PHENND Fellows-Community Outreach Program Coordinator

Founded in 2001, SquashSmarts is a free intensive out-of-school time program changing the lives of Philadelphia's public school students. SquashSmarts is a 501c3 non-profit academic and athletic mentoring program with a proven track record of keeping kids in school, in shape, and on track for graduation. Mission: SquashSmarts is dedicated to improving the lives of underserved youth from Philadelphia public schools by providing intensive, long-term academic tutoring and squash instruction, while imparting high standards of personal integrity, health and fitness, and service to the community. SquashSmarts students are selected in 5th-8th grades based on commitment, effort and attitude, not athletic or academic ability. Students are recruited from five partner middle schools: Esperanza Academy Charter, J.W. Rhodes, Morton McMichael Elementary, Carver Engineering & Science, and Overbrook Educational Center. Operating out of two facilities, the Lenfest Center (North Philadelphia) and the Arlen Specter US Squash Center (West Philadelphia), students attend practices three days each week focusing on our Four Pillars and Seven Skills. An eight-year commitment to each child ensures long-term success by providing a team, a family, a safety net and a sense of belonging. Strong one-on-one relationships with staff and volunteers are the key to fostering every child's success and breaking the cycle of Philadelphia's public school drop-out rate. Put simply, SquashSmarts is giving kids their best shot!

Member Duties : The VISTA three-year project will establish a recurring, sustainable, intentional set of community options to support Mantua Promise and Hunting Park neighborhoods for youth and adult sports, education, and social services navigation. For 2024-2025, the PHENND Fellow VISTA will 1) develop a landscape analysis using listening sessions with parents, schools, and neighborhood leaders, 2) cultivate partnerships in conjunction with the community team, 3) develop pilot programming supporting the athletic and educational needs of students and adults in accordance with the learnings from the landscape analysis of the community. All of these programs will be provided free, increasing access to organized sports programming and educational support, regardless of income level. The VISTA Fellow will utilize existing relationships and expand SquashSmarts' community outreach to support and sustain the delivery of the programs.

Program Benefits : Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , SEPTA Monthly Transportation Pass , Relocation Allowance , Living Allowance , Training , Education award upon successful completion of service , Stipend , Childcare assistance if eligible , Health Coverage* .

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/vista/benefits .

Terms :
Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours .

Service Areas :
Neighborhood Revitalization , Community Outreach , Children/Youth , Education , Special Initiative: Promise Zones .

Skills :
Writing/Editing , Recruitment , Public Speaking , Community Organization , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Social Services , Non-Profit Management , Communications , Education , Team Work , General Skills .