Summer Program Associate - AmeriCorps VISTA

Center for Arts-Inspired Learning; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 9,723 - 11,646; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living allowance of $957.46 biweekly

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or cash stipend upon completion

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Cleveland, Ohio, is seeking a Summer Program Associate as part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program. The role involves supporting program coordination, alumni communication, and evaluation of youth programs aimed at educational equity. Candidates should have a passion for arts education and strong organizational and communication skills. This is a hybrid position with a living allowance provided during the 10 weeks of service, along with professional development opportunities. The application deadline is April 30, 2026.

Qualifications

• Passion for arts education and commitment to providing equitable access.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for outreach.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support program coordination and implementation of Summer ArtWorks.
• Assist with evaluation and data collection.
• Help manage alumni communications for mentorship.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

PLEASE NOTE: This position is part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Click here to learn more about AmeriCorps and how AmeriCorps VISTA service differs from a traditional full-time job.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Job Title: Summer Program Associate - AmeriCorps VISTA

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Department: Education

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (CAL) programs address the needs of youth in under-resourced Northeast Ohio communities, which often lack access to paid workforce development experiences that build transferable skills, mentorship connections, and college/career readiness. Employers report difficulty finding candidates with communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Without structured opportunities, youth face barriers to postsecondary access and long-term economic mobility. ArtWorks addresses this gap through paid arts-based apprenticeships that integrate workforce training and social‑emotional learning. This VISTA summer role will help CAL to sustain this program and continue to address this challenge for those we serve in Northeast Ohio. This summer marks the 20th Anniversary of ArtWorks, with expanded community programming and alumni engagement.

The Summer Program Associate will: Support program coordination and workshops, Assist with evaluation and data collection, Assist in Alumni communication and management, Help coordinate the enhanced 20th Anniversary ArtWorks Live! Celebration. We seek candidates committed to educational equity, workforce development, and youth leadership, with strong communication and organizational skills. The 20th Anniversary of ArtWorks provides a compelling opportunity to attract candidates motivated by impact and legacy.

Position Hours

• 40 hours per week for 10 weeks
• Occasional evening and weekend coverage may be required based on program needs
• Hybrid virtual and on-site work schedule

Key Benefits of the Summer Associate Program

• Compensation: A modest living allowance of $957.46 biweekly is provided throughout the 10 weeks of service to cover basic expenses.
• End-of-Service Award: Upon successful completion, members can choose between a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,194.71 to pay for college or student loans) or a cash stipend ($230.00).
• Professional Development: Participants gain valuable nonprofit experience, networking opportunities, and skills in capacity building and project management.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support coordination and implementation of the Summer ArtWorks session, including workshops, service-learning, and professional development activities for 50–80 youth.
• Assist with evaluation and data collection to track youth outcomes, alumni engagement, and program impact.
• Help manage alumni communications, reconnecting former apprentices as mentors, speakers, and success stories.
• Support planning and execution of the 20th Anniversary ArtWorks Live! Celebration, including youth showcases, alumni recognition, and community partner acknowledgments.
• Collaborate with teaching artists, program managers, and community partners to ensure smooth program delivery and meaningful youth experiences.
• Participate in training, supervision, and reflection opportunities to develop skills in youth engagement, workforce development, and nonprofit operations.

REQUIRED SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES & KNOWLEDGE

Commitment to Arts Education for Underserved Youth:

• A passion for arts education and a strong desire to provide equitable access to the arts for children in poverty
• Recognizing the arts as a powerful tool for breaking cycles of disadvantage and promoting academic success

Strong Communication Skills:

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for outreach and engagement with community partners

Organizational Skills:

• Detail‑oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Team‑Oriented & Flexible:

• Ability to collaborate with team members to expand CAL’s reach
• Proactively assist senior staff in advancing CAL’s poverty alleviation goals through community‑based arts programming

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must apply and be accepted through AmeriCorps VISTA
• Be 18 years or older (no upper age limit)
• Hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status), and persons legally residing within a state.
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Must have access to transportation
• Previous experience in community outreach, program coordination, or supporting children in poverty through educational initiatives is preferred

CAL is an equal opportunity employer.

The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning believes that one of its greatest strengths is the rich diversity of its staff. We provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, creed, gender and gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, including pregnancy and childbirth, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, political belief or activity, veteran or military discharge status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law and regulations under Title VII.

The policy applies to all employment practices, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, termination, layoff, compensation, benefits, social and recreational programs, and all other conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

All employees have the right to work in a workplace that is free of discrimination. Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination of any kind should contact their immediate supervisor. All complaints will be thoroughly investigated and any person violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. The law prohibits retaliation against any employee for reporting discrimination or perceived discrimination, or for participating in an investigation of incidents of discrimination or perceived discrimination.