Stewards VISTA: NEEF - Casa Grande Ruins National ...

Stewards VISTA: NEEF - Casa Grande Ruins National MonumentCasa Grande Ruins National Monument will plan and establish a pilot phenology monitoring program, Plants, Pollinators, and People: Piloting Citizen Science at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument (CAGR). The goal of the proposed program is to connect students to science outside of the classroom through real world observations while investigating the relationships between plants, pollinators, and people in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. Through the Greening STEM model, students will participate in citizen science and engage with resource & cultural management issues. CAGR will re-establish a partnership with one 21st CCLC site and serve 3rd-5th grade students in an after-school program at Imagine Coolidge Elementary School in Coolidge, AZ. The school serves approximately 651 students in grades K-5; minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 62% (majority Hispanic). Imagine Coolidge Elementary school ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for ''most diverse schools''. Currently, the park offers educational programming (virtually and in-person) to out-of-state and local K-12 school groups. Our primary audience is 3rd & 4th grade students as our site''s history ties directly into 3rd & 4th grade Arizona state social studies standards. We are largely focused on cultural history and our educational programming has reflected that. This has resulted in a large gap in STEM programming. We are hoping to address this gap through by establishing a pilot phenology monitoring garden at our newly planted pollinator garden. VISTA will work closely with the Education Coordinator and Park Guide at CAGR, and the 21st CCLC partner to research, develop and implement program plans that align with Next Generation Science Standards, Greening STEM principles, and relevant resource concerns significant to CAGR.Member Duties : Develop and implement programming for NPS-21stCCLC Grant Program and other Casa Grande Ruins National Monument programs. Work with staff in the preparation and submission of grant proposals to secure future funding to continue program beyond the initial grant as needed. Work to obtain in-kind program support. Work on digital community engagement efforts to keep community members informed on program activities and accomplishments. Development(s) with project partners and the local community. Serve as liaison with NPS unit while conducting outreach to 21st CCLC programs and local K-12 schools and student groups (after-school programs, out-of-school programs, clubs, etc.). Gather ideas and opportunities for growth. Track Performance Measures and submit quarterly and final progress reports inclusive of qualitative and quantitative data for all areas of work.Program Benefits : Childcare assistance if eligible , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Health Coverage* , Training , Relocation Allowance , Living Allowance , Housing Assistance. Professional Dev. .*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit : Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended .Service Areas : Education , Environment .Skills : Education , Environment .

Created: 2025-10-04