The Teton Science Schools (TSS) AmeriCorps program develops service members as educators. Our service members are actively engaged in growing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) literacy in the community. Through involvement with TSS and other local partners, service members develop resources, empower citizens, and enact lasting change in Jackson Hole. Are you ready to serve in the Jackson Hole community through TSS AmeriCorps?
My [TSS] AmeriCorps experience was life changing. I came to TSS after college with a gigantic passion [for] Environmental Education, but not a lot of experience. My AmeriCorps experience was a direct stepping stone towards working professionally as an environmental educator. AmeriCorps at TSS is quite arguably one of the best AmeriCorps programs in the country and I will take with me what I learned for the rest of my life!
TSS AmeriCorps Service Member
About TSS AmeriCorps
Teton Science Schools started hosting AmeriCorps service members in the summer of 2009. Since then, the TSS AmeriCorps program has grown to host more than 40 service members each year, at multiple service locations in the Jackson Hole community. We offer multiple service terms each year at TSS in Field Education, and also help place members at our partner Host Sites. AmeriCorps members live on the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools. Upon successful completion of their service term, members will receive an Education Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Funding for the AmeriCorps Program at TSS comes from Serve Wyoming, the AmeriCorps State chapter of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Teton Science Schools AmeriCorps to Date (Since 2009)
400
TSS AmeriCorps Service Members
15,000
hours of service to community organizations
46
local non-profit and government organizations served
Why STEM Literacy?
By developing STEM literacy, we empower citizens to apply scientific knowledge, concepts and processes towards personal decision making, economic productivity and participation in civic and cultural affairs.
Our focus on STEM literacy aligns with TSS’ mission to inspire curiosity, engagement and leadership through transformative place-based education. It also leverages the strength of TSS to address the growing need for a scientifically engaged and literate citizenry.
Two service opportunities in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
TSS Field Education AmeriCorps Service Members serve the majority of their term with TSS Field Education
The goal of this service term is to empower AmeriCorps members to build the capacity of Teton Science Schools to grow STEM literacy within our visiting and local participant base. Service members develop and implement projects that are key to maintaining quality programming at TSS and teach visiting school groups. Service members also choose an additional community partner organization at which to complete an additional project that furthers STEM literacy within the community. All service members receive training at TSS in the foundations of AmeriCorps service, basics in lesson planning and design, and foundations in science literacy. All service members are provided with room and board on the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools.
TSS hosts members during three terms of service each year – winter/spring (675 hours), summer and fall (both 450 hours).
TSS AmeriCorps Host Site Partner Service Members serve the majority of their term with partner organizations outside of TSS
As a Hub Site for AmeriCorps, the TSS AmeriCorps program helps place members at select Host Site partner organizations in the Jackson community. Host Site Partner service members serve directly at partner organizations, engaging in projects that further STEM literacy directly at those organizations. Current examples of Host Site Partners include the Teton Raptor Center, the Teton Literacy Center, and Teton Youth and Family Services. Service members also choose an additional community partner organization at which to complete an additional project that furthers STEM literacy within the community.
Similar to members serving directly at TSS, all Host Site Partner service members receive training at TSS in the foundations of AmeriCorps service, basics in lesson planning and design, and foundations in science literacy. All service members are provided with room and board on the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools.
Service opportunities with Host Site partner organizations vary in term length. Most often term lengths are 900 to 1200 hours and are roughly aligned with the school year calendar.
Take on a capacity building project suited to your passions
AmeriCorps service members build the capacity of TSS as well as local non-profits and governmental agencies involved in STEM education.
Capacity building refers to activities that expand the scale, reach, efficiency or effectiveness of programs and organizations. Such activities may expand service, enhance delivery of services or generate additional resources.
AmeriCorps members have worked with local organizations on capacity building projects including:
Building and maintaining trails in Star Valley, WY for community use, in conjunction with developing trail guides that teach the user about local ecology
Creating website pages and content on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for Harvard’s Encyclopedia of Life
Developing online trainings for new TSS staff on various content areas of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Designing and enhancing curriculum and signage at Vertical Harvest to increase the public’s awareness on micro-greens and local food systems
Developing activities and curriculum for the Teton Raptor Center to develop citizen science skill in raptor identification
Creating and implementing curricular resources for “Trout in the Classroom” in Elementary classrooms in Driggs and Victor, Idaho with Friends of the Teton River.
Become a Partner
Is your organization interested in hosting a Teton Science Schools AmeriCorps member?
Our AmeriCorps service members come from different backgrounds, but they all share a passion for place-based education! Learn more about our current cohort.
