Official Website

Visit Communities in Schools of Philadelphia's official website: www.cisphl.org

Partners

The Digital Service Fellows AmeriCorps Program is a collaborative initiative with the School District of Philadelphia and is part of the Urban Technology Project.

The School District of Philadelphia The School District of Philadelphia
The Urban Technology Project The Urban Technology Project

Digital Service Fellows (DSF) AmeriCorps Program

Our Mission

Now in its 10th year, the Digital Service Fellows (DSF) is an award-winning AmeriCorps program for recent Philadelphia high school graduates interested in information technology and in serving their communities. The DSF program is part of the Urban Technology Project (UTP), which empowers communities through meaningful access to technology. The DSF AmeriCorps program is a joint initiative between Communities In Schools of Philadelphia, Inc. and the School District of Philadelphia.

Our Model

The DSF program fulfills its mission to empower communities through a combination of technology apprenticeship and direct service. As Digital Service Fellows learn new technology skills, they pass on these skills to students, teachers, staff and other members of their communities.

Technology Apprenticeship

DSFs serve in the School District for a full year under the direct mentorship of I.T. professionals and learn most of their technology skills on the job. This model is a win-win for Fellows, mentors and for Philadelphia schools. DSFs learn the ins and outs of the I.T. field; mentors receive daily assistance in executing the duties of their job; and schools benefit from much needed technical support.

The on-the-job training is supplemented with training toward I.T. industry certifications, which include:
  • AppleCare Helpdesk
  • CompTIA A+ and additional certifications

To prepare DSFs to work successfully in an I.T. environment the program provides soft skills training, and as well as enrollment in computer courses at the Community College of Philadelphia.

Service in Schools and Communities

As AmeriCorps members, the Digital Service Fellows understand the importance of providing service to their schools and communities. DSFs are given the opportunity to create and facilitate in-school and after-school technology clubs for students of all ages. These technology clubs get students excited about technology and also connect students with positive and caring role models. Throughout the year, DSFs also participate in service projects to meet a variety of community needs.

What's Next

After completing their year of service DSFs each receive a $5,350.00 Segal Education Award that can be used for any accredited learning institution. Outstanding DSFs can apply for the Computer Support Specialist (CSS) Program, a PA Department of Labor registered I.T. Apprenticeship program within the Urban Technology Project. Many DSFs go on to higher education institutions and/or find meaningful work in their desired field.

Eligibility and Commitment

To be eligible you must:

  1. Be between 17 and 24 years of age
  2. Have a high school diploma or GED
  3. Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
  4. Submit a completed 2012-2013 application

Service Commitment

  1. Full time commitment: 1700 hours of service minimum (40 hrs/week)
  2. 52 weeks of Service: August 2012 to August 2013
  3. Evening and weekend service opportunities

Benefits (list is not exhaustive)

  1. $12,100 Living Allowance
  2. $5,350.00 Eli Segal Educational Award
  3. Health care benefits
  4. Monthly SEPTA transpass
  5. Educational loan forbearance
  6. Access to tools and equipment (laptop, software, etc)
  7. Instruction in and vouchers for I.T. industry certifications (OSX, Comp TIA, Adobe)
  8. Enrollment in Community College of Philadelphia courses (up to 4 credits possible)
  9. Uniform

How To Apply

All interested candidates must submit the 2012 - 2013 DSF AmeriCorps application by May 1st, 2012. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but final decisions are made by the end of June 2012.

Contact Us

For more information about our program or the application process please contact our office at (215)-299-4680 or email us:

Crista Collins
Program Manager
ccollins@cisphl.org

We would be glad to answer any of your questions, and look forward to hearing from you!