When you serve with City Year, every day is a chance to make a difference. No two days will be exactly alike. Here is an example of what a day might be like on a high school team at City Year Columbia:
7:30 am - Unity Rally at the State Capital Building
Unity Rally unites and excites the corps members for a powerful day of service through PT (physical training) and announcements. Unity Rally takes place on the State House grounds at the intersection of two historic Columbia streets: Gervais and Main.
7:45 - Travel to C.A Johnson High School
School-based teams work with the same school for the entire year, building strong relationships with both students and faculty. The short trip to the school gives the team a chance to discuss anything going on that day and to brainstorm future projects.
8:00 - Power greet students at the busses and school entrance
Corps members greet the students each morning as a way to help students get excited about school and arrive on time.
8:15 – 9:00 - Call home for students who are absent from school
City Year corps members understand that being on time and present each day at school is critical for a student's ability to stay In School & On Track to graduation. Calling home gets students back in the classroom and helps increase attendance rates.
9:00 – 10:00 am - Tutor students in Science Class
Every day, corps members are working in classrooms to help students with that day's lessons. In-class support offers students help and guidance with their school subjects.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm - Student Success Center
Student Success Centers offer students a place to go for support with both school and personal issues. It is a safe place where students do not have to face their problems alone and where they can learn constructive, non-violent ways of dealing with issues.
12:00 – 1:00 pm - Lunch Meeting
Teams get a moment to relax and energize. Corps members will often use lunch time to research new ideas and build a network for supporting service within the school.
1:00 – 3:00 pm - Tutor Students in Math and English Classes
Tutoring in math and English classes provides students with the support necessary to be ready for further education.
3:00 – 3:30 pm - Run the After-School Program
The After-School Program put on by City Year corps members provides structured, educational after-school programming for the students and allows corps members an opportunity to mentor in small groups.
3:30 – 4:30 pm - Provide Homework Help
Work one-on-one or in small groups with students at an after-school program providing a safe place for learning.
4:30 – 5:00 pm - Debrief
Meet with team to debrief the day and discuss the next day.
5:30 – 6:00 pm - Earn extra service hours
Coach the high school's volleyball team or volunteer with a partner non-profit organization, such as the United Way, Harvest Hope Food Bank or the Salvation Army.