City Year is an education-focused organization founded in 1988 dedicated to helping students and schools succeed.

City Year partners with public schools in 26 urban, high-poverty communities across the U.S. and through international affiliates in the U.K. and Johannesburg, South Africa. Diverse teams of City Year AmeriCorps members provide high-impact student, classroom and school-wide support, to help students stay in school and on track to graduate from high school, ready for college and career success. A proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network, City Year is made possible by support from the Corporation for National and Community Service, school district partnerships, and private philanthropy from corporations, foundations and individuals.

 

We spoke with one of their star participants Jeff Shafer about what the program is all about:

 

How did you get involved with the program?

 

I’ve always felt that in order to solve the problems of our society, such as crime and poverty, we have to first make sure that every citizen receives a proper education. Education inequality is the root of so many issues that our country faces and I wanted to make a difference in this area. I was also looking for a challenge, something that would help me grow professionally and as a leader. City Year gave me those opportunities. I heard about the program from a friend, and about a month later caught a City Year AmeriCorps member on the train on my way to work. With their City Year red jackets on, they were easy to spot. After speaking with the corps member I felt City Year was the place for me.

 

 

 

What has been the most rewarding part?

 

For me, it was the difference I was able to make in the lives of others. It’s a privilege to be placed in a school and allowed to work with kids, but to also work with a diverse group of other passionate people that were on my City Year team. Knowing that I had become a role model to some of our students, as well as source of encouragement to other corps members on my team motivated me throughout the year and let me know I was doing work that was needed.

 

What has been the most challenging part?

 

The biggest challenge was seeing and feeling the stress that the students we work with had to deal with–issues and situations no kid should have to face. On my City Year team I was a part of the solution, but I could never change anything overnight. Some days could feel overwhelming, but there’s great support at City Year and Corps Members get a lot of training. I always had someone I could talk to and keep me motivated. We work in team for a reason, because it’s important to have each other’s back.

 

What is your day like while volunteering in this program?

 

Actually, City Year is not a volunteer program. For the work we do in schools, we get a livable stipend, health benefits, and scholarships for college or graduate school. As far as a typical City Year day goes, they were long and hard. But despite any difficulties, the work has always been something I loved and am proud to be a part of.  A day at City Year is a full time commitment. We’d arrive at schools bright and early at 7:30am and be there until around 5:30pm. Each day was a mix of different activities with our students and partner teachers. We would do whole class support, phone calls home if students didn’t show up at school, tutoring sessions, mentoring groups during lunch, and ran after-school programs. This takes place on average four days a week and goes throughout an entire school year.

 

Why should people get involved?

 

People should get involved with City Year because it’s an organization that’s changing lives for the better. Through City Year, passionate people are given the opportunity to help keep kids in school to graduate while also building their own professional and leadership skills. It’s a place that values diversity and cultural inclusion. And it’s a place that tackles education inequality head on because every child deserves the chance to be successful through education. Honestly, it’s hard to think of reason why people shouldn’t get involved with City Year.

They are currently accepting applications for candidates. Learn more at www.cityyear.org.