ISU Extension & Outreach West Pottawattamie AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Member

AmeriCorps 4‑H Member – ISU Extension & Outreach West Pottawattamie (Quarter‑Time)

Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Term of Service: ASAP – August 15, 2027
Living Allowance: $4,725 (paid in equal semimonthly installments)
Education Award: $1,956.35 upon successful completion of the term

Ability to pair with academic internship (verify with acadmic advisor)

Position Summary

This AmeriCorps position offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in youth development, positive youth engagement, curriculum delivery, and agriculture-related career exploration. Members support community-based programming while building professional skills aligned with Positive Youth Development and the mission of Iowa 4‑H.

AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages individuals in community-focused service to strengthen organizations, expand access to resources, and support youth and families across Iowa. AmeriCorps 4‑H members serve in partnership with local programs to deliver high-quality, research-based activities that make a measurable impact.

About the Program

ISU Extension & Outreach West Pottawattamie and AmeriCorps 4‑H share a commitment to empowering youth through Positive Youth Development. By combining the host site’s mission with the 4‑H “learn-by-doing” philosophy, this AmeriCorps position expands access to high-quality programming for youth in the Council Bluffs Community School District—particularly through hands-on learning, career exploration, and experiential activities that build life skills and confidence.

Key Service Activities

• Deliver in-school and after-school 4‑H programming for middle school youth in Council Bluffs using pre-approved, research-based curriculum.
• Develop lesson plans and hands-on activities focused on agriculture-related career pathways and experiential learning.
• Collaborate with Kirn, Wilson, and Lewis Central Middle Schools to coordinate program schedules and identify opportunities for youth engagement.
• Conduct program evaluations and report outcomes using provided tools, surveys, and reporting systems.
• Support elementary-level programming by assisting the County Youth Coordinator with curriculum delivery and maintaining youth–adult ratios.
• Participate in required AmeriCorps 4‑H service events, including MLK Day of Service, AmeriCorps Week, and Global Youth Service Day.

Service Schedule

Members serve a minimum of 10 hours per week, typically Monday–Friday, 3:00–5:00 PM.
Some evening or weekend service may occur based on program needs (overnight camps, county fair activities, open house events, summer programming, State 4‑H Conference).

Eligibility Requirements

• At least 17 years old
• High school diploma or GED (or in progress)
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• Must pass a national service criminal history check

AmeriCorps Member Benefits

• Living Allowance: $4,725
• Segal Education Award: $1,956.35 upon successful completion
• Student loan forbearance and interest repayment (eligible loans)
• Childcare assistance (if eligible)
• Professional development, training, and statewide networking opportunities

Performance Expectations

Members must complete required AmeriCorps 4‑H Canvas trainings, submit bimonthly timesheets, complete monthly reports, and participate in scheduled check-ins with program staff. Midterm and end-of-term evaluations are required.

Why This Role Is Unique

This AmeriCorps position offers students the opportunity to serve Iowa communities while gaining professional experience in youth development, education, agriculture career exploration, and community outreach. Students may pair this service term with an academic internship if their department approves and the internship requirements align with the service activities.

Pay: $4,725.00 per year

Benefits:

• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Salary : $4,725