The Austin Community Learning Center is excited to announce two opportunities for employment through AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America).  AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.

AmeriCorps VISTA members commit to serve full-time at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups and much more.  The Austin focus is on literacy and building community.

Summer Reads — This program will employ two to four individuals ful- time for eight weeks this summer to assist with literacy projects targeting students kindergarten through third grade.  These projects will be administered at a variety of locations and partners including Austin Public Schools’ summer school, summer lunch, Austin Public Library, YMCA and some child care sites.  This is the perfect summer job for teachers or college students studying education.

Adult Learning Literacy Coordinator — this program will employ one individual full-time for one year beginning in August of 2009 to work with adults and children of varied ethnic backgrounds in the Family Literacy, ELL and GED programs.  They will design curriculum for school age children of adult ELL students and develop/expand the community volunteer tutor program.

AmeriCorps VISTA provides ongoing training, health care, monthly salary and choice of an education award or end of service stipend. Applications are being accepted online now.

For more information on these positions contact Amy Baskin abaskin@austin.k12.mn.us or Janice Mino jmino@austin.k12.mn.us.

For more information on AmeriCorps VISTA or to apply for either of these positions visit the AmeriCorps Web site at www.americorps.gov/vista search for positions in Minnesota on the right side of the Web page and go to page 2.