Youth Development Mentor

About the role

PASS AmeriCorps is a mentoring and leadership program for at‑promise youth in gang‑impacted neighborhoods at various school sites in San Diego County serving youth grades 3‑12. The program seeks 35 full‑time members to provide prevention and intervention services in partnering schools. In collaboration with school staff, members improve academics, school engagement, and attendance by building meaningful mentoring relationships, delivering 1:1 and small‑group character‑building sessions, offering academic assistance, creating a safe space for students, and fostering a positive school climate through monthly school‑wide engagement projects. Members serve individually or in pairs at one of 30 partnering schools in Oceanside, Vista, Valley Center, Escondido, Spring Valley, and San Diego.

Responsibilities

• Provide meaningful mentoring relationships to students.
• Conduct 1:1 and small‑group character‑building sessions.
• Offer academic assistance and support.
• Maintain a safe space for students.
• Foster a positive school climate through monthly school‑wide engagement projects.
• Collaborate with school staff and attend/serve at events with fellow AmeriCorps members.
• Participate in weekly/monthly meetings and professional training.
• Engage in networking opportunities within the school site, PASS AmeriCorps program, SDCOE, and community partners.

Qualifications

• 22 years of age or older.
• Associate degree or higher.
• Car highly recommended with a valid driver’s license and insurance.
• Preferred 1‑2 years’ experience working with youth.
• Spanish‑speaking ability is a plus.
• Must complete the SDCOE and AmeriCorps applications, including fingerprinting and background check.

Benefits

• Extensive orientation and ongoing support/coaching.
• Weekly/monthly meetings and professional training on service‑relevant topics.
• Career development and networking opportunities within the school site, PASS AmeriCorps program, SDCOE, and community partners.
• CalFresh eligibility, health insurance benefits, and childcare assistance.
• Upon successful completion of the service term, full‑time members receive a $7,395 Segal Educational Award and a $2,605 California For All Educational Award (total $10,000), both considered taxable income and contingent on final state budget appropriation.
• Education awards may be used to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions, repay qualified student loans, or both.
• Members who relocate for service may be eligible for a relocation reimbursement of up to $300 after completing program clearance and beginning service at their assigned school site.

Pay

Member Living Allowance: $3,000 per month.

Schedule

10‑month service term (September 2026 – June 2027) / 1,700 hours; serving Monday‑Friday before, during, and after school hours (approximately 9 hrs/day); some weeknight and weekend days required.