Portland Public Schools – Deering High School – Make It Happen! Youth Engagement Specialist

Empower the next generation – support students at Deering High School in unlocking their potential, building confidence, and shaping healthier, more equitable futures.

Located in Maine’s largest and most diverse school district, Portland Public Schools serves approximately 6,500 students in pre-K through grade 12, with about one-third from homes where a language other than English is spoken, representing more than 50 languages. Portland is a vibrant coastal city, offering historic charm, artistic flair, a thriving culinary scene, and abundant outdoor recreation. Personal transportation is encouraged due to the nature of the project and Maine’s rural geography.

The AmeriCorps member will support multilingual students at Portland Public Schools through academic coaching, social-emotional learning, and leadership development. By fostering confidence, engagement, and access to educational opportunities, the member helps reduce stress and promote mental well-being, while supporting long-term health equity and positive life outcomes. Through individualized guidance, promotion of advanced coursework, and encouragement of civic and community participation, the member addresses key social determinants of health, empowering students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

As the Make It Happen! Youth Engagement Specialist, the AmeriCorps member in this role will:

• Provide individualized academic support for high school students, including homework help, college essay writing and review, Common App guidance, college visits, job interviews, FAFSA/CSS Profile assistance, and scholarship applications
• Conduct academic coaching and promote enrollment in AP and Honors courses
• Engage students in building strong academic, civic, professional, and personal profiles
• Facilitate cohort-based programming and create safe, supportive spaces for youth to reflect, take risks, and share experiences
• Mentor students using a strength-based approach, applying the Clover Model framework to assess strengths and challenges
• Develop and implement strategies for social-emotional learning and interventions
• Foster civic engagement through leadership, community service, and professional development opportunities
• Collaborate with guidance counselors, teachers, administrators, and community partners to design student-centered approaches
• Utilize data to inform interventions, track progress, and report youth development accomplishments
• Develop and maintain relationships with students, families, teachers, counselors, and community partners
• Coordinate and participate in meetings, professional development, and organizational activities
• Travel to partner organizations and community locations as required

In addition to AmeriCorps benefits, including a stipend, education award, and health insurance, site benefits include reimbursement for mileage expenses associated with project-related travel from the host site
at the rate that the organization reimburses existing volunteers and/or staff, Portland Public School Teacher Professional Development, and parking and/or public transportation commuting expenses supported by the host site.

Already have a MyAmeriCorps account and want to apply for this specific role? You can find that listing on MyAmeriCorps here.