Do you or do you know of someone who would want to make a difference in the lives of young boys of color? Consider the VISTA position through the Afterschool Alliance and the Tennessee Afterschool Network in Knoxville with their mission to improve the academics of all children, including young boys of color.
In 2014, President Barack Obama launched the My Brother’s Keeper initiative to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential. Through the My Brother’s Keeper initiative, cities, businesses and nonprofits are taking important steps to connect young people to mentoring, support networks and the skills they need to succeed academically.
THE PROJECT IN KNOXVILLE IS SPECIFICALLY TARGETED AT EFFECTING STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE PERCENTAGE OF BOYS OF COLOR READING AT GRADE LEVEL BY THIRD GRADE.
To reach the goal and support students, their families and their community, a community engagement strategy and sustainability process is needed. The My Brother’s Keeper VISTA will work to develop strategies and build partnerships.
The deadline to identify the VISTA member by is April 27. Orientation in Philadelphia, PA, is June 14-17, and the VISTA’s year-long experience starts the next Monday, June 20. Applications must go through AmeriCorps here, where there is additional information.
If you have any suggestions or leads on identifying someone suited for this position or you have any questions, etc., please contact:
Marie Alcorn, Vice President
Community Engagement & Mobilization
United Way of Greater Knoxville
office: 865-521-5565
cell: 865-679-3048