Join “Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count” and get paid to help local kids develop reading, math and science skills!
Since 1997, The Pennsylvania State University has been placing eligible Penn State students in schools, childcare centers, museums and other community non-profit organizations in the effort of supporting early literacy development of community children as America Reads Mentors, while providing the PSU students with valuable service learning experiences. With the expansion of the program to include early mathematics and stem development, Penn State students now actively support the community’s children in the acquisition of core competencies on a much more comprehensive scale.
This program, called Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count (“NLR/NLC”), is now looking to expand to Penn State New Kensington in Spring 2022 and is seeking qualified student applicants from the campus to serve as Mentors. Pay rate is $12 per hour.
Job Description:
Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count (“NLR/NLC”) Mentors work to support children’s development of the core competencies related to early literacy, mathematics, and science skills. Mentors assist work with a local community organization (“Community Partner”) and support the staff, engage directly with the children, and provide one-on-one and/or small-group instruction for children through eighth grade in the local community. Penn State students applying for a “Mentor” position with Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count will select a Community Partner that best fits their interests, qualifications, location and availability.
Mentors report to the Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count Program Coordinator. Each Community Partner has a site coordinator to assist mentors with scheduling, training, on-site familiarity, professional development and mentoring. All Mentors are asked to commit to a minimum of four hours/week throughout each academic semester, although specific days/times vary depending upon the student’s placement site and position.
Although this is a well-established program in other parts of the state, NLR/NLC is looking to create a new site in Spring 2022 here at Penn State New Kensington with new Community Partner sites here in New Kensington. More specific job descriptions for each Community Partner will be available as partner sites are established.
Qualifications and Application Process:
For consideration as Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count Mentors, Penn State students must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Qualified students must already have a Federal Work-Study student aid award, or demonstrate federal financial need as determined by The Office of Student Aid. Please contact Sherri Smith in the PSNK Office of Student Aid (sls986@psu.edu) to confirm your eligibility before applying for a position as a Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count Mentor.
Along with demonstrated eligibility, qualified applicants must also:
- Have an interest in working with children. Previous experience working with children is preferred;
- Be motivated, resourceful, dependable and willing to engage with the children and families of the community through their work with a participating Community Partner;
- Acknowledge the benefits of community service and service learning opportunities;
- Be committed to working in racially, ethnically and economically diverse community; and,
- Represent the Penn State University in a responsible and respectful manner.
Returning mentors who have received positive evaluations from their placement sites will be given priority placements for the upcoming academic year. New applicants who can work a minimum of four hours per week and are willing to offer a year-long commitment will be given preference. All academic levels (first year through graduate school) are encouraged to apply.
Pay rate is $12.00 per hour.
Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count Mentors are required to obtain all mandatory clearances (including The Pennsylvania State Criminal Background Check, The Pennsylvania State Child Abuse Clearance, and The FBI Fingerprinting Clearance), as well as a National Sex Offender Registry Verification, as part of the hiring process. Funding to pay Mentors comes from Federal Work-Study Program funds therefore all Mentors must be fully vaccinated against COVID. Community Partners may require that mentors obtain a Health Assessment/TB Test for participation at their site. Prior to placement, all students must complete a minimum of six hours of paid training.
More details on NLR/NLC can be found at https://sites.psu.edu/lionsread/
