STAR Mentor (Federal Work Study)
About the Boys & Girls Club
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley, our core belief is that all young people deserve an equitable change to reach their full potential. We work hard on many fronts to advance the hopes and dreams of the young people who need us most. We believe in them and trust that if we can help them believe in themselves, they can and will go off to become caring citizens and make their own lasting differences throughout their lives.
We recognize that oppression and disparity exist in the world, resulting in microaggressions, systemic inequity, and violence. We believe in the right of all individuals and communities to have equitable access and opportunity to succeed in all organizations and workplaces. We are committed to doing our part to help dismantle systemic-isms and to live up to the ideals of functioning as an actively antiracist organization. We commit to using the principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice to evaluate and guide our policies, practices, and procedures.
About the Position
The STAR (Scholars on Target to Achieve Results) Mentor supports the provision of culturally responsive school-based support to ensure Black/African-American high school students are engaged in education, on track to graduate, and poised for post-graduation success. This position is part of a wider community initiative working to close the equity gap for Black/African American individuals in the Fox Cities community.
Key Responsibilities (not all-inclusive):
- Work at designated school site to support STAR Scholars
- Complete data entry for respective school sites, as needed
- Convery caring and compassion in ongoing interactions with Scholars, caregivers, and staff
- Facilitate opportunities for youth to build and develop skills necessary for school success (e.g. time management, study habits, problem-solving, goal setting, self-advocacy, tutoring, etc.)
- Be of service with special projects, field trips, campus visits, graduation celebrations, etc.
- Demonstrate commitment to learning key trauma concepts, culturally responsive techniques, and applying trauma-informed practice.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
- Some availability during school hours, as well as some evenings and weekends, as needed.
Desire to learn and grow in the following areas:
- Academic Support: explore the intersectionality of education and future success
- Communication: listening and responding from a culturally-specific lens
- Creating an anti-racist culture: commitment to improving the school climate for black students
- Engagement Strategies: dialogue and reflect with students regarding personal and cultural identity.
- Growth Mindset: seek evaluation and be able to accept praise and critical feedback
- Understanding of multi-faceted nature of Black culture: desire to engage underrepresented students in dialogue and reflection regarding personal and cultural identity.
Qualifications:
- Experience working with youth
- Ability and passion to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, identities, and experiences
- Strong communication skills and the ability to negotiate, compromise and confront conflict in a productive manner
- Ability to work independently as well as within a team
- Flexibility to connect with youth during school hours as well as some evenings and weekends, as needed. Ability to work in a variety of settings.