AmeriCorps Cityworks

Cityworks is a full-time AmeriCorps program comprised of 10 adults, age 17 and older, from the greater Worcester area and nationwide.  The mission of Cityworks is “to directly impact the effects of poverty on the Worcester community by improving the educational levels of at-risk children through tutoring, providing hands-on support to agencies that provide critical resources to families in need, and pursuing educational goals for Cityworks members.”   As the sponsoring agency, Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. is a large organization with many services and resources which enhance and support member training and development. WCAC has sponsored the Cityworks program since it’s inception in 1994.

AmeriCorps is the national service movement that allows Americans of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while gaining valuable experience and learning new skills. Since 1994, AmeriCorps has engaged more than 50,000  Americans who serve in over 1,000 non profit agencies, in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, and other human needs.

Position Descriptions

Cityworks AmeriCorps members are assigned to one of two positions, either as a Tutor or a Volunteer Organizer.

Members servng as Tutors are placed in Worcester Public Schools elementary school classrooms to work with specifically assigned pupils who are in need of more intensive tutoring in small groups and individually, assist teachers in all general aspects of classroom education and management, and assist with curriculum preparation.  After school, members serve at local youth or social service agencies to complete their 40-hour service week.

Members serving as Volunteer Organizers are placed in social service agencies to identify their volunteer needs, recruit non-AmeriCorps volunteers to meet those needs, and coordinate and manage volunteer activities.

All members participate in weekly team meetings for teambuilding and civic engagement activities, training workshops, and community service projects that address community and human needs, such as park and neighborhood revitalization, health fairs, spree days, and construction projects.

Requirements

As AmeriCorps members, participants in the Cityworks program receive a weekly living allowance of $231.00 before taxes, individual health care insurance (if not already covered by another policy), child care assistance if eligible, and a monthly bus pass, Worker’s Compensation, Student Loan Deferment for qualified student loans, and payment of interest accrued on qualified student loans during the term of service.

Upon completion of 1700 hours of service and an 11-month commitment, members are provided with an Education Award of $4,725.00 to help pay for college tuition or to repay student loans. In addition, Cityworks offers an array of workshops, teambuilding activities, trainings, and leadership opportunities all geared toward the personal and professional development of members.

Partners

Cityworks is supported by the Corporation for National Service, The Massachusetts Service Alliance, and the Worcester Community Action Council, Inc.

Other Support is Provided By

• Commonwealth National Bank
• TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation
• Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.
• The George I. Alden Trust
• Hoche-Scofield Foundation
• Worcester Public Schools
• Sovereign Bank
• Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation
• Fred Harris Daniels Foundation, Inc.
• Fletcher Tilton Foundation
• Albert Rice Charitable Foundation
• Webster Five Foundation
• Citizens Bank Foundation
• Digital Federal Credit Union
  

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