The Kern County Superintendent of Schools office announced today that its Kern Community Mentoring AmeriCorps program is seeking mentors for the upcoming school year. AmeriCorps Members deliver high-quality mentorships to 700 underserved students each year at school sites throughout Kern County with the goal of increasing student engagement, improving the school climate, and causing lasting positive changes. Full-time positions will be available from September 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023 at school sites in Arvin, Bakersfield, Delano, Kernville, Lost Hills, McFarland, Mojave, Tupman, and Wasco.

Kern County Mentoring AmeriCorps data has shown mentees display significant improvements in the areas of attendance, behavior, and academics.

“This is my second year serving because my first year of doing this work was such an amazing, rewarding, and fulfilling experience,” Jennifer Hart, a mentor serving Freedom Middle School. “I thoroughly enjoy being able to help guide and influence the youth to find a more positive path in their lives. It has also helped me to gain confidence and leadership skills and has connected me with some coworkers who have become very close friends.”

Under general supervision, mentors plan structured and meaningful activities for mentees, implement one-on-one and small group mentoring, attend regular mentor training provided by the program, collaborate with agency staff to monitor mentee progress, and serve as a positive role model to targeted mentees, among other duties.

Benefits include a $1800-$2000 monthly living allowance and a $4,441.50 education award upon satisfactorily completing nine months of service and 1,200 hours. The education award can only be used to pay student loans or for future college tuition and expenses. Childcare benefits, health insurance, and student loan forbearance are also offered for eligible members.

For more information or to apply, please visit www.kernmentoringamericorps.org.