Serve One Year in Stunning Sitka, Alaska
Gain hands-on experience in education, mental health, and community-based service while living and serving in a rural Alaskan community.
PROGRAM PURPOSE
The Sitka AmeriCorps Program works to mitigate the impacts of high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs) scores common in rural Alaskan communities. We do this by fostering developmental relationships that support youth and families through:
Enrichment activities
Academic support and tutoring
Mentoring
Mental health and life-skills support
Community capacity building
AmeriCorps members serve in direct service roles such as tutors, mentors, outreach workers, and community organizers, averaging 36–40 hours per week.
Members live in intentional community housing with fellow AmeriCorps members, sharing responsibilities related to cooking, cleaning, and finances.
Members are also encouraged to spend 10% of their service hours supporting service activities outside of their primary placement.
Through service, members often become active in local clubs, faith communities, support groups, and Sitka’s tribal community—learning firsthand about the joys and challenges of rural Alaskan life.
ABOUT Serve Alaska AND AmeriCorps
Serve Alaska promotes and supports volunteerism statewide and administers AmeriCorps programs throughout Alaska. Serve Alaska is overseen by a Governor-appointed Commission and operates under the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Community and Regional Affairs.
AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to address critical community challenges through national service. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors serve with organizations committed to strengthening communities nationwide. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
POSITION SUMMARY
Sitka AmeriCorps members serve across a variety of partner host sites, including:
Academic/SEL coaching and mentoring with the Sitka School District
Healthy futures and mental health support through local nonprofit organizations such as SEARHC, Youth Advocates of Sitka and Sitka Counseling
Service at Alaska Marine Safety Association
Service in recreation and academic/SEL support with Mt. Edgecumbe State Run Boarding High School.
Service in the Arts
Service at the University of Alaska Southeast.
And more!
POSITION SUPERVISION
Sarah Lawrie
Program Director, Sitka AmeriCorps Program
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree preferred (social services, education, or related field strongly encouraged)
Ability to follow oral and written instructions
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to meet schedules and deadlines
Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules and procedures
Ability to withstand inclement weather
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
At least 17 years of age at the start of service
High school diploma or equivalent
U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
Successful completion of a National Criminal History Check in accordance with 45 CFR §2522.202
TERM OF SERVICE
Full-time, 10-12-month commitment
1,700 and 1,200 terms
Service schedule averages 36–40 hours per week
Sufficient opportunity provided to complete hours, including holidays and approved time off
Members dedicate 5–10 hours to recruitment support for Sitka AmeriCorps
Opportunity to serve a second year, including a second Education Award
PROGRAM TIME REQUIREMENTS
Participation in three mandatory national days of service:
Monthly mandatory individual and group meetings
Attendance at an all-member meeting in hosted by Serve Alaska typically in March
Training hours comply with 45 CFR §2520.50
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
Program orientation upon arrival covering AmeriCorps, Sitka AmeriCorps, and life in Sitka
Monthly cohort-based team-building and training sessions
Monthly individual support meetings with Program Director
Weekly or regular mentoring meetings with host site supervisors
Site-specific training and professional development provided by host organizations
SKILLS YOU COULD GAIN
Classroom management
Behavior regulation strategies
Intervention techniques
Instructional planning
Organization and time management
Professional communication
Advocacy and youth development
BENEFITS
Members receive:
Monthly living allowance (~$1,800/month before tax)
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Student loan forbearance and interest accrual (if eligible)
Healthcare coverage option
Childcare assistance (if eligible)
Additional benefits include:
Professional development and networking opportunities
Strong cohort-based support model
Over one-third of members secure employment at their service site
Access to AmeriCorps Alumni benefits and employer partnerships
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
EVALUATION AND REPORTING
Formal performance evaluations twice annually-observations
Ongoing professional guidance from host site mentors and Program Director
Monthly qualitative and quantitative reports submitted to Program Director
Monthly timesheet submission required
SERVING CONDITIONS
Members must be able to:
Lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally
Travel daily in adverse weather conditions
Maintain appropriate service pace
Perform varied and sometimes complex tasks
Work effectively with youth and staff
Provide positive guidance and direction to youth
