AmeriCorps YOUth Serve Member (2026-2027)

Youth & Opportunity United; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 14,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bi-monthly living stipend

Professional development opportunities

Up to 10 days of vacation and sick leave

Uniform provided

Job summary

Youth & Opportunity United is seeking AmeriCorps Y.O.U.th Serve Members for the 2026-2027 program in Evanston, Illinois. Members will support youth through afterschool and summer programs, leading educational workshops and providing one-on-one tutoring.

The position requires a commitment of at least 30 hours per week for full-time roles and offers a variety of benefits including a living stipend, professional development, and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 17 years of age at the time of application.
• Able to pass a Federal and State background check.
• Must have a valid driver's license or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Assist youth with academic support and social skills development.
• Lead workshops on social and emotional enrichment.
• Coordinate family engagement events and field trips.

Skills

Strong interest and/or experience working with youth

Teamwork

Time Management

Problem‑Solving Ability

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

We are now accepting applications for the Y.O.U. AmeriCorps Y.O.U.th Serve 2026-2027 program. AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. Whether your service makes a community safer, gives a child a second chance, or helps protect the environment, you’ll be getting things done through AmeriCorps!

How to Apply [REQUIRED]

• Complete AmeriCorps Profile
• Complete the Y.O.U. online application through this portal, along with a cover letter, current resume, and the contact information for three references.

About Y.O.U’s AmeriCorps Y.O.U.th Serve

Y.O.U.’s AmeriCorps program is called Y.O.U.th Serve. Its goals are:

• To increase academic performance, social and emotional development, and gang resilience in youth.
• To increase levels of parental engagement in youths’ lives and Y.O.U. programming.
• To leverage volunteers as a result of our program.

What You’ll Do

Y.O.U.th Serve Members support youth by serving in Y.O.U.'s afterschool and summer programs. They will provide youth with crucial academic support; lead workshops on social and emotional enrichment and life skills; and assist the program in building relationships with families, community members, and school administration.

AmeriCorps Time Commitment (Academic Year)

• Full-Time members must work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Part-Time members will work between 5 and 29 hours per week.

AmeriCorps Time Commitment (Summer)

• All members work 40 hours per week.

Your Supervisors

All Y.O.U.th Serve Members will report to Y.O.U.’s AmeriCorps Manager and an After-School Program Site Manager.

Roles

• Activity Leader (2nd/3rd Year Term)
• Activity Assistant (first-year term with expectation to develop into an Activity Leader)

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with a variety of enrichment activities such as social justice, anti-racist, cultural, artistic, physical fitness, STEM, adolescent identity and self‑exploration, and other academic enrichment activities.
• Integrate and adapt educational best practices and curriculum during programs.
• Assist instructors and service providers with small group instruction and facilitate homework help, including one‑on‑one academic support.
• Provide individual and small group tutoring sessions in partner schools.
• Incorporate feedback from Y.O.U. out‑of‑school time leadership and school district administrators.
• Set classroom management expectations and agreements based on Y.O.U. guidelines and standards.
• Engage youth in meaningful service learning projects.
• Cultivate positive relationships with youth that support their success and well‑being.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and hosting periodic family nights.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and transporting youth on field trips.
• Coordinate and implement Y.O.U. summer learning camps.
• Participate in community and organizational events as volunteers, guided by the organization.

Administrative

• Facilitate youth surveys.
• Create monthly newsletters and calendars for program families.
• Attend weekly site‑based team meetings, bi‑weekly grade‑level team meetings, and monthly direct service team meetings.
• Complete assessments for OST data and evaluation efforts.
• Assist with daily snack prep.
• Inventory and supply shop for educational program supplies on an ongoing basis.
• Participate as volunteers or paid attendees at organizational fundraisers.

Training & Other

• Participate in, lead, and attend all required volunteer activities.
• Attend all AmeriCorps cohort meetings and training.
• Attend all in‑house OST department professional development training.
• Work with the After‑School Program Manager to align individual goals with OST department goals.
• Strategize and collaborate on external training opportunities.
• Implement knowledge and skills learned into the OST curriculum and program.

Y.O.U. AmeriCorps Y.O.U.th Serve Benefits

• Bi‑monthly Living Stipend
• Professional Development
• Up to 10 days of vacation and up to 10 days of sick leave for full‑time members (prorated for part‑time).
• Y.O.U./AmeriCorps Uniform

AmeriCorps And Other Federally Issued Benefits

• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award up to $7,395 (subject to change)
• Childcare Benefits paid by AmeriCorps
• Loan Forbearance and Interest Accrual Payments for Qualified Student Loans
• Time Accrual toward the U.S. Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Must complete the AmeriCorps application at www.americorps.gov/join
• Strong interest and/or experience working with youth ages 7 to 18 years old or 2nd through 12th grades
• At least 17 years of age at the time of application
• A high school student or graduate; or GED recipient
• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Valid driver's license or willingness to obtain one
• Able to pass a Federal and State background check, National Sex Offender check, and reference checks

Knowledge

• Knowledge of social and emotional learning with youth
• Knowledge of youth development

Preferred Skills

• Punctuality
• Flexible and Adaptable
• Attention to detail
• Time Management
• Problem‑Solving Ability
• Decision‑Making Skills