The Washington Reading Corps (WRC) at Solid Ground is a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of both students and families. WRC Members provide direct daily tutoring at elementary schools, community centers, and early learning sites. Each year, WRC schools statewide recruit more than 11,000 community volunteers who tutor over 25,000 students, contributing to impressive gains in statewide reading tests. WRC Members placed in community centers provide tutoring before and after school (depending on site needs), as well as literacy tutoring during summer programs. These programs are critical for reading retention during the summer months. WRC Members may also be placed at early learning sites to help get young children and parents Kindergarten ready.

Currently hiring!
We are now accepting Washington Reading Corps (WRC) applications for the next program year (2013-2014).

Applications are accepted on the MyAmeriCorps website. Our “King County Washington Reading Corps” Listing ID # is 49112. If you are a current WRC Member, visit our Current Members webpage for more information that pertains to you.

The need: Tests administered in 1997 found that only 47% of fourth grade students statewide met the new Washington State standard for reading. Research demonstrates that if a child cannot read well by the end of third grade, his or her chances for academic success are significantly diminished – and yet too many children in our poorest communities struggle with this critical skill.

Meeting the need: Through WRC, AmeriCorps Members provide direct daily tutoring. Each year, WRC schools statewide recruit more than 11,000 community volunteers who tutor over 25,000 students, contributing to impressive gains in statewide reading tests.

What WRC Members receive: WRC Members of all ages gain experience in direct tutoring, volunteer management, and community strengthening. WRC Members also develop their own leadership skills by participating in team trainings and by leading local service projects. In addition, as a part of Solid Ground’s mission in ending poverty by undoing racism and other forms of oppression, Members will engage in anti-racism work. (Please read Solid Ground's Anti-Racism statement before applying.).

WRC Member responsibilities & qualities: AmeriCorps Members with Solid Ground’s Washington Reading Corps (WRC) program serve a minimum of 40 hours a week and work primarily at one designated school site in one of the following  program areas: Seattle,  Bellevue, Shoreline, Bothell, Highline, Tukwila or Kent. In addition, Members participate in regular team meetings, trainings and team-building activities. Members are asked to take leadership roles by developing service projects, training their peers, facilitating a civic engagement project, and getting involved in the community.

Successful candidates will be able to take direction from supervisors and, at times, give or receive direction and support from their peers. They will also be able to take initiative for their achievements and take responsibility for their own growth. Members spend a great deal of time working in groups and with other people, but also need to be able to work independently. Group process and initiative are central to the program. The program utilizes an adult learning model, which requires participants to be motivated and responsible for their actions.

National Service at Solid Ground: All National Service Members working with Solid Ground are responsible for developing and safekeeping a workplace that values and supports a culturally diverse work environment. Being open to new ideas and ways – and demonstrating compassion, flexibility, and respect – are valued and encouraged attributes for our Members..

Solid Ground's mission & values: As a Community Action agency working to eliminate poverty, Solid Ground believes working to undo institutional racism is essential to addressing challenges related to poverty – including literacy – and the particular challenges faced by students of color in our schools. Solid Ground works to end poverty and undo racism and other oppressions that are root causes of poverty. We are committed to working with compassion, integrity, accountability, creativity and an anti-oppression approach to end homelessness, hunger, inequality and other barriers to social justice. We value collaboration and leadership from the communities we serve.

Living Allowance: WRC AmeriCorps Members receive a living allowance of $1,050/month.

Education Award: WRC AmeriCorps Members who complete a term of service also receive an education award of $5,550 and non-private student loans qualify for forbearance during the service term.

WRC Position Duties:

• Tutoring – 65%: Provide direct-service tutoring to struggling readers during the school day and/or as a part of before and after school activities while at an early learning site, community center, or school. Coordinate peer and cross-age tutoring. Assist as requested with administration of WRC testing.
  
  
• Community Service, Leadership & Team Trainings – 20%: Develop or adopt a volunteer training curriculum and organize a system for ongoing tutor training for new and returning volunteers. Organize community volunteer recognition events to express appreciation for their service and to build a sustainable volunteer utilization system. Seek resources to support struggling readers. Share methods for continuance of volunteer tutor involvement after your service year. Recruit and support volunteer tutors at the school.
  
  
• Volunteer Recruitment & Sustainability – 10%: Develop or adopt a volunteer training curriculum and organize a system for ongoing tutor training for new and returning volunteers. Organize community volunteer recognition events to express appreciation for their service and to build a sustainable volunteer utilization system. Seek resources to support struggling readers. Share methods for continuance of volunteer tutor involvement after your service year. Recruit and support volunteer tutors at the school.
  
  
• Conduct Family Involvement Activities – 5%: Develop guidance for planning regularly scheduled family literacy events and activities. Plan and/or assist the school in planning at least two events or activities annually that involve families in literacy activities.
  
  
• Program Administration – 10%: Maintain tutoring tracking records. Administer day and as part of after-school activities. Administer surveys and complete regular monthly and quarterly reports to assure adequate progress in meeting program goals.