Portland Public Schools AmeriCorps Member

Portland Public Schools – Make It Happen AmeriCorps Member

Start Date: 09/06/2024

End Date: 06/12/2025

Term Date: 09/06/2024 - 06/12/2025 - Note: start dates flexible. Full and part time opportunities may be available.

Location: Portland , ME

Focus Area: Public Health, Youth

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences? Goodwill’s Public Health AmeriCorps program is placing 20 dedicated members in schools and nonprofits to support this crucial CDC-identified public health need. Portland Public Schools (PPS) is Maine’s largest and most diverse school district. Our vision is to ensure that every learner is fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world. Our mission is to provide a challenging, relevant, and joyful education that empowers every student to make a difference in the world. We foster strong relationships among families, educators, and the community to promote the healthy development and academic success of each learner. We believe that by intentionally engaging our community and attracting, supporting, and retaining a strong and diverse team, we can hold all students to high expectations in academics, equity, and social/emotional learning. This holistic approach ensures that every student graduates prepared and empowered to achieve their personal goals. Located in Portland’s high schools, the Make It Happen! Program is designed to guide multilingual students toward academic success and college readiness. This program offers resources and programming that build confidence and leadership skills while providing vital academic support to overcome institutional barriers. Many participants are the first in their families to attend higher education. In 2021, Make It Happen! received the Grand Prize in the National School Board Association’s Magna Awards, recognizing programs that advance equity and break down barriers for underserved students. Learn more about the Make It Happen! Program and our initiatives at Portland Public Schools Make It Happen!. Ready to make a difference? Apply now and help us create a brighter future for every student!

The 1200-hour member will help oversee the MIH Center in one of Portland Public Schools’ high schools, focusing on academic support and social-emotional learning. Collaborate with guidance counselors, teachers, and administrators to design student-centered approaches. Engage youth in building strong academic, civic, professional, and personal profiles. Provide individualized support to seniors for college and financial aid applications. Conduct academic coaching. Promote enrollment in Honors and AP courses. Encourage participation in MIH events and test prep with community partners. Foster civic engagement through leadership, community service, and professional development opportunities. Ideal candidates are motivated, skilled in developing student academic profiles, possess superb interpersonal and organizational skills, and can engage and motivate students while setting high academic standards. A comprehensive understanding of the college application process is also desired.