The mission of the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) is to welcome community and Notre Dame partners that strengthen the Northeast Neighborhood of South Bend through relationship building and educational opportunities. By promoting innovation and excellence, the Center builds individual capacity and enhances existing systems throughout South Bend. The work of the RCLC addresses five goals to accomplish this mission: Hospitality, Education, Partnership, Civic Engagement, and Sustainability.

The RCLC Youth Development Program aims to improve educational outcomes for low-income, minority youth through the provision of comprehensive programming which includes afterschool tutoring, enrichment activities, and youth leadership training. The RCLC facility is equipped with a makerspace, and is in the process of incorporating makerspace curriculum and Design Thinking activities into its youth programs.

Service Position Summary: The AmeriCorps member will be responsible for developing and implementing makerspace curriculum, creating lesson plans for grades 1-12, making recommendation for purchasing equipment and materials for the RCLC makerspace, organizing and maintaining upkeep of the makerspace, and implementing makerspace activities with youth.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Research makerspace curriculum, assist with curriculum planning for makerspace activities, and implement activities with youth participants.
• Develop lesson plans for makerspace activities, grades 1-12
• Assist with equipping RCLC makerspace, by researching and recommending purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Maintain the physical makerspace environment at the RCLC,
• Assist in implementation of youth development afterschool enrichment activities. This may include: leading activities, gathering supplies and resources, communicating with parents, and working with children individually as well as in groups.
• Work with Youth Development Director to explore opportunities to expand existing youth programming, which may include developing and teaching enrichment classes in the makerspace.
• Document RCLC Youth Program activities through photographs and text, and submit information regularly to the RCLC web site and Facebook page.
• Oversee special projects as requested, and work with RCLC program staff to coordinate Youth Program special events.
• Attend weekly RCLC staff meetings.
• Attend weekly AmeriCorps meetings at the RCLC.
Attend two-day AmeriCorps/ServeIndiana Conference in Indianapolis, Nov. 15-16, 2023.

AmeriCorps is a national service organization aimed at helping communities meet needs in areas, including education, by building capacity of community organizations. AmeriCorps is providing funding for the RCLC to have 12 full-time members during 2023-2024. These are service positions, rather than traditional “jobs.” Full-time AmeriCorps members are expected to complete a full term of service (1700 hours). Members receive their Living Allowance in equal installments throughout their term of service. On completion of 1700 hours of service, the member will receive an Education Award which can be used for future education or student loans.

Full Time AmeriCorps members will be compensated as follows:

Monthly Living Allowance: $1,600 for 11 months
Education Award: $6895 (on completion of 1700 service hours)
Individual Health Insurance provided free of charge
Child Care Assistance (if eligible)

- High school diploma required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- US Citizen or lawful permanent resident alien.

Additional Qualifications include:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Interest in education, working with at-risk youth and community development.
- Public speaking and the ability to teach/train others.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
- Computer skills including Google Suite and social media.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility to work in a variety of settings.
- Sensitivity, compassion and listening skills required to work with a diverse audience including: RCLC staff, volunteers, fellow AmeriCorps members, Notre Dame and community partners, RCLC participants (ranging in age from early childhood through senior citizens), neighborhood residents and families of youth participants.

- Bachelor’s degree.
-Experience working with youth, ages 6-18
—Knowledge of Design Thinking a plus

Schedules will vary by day and may include some evenings, but will typically include 2-6pm, M-F.