develops strong, reciprocal partnerships in the communities our AmeriCorps members will serve? Describe other times you have had to develop, maintain, and manage collaborative relationships.

2) Explain your experience managing other national service programs. If you have not managed a national service program, share an experience or the skills you possess that would allow you to effectively manage a complex, multi-site program, spread across a broad geographic area with attention to detail and interpersonal relationships.

3) Describe your skills and experiences developing and conducting training. If possible, specifically discuss your experience leading conversations and learning on race, power, privilege, and educational and/or economic disparities.

4) Share your experiences and knowledge that would make you an effective communications coordinator for ORCC. Include any experience you have writing official publications, managing social media, web development, and/or grant writing or fundraising work where you had to effectively communicate the mission of an organization.

The host sites for the 2014-2015 College Access Corps have been chosen. These sites will host an AmeriCorps member who will develop, implement or expand college access programs. The AmeriCorps member will also recruit college students who will be trained as college access coaches.

The 2014-2015 College Access Corps host sites:

• Friends of the Children
• Roosevelt College Mentor Program
• Native American Youth & Family Center
• Chemeketa Woodburn Campus
• Portland Public Schools- Gear Up
• Oregon State University- Gear Up
• Elevate Oregon
• Down Syndrome Association of Southern Oregon
• I Have A Dream
• Boys & Girls Club of Marion County
• Roosevelt High School Writing Center
• Benson High School

These sites have been reviewed by ORCC staff and community partners. Host sites were chosen based on numerous factors, the most important being the ability for their program to improve college access rates for their K-12 student populations.

Oregon Campus Compact in partnership with Washington Campus Compact announce the College Access Corps, a new program focused on increasing high school graduation rates and expanding access to higher education.

The program is funded through a grant with the Corporation for National and Community Service, which will place 55 AmeriCorps members in Washington and Oregon.  12 members in Oregon will help participating partners develop, implement, and expand K -12 college access programs.

The AmeriCorps members will train and recruit college students to become college access coaches to economically disadvantaged youth in schools, or to student groups that have a student population that is at least 50% eligible for the federally-funded free/reduced lunch program.

The goal is to have 500 students trained as college access coaches who will provide at least 15 hours of college access intervention to 4,500 K-12 youth. These coaches will address academic engagement, academic preparedness, and knowledge regarding applying and paying for college education.

ORCC’s Executive Director, Josh Todd said, "Oregon Campus Compact is excited to launch the College Access Corps because it aligns so closely with our strategic direction to use service as a critical tool on college campuses and in the community to improve Oregon's educational outcomes!"

For more information on College Access Corps contact Josh Todd at josh@oregoncampuscompact.org or 503-406-3575.

Pdf of this press release.

Oregon Campus Compact has partnered with CollegeServe to offer our member campuses access to the CollegeServe management software.  

ORCC members will receive the set-up and the first years' membership fees for free.  This set up fee is normally $2500 and the first years' fees are $5000, that's a $7500 benefit for being a Campus Compact member.

Because we believe in the power of college students to create a better world and the value of service on educational outcomes even non-members can benefit; by mentioning ORCC they can have their set up fees waived.

If any non member campus has been thinking about becoming an Oregon Campus Compact member, now is the time.  Joining ORCC will waive these first year fees and any campus under 7000 FTE will experience significant and continuing savings in the years after.

CollegeServe is an award-winning volunteer management tool that will organize volunteers and raise the profile of service on college campuses.  For more information, contact Josh Todd at 503.406.3575.

Become a Summer AmeriCorps VISTA Member and spend your summer continuing to serve while receiving some help paying for college and gaining experience in the education and nonprofit sectors!
 
What is the Summer AmeriCorps*VISTA Program and what do members do? 
AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Summer VISTA Members will serve with community organizations or school districts in the Portland-area for 8 weeks. They'll prepare rising 9th graders for a successful transition to high school through tutoring, volunteer management, and program coordination.

When does the program take place?
VISTAs will serve with their site from Wed., June 18 - Fri., Aug 11th. They'll also attend a two-day orientation on June 16th and 17th. Hours vary by site. 

What are the benefits? Do I get paid? 
This is a great program that gives you the opportunity to spend your summer in service while gaining experience in the education and nonprofit sectors. VISTAs also receive a $450 living stipend every two weeks during service and a $1,174 education award that can help pay for school or your qualified education loans!

I want to apply or learn more! 
We are having two recruitment fairs and they are THE BEST way to get connected. Attending one of the two fairs will give you a chance to meet the sites, ask questions, and complete a first interview with Oregon Campus Compact. Fairs are held on Monday, April 14th at Concordia University from 5-6:30pm and Wednesday, April 16th at Warner Pacific College from 5-6:30pm. Click here to learn more and sign up! 

Oregon Campus Compact, in partnership with Washington Campus Compact is pleased to announce our newest grant proposal, the College Access Corps.

The College Access Corp is being submitted to the Corporation for National and Community Service and is pending CNCS approval.  This new program will focus on developing, implementing or expanding K-12 college access programs. 

12 Americorps members in Oregon will train and recruit college students from partner schools to act as college access coaches to economically disadvantaged (ED) youth.  ED youth is defined as youth who qualify for the free/reduced lunch program. 


Program goals include:

• To recruit and train 500 college students to act as college access coaches that provide at least 15 hours of college access intervention to 4,500 ED K-12 youth.
  
  
• To have at least 70% of participating ED K-12 youth report, through a pre- and post- survey, improvement in academic engagement, academic preparedness for post-secondary education, and knowledge about how to apply to and pay for post-secondary education.
  
  
• To recruit 1,080 volunteers for National Days of Service and other community service events.
  
  

All programs interested in doing college access programming are encouraged to submit a letter of intent to Josh Todd by Friday, May 02, 2014.

Member campuses, non-member campuses, nonprofits, and K-12 schools or districts can submit a LOI as long as they have an identified higher education partner

Campus Marketing Specialists have chosen to sponsor A Night in Serve-Landia, Oregon Campus Compact's annual fundraiser.

In addition to sponsoring A Night in Serve-Landia, Campus Marketing Specialists are offering a discount to ORCC's member campuses.  Our member campuses will get $50 off their orders of $400 or more.

To take advantage of this discount, send your orders through Jeff Czech, ORCC's Campus Marketing Specialist contact.  He can be reached at (312) 351-3722 or at jeff@campusmarketing.com.

We are excited for this new partnership with CMS. We believe that this partnership will deepen over time.  The more our members support CMS the more they will be able to support ORCC.

CMS is a local, Oregon based, company committed to sustainability and community service.  They have a wide variety of promotional materials, from bags and totes, to apparel, to pens, pencils and buttons, to games and puzzles.  They even have a full line of eco-friendly products.

We are happy to call Campus Marketing Specialists partners and we thank them for their sponsorship of A Night in Serve-Landia!

Oregon Campus Compact has partnered with Stylus Publishing to offer a discount that will benefit both ORCC campus members as well as ORCC itself.

Stylus has offered a discount of 20% on selected academic titles for Oregon Campus Compact members.  Additionally, Stylus will donate 20% of the price of the book to ORCC.  To get this discount, member campuses need to purchase their publications through the ORCC bookstore.

Stylus offers discounted titles on number of topics, such as:

• Teaching & Learning
• Assessment & Accreditation
• Service Learning
• Studying Abroad
• Online & Distance Learning
• Service Learning in the Disciplines
• Service Learning for Civic Engagement

Stylus Publishing is an independent publisher and distributor for other independent publishers and NGO's. Stylus' mission is to publish books for teachers, administrators and policy makers in higher education, to promote effective practice through access to research.