What KEYS Members Do

Youth at the Carnegie Library BLAST program work with a member to explore “Peculiar Planets and Exotic Places.”

Our members are placed in schools and community-based organizations such as YMCAs, after-school programs, family support centers, and others. These schools and organizations are located throughout the Pittsburgh, PA region and allow us to reach those youth who are most in need of the help we can give.

Our main program goals revolve around Education, Mentoring, and Community Service.

Education

Our members work hand-in-hand with teachers and after-school personnel to help the youth they serve with the completion of their homework and classwork.

Some of our school-based members are placed directly in a classroom where they assist teachers with groups of kids - giving additional support to the students.

These members might follow the same group of students throughout the day or stay with the same teacher for all or part of the day working with different groups.

Some of our in-school members work one-on-one or in small groups with kids throughout the day. The kids will come to them during class or study halls for individual help.

Mentoring

It's more than "the big talks". Sometimes being a mentor is playing ball with a kid.

Sometimes it's helping them learn to talk instead of fight. Sometimes it's helping them write a poem or paint a picture. Sometimes it's just being there to listen. If they know you care about them and they can depend on you, every moment spent with them will be mentoring. Your time and your actions will speak much louder than your words.

Community Service

Ask any kid what they don't like about their community and they'll have a list a mile long. Ask them what they're doing to make a difference and you'll be met with protests - "I'm just a kid! There's nothing I can do!"

Our members work with youth to help them find ways they can become active members of their communities by making positive changes. Projects might be as simple as collecting toys and books for a shelter or as complex as creating a community celebration or painting a mural. Each member works with their kids to find a project that works for what they have to offer.

What does a member's day look like?

KEYS members perform a variety of services in the course of their day. I think any of our members would tell you there's no such thing as a "typical" day. Each member's duties vary according to their sites, the needs of their kids and the member's talents and skills.

In-School Placement
For a member based in a school, their typical day might start around 7:30 am- getting kids geared up to start the day or getting their paperwork in order.
Some of our school-based members are placed directly in a classroom where they assist teachers with groups of kids- giving additional support to the students.
These members might follow the same group of students throughout the day or stay with the same teacher for all or part of the day working with different groups.
Some of our in-school members work one-on-one or in small groups with their kids throughout the day. The kids will come to them during class or study halls for individual help.

Some of our members then transition to after-school programming where they continue with homework help and other activities ranging from sports to arts to clubs to creating plays and talent shows.

Out-of-School Placement
Some members are placed with after-school programs at local YMCAs, faith-based organizations and other community centers.

These members typically start at the after-school programs before their kids arrive. The first part of their day is spent on paperwork, preparing for the day, or getting supplies and activities ready. The after-school program might start with the members helping serve food or snacks to the youth, then transitioning into homework time. After homework, it's time for recreation!

Members are encouraged to use their skills, talents and interests when working with the kids. We've had members leading art projects, poetry slams, dance workshops, soap-making, jewelry design, play-writing, computer classes, story-telling... and more! Sites are always looking for new skills and ideas for their kids. Whatever your interests and talents are, chances are we can find a way to help you develop that into a mentoring opportunity for our youth.

What kind of training do you provide?

When a member first starts with the program, we have a period of "Pre-Service Training" (PST). PST focuses on topics members need to know in order to have a successful year. These typically include "What is AmeriCorps?," "What is KEYS Service Corps?," documentation, mentoring training, how to assist students with their homework and classwork, how to handle situations that may occur during your term of service, and teamwork.

KEYS Service Corps members aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.