IowaAmeriCorps

4-H Outreach

2015-2016 AmeriCorps Host-Site Application

And Program Information

Apply to host an Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H OutreachMember!

**Proposals due May 1, 2015**

Iowa’s 4-H Information

The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H OutreachProgram is a unique partnership between AmeriCorps and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The vision of ISU Extension &Outreach 4-H is to prepare Iowa’s youth to be successful, contributing members of society.

In order to achieve this vision, Iowa4-H’s mission is to “empower youth to reach their full potential through youth-adult partnerships and research-based experiences.”

Research shows that youth who participate in 4-H youth development activitiesincrease the chances of becoming successful adults. The essential elements to 4-H programming are:

  1. Caring Adults: Ongoing relationships with caring adults — parents, mentors, tutors or coaches — offer youth support, care and guidance.
  2. Safe Environments: Safe places with structured activities during nonschool hours provide both physical and emotional safety for youth.
  3. Inclusive settings: An environment that creates a sense of belonging, and encourages and supports its members with positive and specific feedback and celebrates the success of all members, taking pride in the collective efforts of all participants

Opportunities for:

  1. Mastery: To build knowledge, skills and attitudes and demonstrate the competent use of this knowledge and skill by a proficient practitioner.
  2. Service: To findyourself by losing yourself in service to othersas a way to gain exposure to the larger community.
  3. Self Determination: to believe that you have an impact on life events rather than passively submitting to the will and whims of others. Youth must develop a sense of influence over their live, exercising their potential to become self-directing, autonomous adults.
  4. Planning for the Future: develop the ability to see oneself in the future enables youth to have hope and optimism to shape life choices, which facilitates the transition into participating in the future.
  5. Engaged Learning: An engaged youth is one who is mindful of the subject area, building relationships and connections in order to develop understanding. Through self-reflection, youth have the ability to self-correct and learn from experience. The engaged learner has a higher degree of self-motivation and an inexhaustible capacity for creativity.

IowaAmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Information

On December 13, 2004, then Governor Vilsack accepted recognition from America’s Promise designating Iowa as a State of Promise for children and youth. Consequently, starting in 2005, in collaboration with Iowa’s Promise,Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, and the Iowa Collaboration for Youth Development (IOYD), Iowa State University Extension’s 4-H Youth Development program began hosting the Iowa AmeriCorps State of Promiseprogram.The program, now named Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach is administered by ISU Extension and Outreach,who coordinates the activities of the AmeriCorps members serving in communities across the state.

The AmeriCorps members will lead efforts to recruit and mobilize volunteers for a variety of educational activities and programs, coordinate community youth leadership initiatives, develop new partnerships between private organizations and youth-serving programs, and design and develop community servicelearning projects.The AmeriCorps members are placed in various programs, organizations, and sites (government, faith-based, non-profits, and community-based) that focus on providing youth programming based on the 4-H youth development principles and practices. Emphasis is placed on the 4-H priority topics of 1) Healthy Living; 2) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Citizenship and Leadership; 4) Communications and Arts.

AmeriCorps members are currently spearheading community and organizational efforts to provide youth with the positive youth development experiences.AmeriCorps members’work plans focus on project leadership and organization as well as some direct service.Rather than mentor a child, AmeriCorps 4-HMembers help organizations develop mentoring programs.Rather than tutor a child, AmeriCorps 4-HMembers develop training institutes and recruit and teach volunteers how to tutor students.AmeriCorps 4-HMembers are currently:

  • Providing youth leadership training to groups of youth who then take those skills to design and implement community service-learning projects.
  • Enhancing out-of-school programs by developing enrichmentprogramming to reach larger audiences.
  • Educating youth on healthy lifestyle choices and creating youthrecreational programs.
  • Educating youth on work readiness skills and job skills.
  • Developingor expanding youth philanthropy programs at volunteer centers and community foundations.

The AmeriCorps members are the heart of this partnership as they link the sites in:

  • Recruiting, training, and managing volunteers.
  • Establishing alliances and partnerships with local government, faith based, and community-based organizations and initiatives.
  • Helping local host-sites acquire the resources and volunteers needed to achieve long-term sustainability.
  • Building local capacity by providing information on K-21 Outreach to local individuals, groups, and organizations.

In exchange for their year of service, AmeriCorps members develop skills that build a strong, leadership-packed résumé, earn an annual living allowance and receive a post-service education award to finance higher education or pay towards qualified student loans.Additionally, AmeriCorps members may apply for education loan forbearance during their term of service.

The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Program also provides basic health insurance for full time members and AmeriCorps offers alimitedchildcare subsidy for full time members who qualify financially. Full-time members serve at least 1,700 hours and half-time members serve at least 900 hours over a ten to twelve-month commitmentat local host-sites. Quarter time members, serving 450 hours, and minimum time members, serving 300 hours, may be requested, but full and half time requests will receive preference.

To date, AmeriCorps 4-HMembers have served in partnership with host-site organizations across Iowa including:

Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach—2015-2016 Host-Site Application and Program Information 1

  • American Red Cross of the Quad Cities
  • Centerville CSD
  • Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
  • Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, Bettendorf
  • Friendly House, Davenport
  • ISU County Extension Programs
  • Lutheran Services in Iowa, Waverly
  • Midtown Family Community Center, Sioux City
  • Nahant Marsh Education Center, Davenport
  • Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative, Decorah
  • United Action for Youth, Iowa City
  • Youth & Shelter Services, Ames

Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach—2015-2016 Host-Site Application and Program Information 1

Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach—2015-2016 Host-Site Application and Program Information 1

Program Partners

The following organizations play an important role in the life of the program as funders, visionaries, and support providers.

  • The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS)promotes volunteerism and community service throughout the state of Iowa and provides technical assistance and training to the IASOP program coordinator.
  • The Corporation for National and Community Service contributes to each state commission an amount of money for operating AmeriCorps programs in that state. Then, with oversight of the Corporation, each state commission administers their own AmeriCorps programs. ICVS administers the AmeriCorpsState programs operating in Iowa.
  • The Iowa Collaboration for Youth Development (ICYD) has adopted the Iowa’s Promise framework to communicate a common and powerful message to Iowans about the importance and value of providing children and youth with the services, opportunities, and supports young people need to succeed.
  • ISU Extension & Outreach mobilizes people from throughout Iowa to contribute to the positive development of all Iowa’s youth.

The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Program provides youth-serving organizations and coalitions the opportunity to apply to host one or more AmeriCorps members who coordinate youth development projects and programs during the course of their AmeriCorps service year.In order to do this, the program applies for AmeriCorps funding each year from the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Iowa Commission for Volunteer Service.ISU Extension and Outreachhas applied for funding for the 2015-2016 service year. The available slots will be awarded through this application process to host-sites across the state.

The application process to become an AmeriCorps 4-H host-site isas stated below:

1)Thoroughly read the program details and application instructions.

2)Fully answer the questions as described in the attached proposal guidelines.

3)Complete all required sections and submit a signed PDF copy via e-mail to by4:30 PMMay 1, 2015.

Please read through the following sections of the application process.Detailed information needed to apply for and host anAmeriCorps 4-H member is included.If questions remain, please contact Susan Hollenkamp, Program Director, at 515.294.9722 or email at .

Eligible Organizations

To be eligible, organizations:

  • Are non-profit, 501(c)3 organizations, schools, or government agencies operating in Iowa.
  • Have been operational for at least one year with at least one full-time staff member and the capacity to host an AmeriCorps 4-H member.

Host-siteExpectationsforHosting an AmeriCorps 4-HMember

Applicants must demonstrate that hosting a member will enable the organization to:

  • Provide more services to the community by creating or enhancing a youth-focused project.
  • Improve the quality and effectiveness of its current youth programming.
  • Partner with a network of youth-serving organizations and agencies.

Criteria for a Host-site Project

AmeriCorps 4-H memberprojects must:

  • Meet a defined community need or benefit and involve young people (K-12) and align with program’s performance measures of increasing youth engagement (described on page 7).
  • Be a new project or an expansion of an existing project.
  • Have a large-scale impact.
  • Be AmeriCorps 4-Hmember-led or be part of a larger member-led project.*

*Members can be involved with more than one project

Prohibited Activities

AmeriCorps members cannot:

  • Displace a current employee or serve in a regular staff position.
  • Be involved with political advocacy, religious instruction, voter registration drives, fundraising for host-site match/operating expenses, writing federal grants, union organizing, or clerical activities.*
  • Volunteers recruited by or working with AmeriCorps members are also subject to Prohibited Activities listed in 45 CFR 2520.65,to Prohibited Activities listed in 45 CFR 2520.65, 2520.4, 2520.45.

*Members can perform limited administrative and fundraising duties necessary to their project.

AmeriCorps MembersBackground and Training Requirements

AmeriCorps 4-HMembers have come from diverse backgrounds and have a passion for community service.Many Members are college graduates looking for a hands-on service and youth development experience.AmeriCorps members receive an initial orientation and training from the program and ongoing leadership training and professional development opportunities throughout the year.The host-site is responsible for site-specific and project-related training and orientation, and CPR certification.An AmeriCorps member must:

  • Be at least 17 years of age by the time of enrollment which begins in September 2015 (there is no upper age limit).
  • Be a United States citizen or have a permanent resident visa.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED, or agree to achieve a diploma or GED before applying for an education award.
  • Have served no more than three terms of service in national service programs.Note: If a person has earned the equivalent of two full time education awards, he/she is still eligible to serve up to four terms, but is not eligible for another education award.

Recruitment and Enrollment Process

The Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Program askshost-sites to be responsible for recruitment and hiring of their member(s). Hiring is site specific—a generic position description will be provided, but the local sites must identifysite specific responsibilities and identify the skill sets needed by each member. The program will assist, as needed, in the interviewing process and handle the official enrollment of the AmeriCorps member.

ApplicationTimeline

Applications are due before or by4:30 PM, May 1, 2015.

  • AmeriCorps member host-sites will be selected and notified byJune 30, 2015.
  • The program may work with host-sites to recruit and enroll an AmeriCorps 4-Hmember; however the host site has final responsibility for recruitment.
  • AmeriCorps members can be enrolled September 1st. Full-time members mustcomplete 1700 hours in 10 to 12 months. Half-time members must complete 900 hours, quarter time member must complete 450 hours and minimum time members must complete 300 hours.Full-time AmeriCorps member(s)can be enrolled as late as November 30,2015 however;host sites should expend maximum effort to enroll members as close as possible to September 1st.

Host-sites Selection Process

Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee that will make recommendations to the ProgramDirector.Final decisions are made by the Program Director. Key elements include:

  • Organizational capacity to develop and manage the project and oversee and supervise the AmeriCorps member.
  • Realistic objectives with measurable outcomes that align with the program’s performance measures.
  • Proper support, supervision, and training for the AmeriCorpsmember during the year of service.
  • Demonstrated collaborative relationship with the program during past grant years (if applicable).

Allowable Number of AmeriCorps Member(s) per Host-Site

  • Host-sites have hosted more than one AmeriCorps member in a service year.
  • Host-sites may request full-time (1700 hours) or half-time (900 hours) slots. Quarter-time (450 hours) and minimum-time (300 hours) slots may be requested; however, preference will be given to full and half-time slot requests.
  • The application must clearly define the role of each member slot being requested.

The AmeriCorps 4-H Program Provides

The AmeriCorps 4-H program is committed to the success of each AmeriCorps member and their hostsite.The program provides:

  • AmeriCorps 4-H member slot(s)—full-time, 35-40 hours per week; half-time, 20 hours per week. Quarter time and minimum time members should serve shorter terms (e.g. summer or school year) in order to provide a more intense service experience.
  • In-service leadershipand member training.
  • Access to the AmeriCorps national service network and associated trainings and conferences.
  • Orientation and training for the AmeriCorps member(s) and host-site supervisor.
  • Site visits to address host-site needs and evaluate AmeriCorpsmember progress and project goals.
  • Administration of AmeriCorps benefits: monthly living allowance, post-service education award, health insurance (full time only), training opportunities, and AmeriCorps-related expense reimbursements.
  • DCI and FBI background checks on all AmeriCorps members.
  • Limited reimbursement for local travel expenses and program supplies expended as part of the member’s service for the host-site. AmeriCorps-required training and travel is paid for by the program.
  • Ongoing support, oversight, and technical assistance for the host-site and its AmeriCorps member(s).

Host-siteRequirements

  • A clear vision of the project and how the AmeriCorps member can be most effectively utilized.
  • Adequate office space and supplies: to meet AmeriCorps requirements and for the success of the members’ service term, all host-sites must provide office space, desk, internet, e-mail, phone, fax, postage for work-related mail, and supplies for each AmeriCorps member.AmeriCorps members may not work from a home office.
  • Supportive leadership from staff and host-site to ensure theAmeriCorps member is considered and treated as an integral part of the organization.Host-sites who incorporate the AmeriCorps member into the organization and community reach a greater level of sustainability and community impact.
  • One designated host-site supervisor to provide ongoingsupervision and support.This person must have strong knowledge of the community and local coalitions and be willing to comply with this application and theIowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach grant regulations and guidelines.The site supervisormust be able to provide consistent supervision ofthe AmeriCorps member and ideally facilitate staff meetings with the member at least bi-monthly.Additionally, the supervisor mustvalidate time sheets, prepare program/grant reporting requirements, and work with the AmeriCorps member to create and sustain individual site programs, events, and goals.A mandatory site supervisor training will be held in August 2015, and all successful host-site applicants must send their designated supervisor (including past supervisors).The AmeriCorps member must be on location with the site supervisor.
  • A cash contribution(see page 7) to defray a portion of the program costs.

Performance Measures

AmeriCorps members, through community based host agencies, will provide high-quality, research-based positive youth development experiences for economically or otherwise disadvantaged youth in Iowa rural and urban communities with limited youth supports. The site will report the number participants who complete a minimum of six hours of education activities including afterschool and summer programming,with an emphasis on the 4-H priority topics of Healthy Living, STEM, Citizenship and Leadership, and Communication and Arts. All activities will be based on 4-H youth development principles and practices using research based curricula. Improved academic performance and attitudes following participation in the positive youth development educational programs will be demonstrated through administration of a pre/post student survey.

Sites will also report information on member recruitment, training and management of volunteers.

Host-site Cash Contribution

Each host-site organization must invest in the partnership by providing a non-federal cash match.The contribution is used to cover a portion of the total cost of the AmeriCorps4-H Outreach program and the cost of the member serving at your site.Cash resources will be used solely in support of the Iowa AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Project.Host-sites must contribute $6,800[*] for a full-time AmeriCorps member who serves a minimum of 1,700 hours over a twelve-month term of service.This is a great value; the total cost for the grant to support each AmeriCorps position is $27,500. Host-sites must contribute $3,425 for a half-time AmeriCorps member who serves a minimum of 900 hours over a twelve-month period. The cash contribution is due in equal increments at the beginning of each quarter (September 1, 2015; December 1, 2015; March 1, 2016; and June 1, 2016).