Top 10 things to know before applying to City Year Providence

So, you’re thinking about applying to City Year Providence?

Yes! Providence is a fantastic place to live and work. Between the thriving arts community, incredible history, gorgeous parks and delicious eats, Providence combines the accessibility and charm of a small town with the diverse culture of a hip and vibrant city.

But none of those reasons fully capture the power of making a difference in the lives of students.

Across Providence, more than one-third of eighth graders are behind in reading, which puts them at a disadvantage when they enter high school and increases the likelihood they will drop out. When a student drops out of school, it has a lasting effect not only on that student’s future, but also on our communities and society as a whole.
You can be a part of the solution by joining City Year Providence!

Since 1993, City Year Providence has made a difference in Providence’s most under-resourced schools by deploying more than 1,100 AmeriCorps members who have collectively given over 2.5 million hours of service.

Take a look at 10 incredible things City Year Providence AmeriCorps members get to do every day and see how they are making a positive and lasting impact.

1. Serve as mentors

We build positive relationships with our students by serving as consistent and caring mentors and role models. Every child needs at least one adult they can trust who believes in them, listens to them and supports their success.

2. Get students excited about school

Every morning we sing, dance, cheer and high-five students as they walk into school to get everyone excited for another day of learning. For many of the students we serve, just getting to school can be a challenge so we celebrate them for showing up!

3. Improve school culture and climate

We create an inclusive environment where students feel a sense of belonging. When students feel safe and supported at school, both behavioral and academic outcomes improve.

The students of Young Woods are sharing how they will take a stand and lend a hand against bullying! #cyfirstflight #makebetterhappen #cypvd pic.twitter.com/R3FNKYckzU

4. Help students develop social-emotional skills

We run small group social-emotional skill-building sessions with our students to help them navigate conflict and manage emotions. Research shows that social-emotional skills are critical for workforce and career readiness.

Miss Jamie did an activity called surf the angry sea with her SEL students. A positive activity where the students can show the things that make them angry but also think of ways that they can ride that wave! #cyfirstflight #cypvd pic.twitter.com/h2uTnbIt0u

City Year PVD @ Young Woods (@CYYoungWoods) February 21, 2019

Learn more about some of the research-based tools City Year AmeriCorps members use every day to promote student’s social, emotional and academic growth, such as the Clover Model.

5. Provide academic support in math and English

We add additional capacity in the classroom by working closely with teachers. We also use data to monitor student progress and provide one-on-one and small group instruction in math and English to help students stay on track to graduate.

6. Keep students engaged

We help redirect students so they can stay focused and engaged. By knowing our students’ unique strengths and challenges and encouraging them to build on their talents and skills, we know how to keep them motivated and ready to learn.

Push ups for progress! Mr. Kevin rewards student progress with some active engagement. #cypvd #makebetterhappen #cyfirstflight #wedoitforthekids pic.twitter.com/kBR19rykUS

City Year PVD @ Young Woods (@CYYoungWoods) October 4, 2018

7. Plan fun events and activities

We host a lot of different events for our students, their families and the community, including: student service projects and academic-focused events like Pi Day celebrations and financial literacy nights.

Ready to serve with City Year? Connect with us: