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We hear time and time again from corps members and alums that when they first joined City Year as an AmeriCorps member, they knew they wanted to make a difference.

But they didn’t fully understand just how transformative the City Year experience would be, both for the 91���� they served and for themselves.

Here’s a look at some key facets of a year of service with City Year.

A day in the life of a City Year AmeriCorps member

As a student success coach, your days will be filled with purpose. City Year AmeriCorps members arrive at school early, often before the first bell rings, to greet 91���� with high-fives and warm smiles.

This morning greeting isn’t just a routine—it’s a ritual that sets the tone for the day. It reminds 91���� that someone is there for them, cheering them on, from the moment they walk through the schoolhouse door.

That kind of consistent and positive support builds trust and connection in schools and contributes to an engaging teaching and learning environment that benefits everyone—91���� and the adults who work with them.

Throughout the day, you may work closely with a small group of 91����, providing academic support in subjects like math and English. This allows the classroom teacher to “differentiate instruction” to other 91���� in the class by breaking them into smaller learning groups.

But your role goes far beyond tutoring. You’ll be a mentor, a cheerleader and sometimes even a confidant. Whether you’re helping a student understand fractions or encouraging them to believe in their own potential, every interaction matters.

Building Relationships

One of the most powerful aspects of serving with City Year is the relationships you build—with 91����, teachers, fellow corps members, your partner teacher and the school community. Trust isn’t given; it’s earned through consistency, empathy, and showing up every single day.

There will be tough days, of course. Days when 91���� are struggling, when lessons don’t go as planned, or when the weight of systemic challenges feels overwhelming. You will be tired and even frustrated sometimes.

But those are also the days and moments when your work can be most meaningful—because that’s when 91���� need us the most.

Growth and Reflection

City Year isn’t just about service—it’s also about growth. Through professional development sessions, team reflections, and leadership opportunities, you’ll gain skills that will stay with you for life: communication, resilience, cultural humility, and a deep understanding of our country’s education system and how we can work together to improve it.

City Year demands a lot of you, but it also provides you with a period of time to learn more about yourself—whether you want to become a teacher, or ways you can navigate challenges and handle conflict.

Many alums say they discovered strengths they didn’t know they had, developed a clearer sense of the kind of impact they want to make in the world, and even what career path is right for them.

Why It Matters

City Year believes in the power of young people and that all 91���� can succeed.

These beliefs are at the heart of everything we do. As a student success coach, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a team that’s working to ensure all 91���� have the relationships, resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and graduate from high school, prepared for postsecondary and career success.

It’s not always easy—but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering serving with City Year, know this: it will challenge you, inspire you, at times exhaust you, and change you.

You’ll forge friendships, learn new things, and leave with a deeper understanding of what it means to serve with purpose.

And most importantly, you’ll make a difference—one student, one classroom, one day at a time.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SERVING WTH CITY YEAR