Student Engagement Specialist- AmeriCorps Member

Start Date: August 25th, 2025 

End Date: July 11th, 2026 

Position Type: Full-time, AmeirCorps Service Position 

Average hours per week: 40 hours 

Total expected hours: 1700 hours of service 

Pay rate: Rates for the 2025-2026 term are not yet set; the 2024-2025 term rate was $875 paid bi-weekly, before taxes and rent 

To apply: complete an application here 

Contact: recruiting@alpineachievers.org  

Benefits and qualifications: see details below 

Alpine Achievers Initiative (AAI) inspires, connects, and nurtures youth, families, and communities in south-central Colorado. AmeriCorps members support local youth, from pre-k to high school, through academic interventions and extracurricular programming as Student Engagement Specialists with AAI. During the 24/25 service term, members will be placed with host sites across seven counties throughout the San Luis and Arkansas River Valleys. To learn more about AAI’s programming, visit www.alpineachievers.org. 

SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES IN PRIMARY PROGRAMS: 
AmeriCorps members will provide direct support to students, addressing both academic and social-emotional needs. Responsibilities vary by site and may include one-on-one tutoring, small group academic assistance, and facilitating extracurricular activities. 

Each position is tailored to the specific needs of the site. Some roles focus primarily on academic interventions, while others emphasize extracurricular programming. Most positions involve a combination of in-school and out-of-school activities, all of which require direct service with youth. Members are encouraged to build strong connections with students, offering both academic and social-emotional support, with guidance from their program manager and site supervisor. 

To ensure success, members are required to meet with their program manager at least once a month and their site supervisor at least once a week. In addition, members must participate in the following: 

A week-long orientation, including overnight stays in shared accommodations. 

Monthly professional development sessions. 

A winter retreat, which includes overnight stays. 

These experiences are designed to enhance the AmeriCorps member journey, promoting personal and professional growth, reflection, and community building. 

Academic Interventions: 
AmeriCorps members will provide targeted support to students needing extra help outside of regular class time, focusing on one-on-one or small group tutoring, particularly in subjects like math and reading. Members will also work to build students' confidence and foster meaningful relationships. 

Academic interventions are designed to support students who are struggling to meet proficiency in specific subjects. Members will develop behavioral management skills with the goal of building authentic relationships and boosting confidence in students who are behind academically. In addition to their academic support, members will have daily interactions with both students and staff in various professional settings and are encouraged to engage with students in extracurricular activities as well. 

Out-of-School Programming: 
AmeriCorps members will lead structured out-of-school activities that provide both academic assistance and opportunities for personal development. They will focus on fostering social and personal growth among youth. 

Out-of-school time (OST) programs, such as after-school programs, camps during school breaks, and AAI’s Home School Program, offer supervised activities when school is not in session. Members' primary responsibilities include facilitating a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, providing light academic support, and helping with homework as directed by the site supervisor. Members will also develop skills in behavioral management and group facilitation, working with students from elementary through high school. The overarching goal is to build relationships, enhance confidence, and improve personal and social skills in the youth they serve. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: 

Minimum Age: Must be 20 years old by August 25, 2025 (applicants under 20 may apply with an age waiver). 

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. 

Background Check: Ability to pass federal, state, and National Sex Offender Public Registry background checks. 

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or legal permanent resident. 

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. 

Transportation: A reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and car insurance are strongly recommended. 

Housing: Members are required to live in AAI-provided housing; no family members, friends, or pets are permitted. 

BENEFITS: 

Bi-weekly Pay: Rates for the 2025-2026 term are not yet set; the 2024-2025 term pay rate was $875 gross. 

Segal Education Award: $7,395 awarded upon successful completion of the service term. 

Professional Development: Opportunities in areas such as academic interventions, youth development, and classroom management. 

Outdoor Recreation: Access to AAI's outdoor gear library and facilitated outdoor activities. 

Subsidized Housing: Bi-weekly rent deduction from the stipend, estimated at $350 (exact amount TBD). 

Student Loan Benefits: Interest deferment and loan forbearance available for qualified student loans. 

Health Insurance: Coverage provided during the service term. 

Federal Nutrition Assistance: Access to the Federal Nutrition Assistance Program (for those who qualify). 

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Serve as a positive representative of AmeriCorps and Alpine Achievers Initiative (AAI) when engaging with students, community members, and partners, acting as a role model both inside and outside of the service site. 

Uphold a strong commitment to the ethics of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all interactions. 

Maintain a positive and professional leadership role when supporting youth in structured interventions and programs. 

Foster safe, inclusive environments for youth and implement structured interventions where necessary. 

Apply positive youth development principles to daily service activities, including lesson planning, behavior management, curriculum development, and risk management. 

Demonstrate a willingness to learn, adapt, and accept constructive feedback from both staff and peers. 

Collaborate effectively within a team setting to achieve common goals. 

Reflect AAI’s values and culture by treating peers with respect, both in and out of the service space. 

Participate in all required professional development sessions and AAI training. 

In some positions, duties may include transporting youth. 

HOST-SITE PLACEMENT:  

Host site placements are determined by AAI’s assessment of program/site needs in conjunction with member preferences.