Why you should serve with City Year Philadelphia

October 8, 2019

Working in Philadelphia

There is so much to love about living and working in Philadelphia. Between the scenic parks, accessible art, delicious food and the loyal sports fans, it’s no wonder that Philadelphia is ranked one of the top 10 happiest cities for young professionals.

But none of those reasons fully capture the power of making a difference in the lives of students.

Across Philadelphia, one in every four students does not graduate from high school, which is a tragic loss of potential. When a student does not graduate, it not only has a lasting impact on the student’s success in college, career, and life, but also on our communities and country as a whole.

City Year Philadelphia

The good news is that you can be a part of the solution by joining City Year Philadelphia and helping to support student success.

Since 1997, City Year Philadelphia has made a difference across the city by deploying more than 3,400 AmeriCorps members to serve in Philadelphia’s schools. By serving full-time as tutors and mentors, City Year AmeriCorps members have built positive relationships within the community, helping 150,000 students realize their full potential by keeping them in school and on track to graduate.

Take a look at six excellent reasons you should serve with City Year Philadelphia and see all the ways you can make a positive and lasting impact on students and schools.

1. Serve as mentors

City Year AmeriCorps members serve as mentors by providing tools to help students learn, envision their future, expand their minds and empower them to find their voice.

Today one of our very own City Year Philly AmeriCorps members shared his perspectives on the importance of Black male educators and role models. Thank you @Generocity for including Michael in your Youth Leadership series https://t.co/jO2U1A9ggi

— CityYearPhilly (@CityYearPhilly) February 21, 2019

2. Keep students engaged and excited about school

Every morning City Year members greet students as they walk into school to get them excited for another day of learning. For many students getting to school can be a challenge so we celebrate them for showing up!

There’s nothing like a @CityYearPhilly Power Greeting to begin the day!@PHL_MOE @PHLschools #day2ofschool pic.twitter.com/ynp8jYH5O9

— Southwark School (@southwarkschool) August 28, 2018

3. Improve school culture and climate

City Year partners with schools to create an inclusive environment where students feel a sense of belonging. City Year AmeriCorps members also work with students to build their social-emotional skills, such as managing their emotions, working in teams, making decisions and persevering through challenges—skills that will help them succeed in college, career and life.

Today was a great day of service. We painted over 100 murals and helped transform Kensington High School. Thank you to all the volunteers and partners who participated today. #CYPHILLYMLK #MLKDAY #MAKEBETTERHAPPEN pic.twitter.com/k2habay0Kg

— CityYearPhilly (@CityYearPhilly) January 21, 2019

Read more about some of the tools and trainings we offer to help both students and AmeriCorps members thrive.4

4. Provide academic support in math and English

City Year AmeriCorps members work with students one-on-one or in small groups to build academic skills and support students in math and English.

Ms. Tanisha makes lunch a learning space and makes math F U N! @CityYearPhilly @Olney_El check out this interactive multiplication game! #LoveLearning pic.twitter.com/vQkAxVkIQp

— Emily Partridge Davidson (@EmilyPDavidson) April 25, 2019

5. Run afterschool programs

City Year runs afterschool programs where students receive extra academic support, play games, build relationships and integrate learning from in school and out.

“I just really love being part of a school that allows you to learn different things whether it’s in the classroom or outside of the classroom.” So proud of one of our 4th grade students at Blaine School featured in @PhillyTrib today. Way to go Karter! https://t.co/JxOc69G6wj pic.twitter.com/AUv54NqNQk

— CityYearPhilly (@CityYearPhilly) April 9, 2019

6. Go on to do incredible things

Whether it’s the Peace Corps, teaching, medicine or law City Year alums go on to do incredible things and continue to make an impact in the world.

.@CityYear can be a pathway to future opportunities. Meet Britany White who went on to serve with @PeaceCorps after serving with City Year Philadelphia.

— CityYearPhilly (@CityYearPhilly) April 4, 2019

So, what are you waiting for? Connect with a recruiter to learn more about City Year Philadelphia today and make a difference in the lives of the students in Philadelphia.