City Year
San José/
Silicon Valley

Your corps experience

City Year serves in schools that need our support as part of the solution to educational equity, specifically changing the narrative for student outcomes from this area and coaching students to meet their full potential.

City Year is partnered with Alum Rock Union School District and East Side Union High School District in creating equitable learning opportunities for all students and develop the city’s future leaders. AmeriCorps members support teachers and staff in delivering instruction that serves the development of the whole child and is responsive to the diverse racial, cultural and linguistic needs of San José youth.

With more than 294 City Year students achieving their end-of-year English or math growth goal in 2019, AmeriCorps members are truly making an impact. A family-oriented school community with numerous opportunities to develop both personally and professionally, San José is an ideal place to serve. By engaging students, families and community partners, City Year helps students from East San José graduate high school, college and career ready and persist into thriving careers in Silicon Valley.

Serving in San José schools

Serve in one of nine elementary, three middle and two high schools throughout the East San José area. Schools in San José are quite special, not only because of the amazing students and families, but also because of the outdoor layout of most schools. With vibrant blacktop and outdoor spaces, students have plenty of room to play and be outside while having the best view of the beautiful foothills of the Santa Clara Valley in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Most schools are accessible via public transportation and there is an equal balance of AmeriCorps members who carpool in a vehicle or take the light rail and/or bus to commute to schools. Most AmeriCorps members live in South/East San José with others commuting from other parts of Santa Clara County. In addition, many of the teachers and staff you will work with have served in the same school or within their school district for 10+ years, demonstrating their sincere dedication and love for this community.

Working on a team

Work with a committed and diverse group of 6-10 City Year AmeriCorps members who share your passion for service and personal growth. As a team, you will have the opportunity to support students with their academic and social-emotional needs.

Each school team consists of an impact manager and team leader who provide coaching and guidance for all aspects of City Year’s service in schools. An impact manager is a staff member who collaborates closely with school administration and staff to best identify where City Year support is needed. The team leader is a returning AmeriCorps member, often doing a second year of service, who provides direct coaching and strategies to AmeriCorps members related to working with students and school partners.

You will work as a team, all day and every day, forging powerful relationships with one another and your students. City Year teammates often become life-long friendships and connections after your service year experience.

Professional development

In addition to receiving robust training to prepare you for coaching and mentoring students, AmeriCorps members will receive opportunities to develop hard and soft skills necessary for their careers after City Year. We have a dedicated staff member who develops monthly workshops about preparing for graduate school, resume writing, mock interviewing, networking and personal brand and teacher pathway programs. We are grateful for the support of our partner companies, nonprofits, and schools who help us bring this programming to our AmeriCorps members!