Driven Student Corps
Driven Student Corps (DSC) provides the opportunity for local college students to dedicate a year of part-time service to the Driven 2 Succeed program as a high impact tutor and mentor.
Our Program
From kindergarten to college, Driven Student Corps Members are there to support students throughout their matriculation process and prepare them for the world beyond the classroom. The Driven Student Corps Program consists of two pathways in which applicants may enroll including Driven Student Guides (DSGs) and Driven Student Leaders (DSLs). Driven Student Guides are high-achieving college students, with varying majors, who are hired through the Public Service Federal Work Study program to lead academic interventions in community learning centers. Driven Student Leaders are junior, senior, or graduate level students, majoring in elementary and secondary education, who work alongside K-12 teachers. DSLs provide tutoring and student teaching support in math and literacy classes.
Our Model
Driven Student Corps Members serve in a diverse group with 4 to 10 other team members from local colleges and universities. Each team is led by a Raising A Village Site Lead, who spearheads training, school partnerships and also directs the team in decisions that are made concerning service delivery. DSGs and DSLs support their students through one-on-one instruction and small group work in math, literacy, and college readiness.
Our Values
Students with additional educational opportunities and near-peer tutors and mentors, improve substantially in academic performance. By providing a safe and supportive environment, students are prepared for school and beyond. It is our goal and role to create clear pathways to productive citizenship by giving students the necessary tools to thrive in school, community, and life. We do this by implementing the following four core values.
Community Minded
At Raising A Village, we are socially concerned with supporting the communities we serve. When a partnership is garnered, we enter the relationship with our hearts, ears, and eyes open to seek the good that is already there to journey with communities in whatever reconciling work they desire to accomplish.
Consistency
Consistency is connected to the longevity and quality of relationships. Providing consistency in relationships not only builds trust between the student and mentor, but also provides an example for students so that they understand the importance of their actions matching their words.
Companionship
Driven Student Corps Members and volunteers are near-peer companions to our D2S learners in schools and community learning centers. Along with academic interventions, they serve as positive role models, responsible companions, and a safe space for students at all times.
Completion of Assignments
Assignment completion is a strategy we believe in that is designed to enable students to complete and hand in assignments on time. With every service and every session, D2S uses assignment tracking tools to help students take initiative and responsibility for completing a task.
Driven Student Corps Brochure
Eligibility Requirements
Must be at least 18 years of age
Legally authorized to work in the United States, as we do not sponsor employment visas.
Attend a RAV partner college or university
2.5 grade point average
Commit to working 1 to 2 days a week
Driven Student Leaders commit to 4-6 hours a week
Driven Student Guides commit to 8-10 hours a week
Be willing to communicate regularly with your supervisor and submit weekly meeting and activity information
Agree to attend trainings as required
Have access to an automobile or reliable transportation
Be able to pass a background check
Adhere to our policy of no alcohol or controlled substance usage while serving in an official RAV capacity
How to Apply
Please email us at driven@raisingavillage.org and type “Driven Student Corps Member Interest” in the subject line. In your introductory email, provide your resume and current class schedule. A RAV staff member will contact you to follow up on your request.
Our Benefits
As a Driven Student Corps Member, you will not only make an impact in the lives of the students and the communities you serve, you will also grow as an individual. During your fall and spring semester you will receive:
Uniform and free RAV swag
Days off during college/university spring break and final exams
Valuable training and professional development experience
Bi-weekly paycheck or stipend
Monthly stipends to off-set travel expenses
Interaction with other peers from local colleges and universities
It is very rewarding for a student to tell me that they were attending the services because I was there on those specific days.