Cuyama Connection Fellow (Blue Sky Center), ACC

Lead For America • New Cuyama, CA

2h • Onsite

About The Position

The Cuyama Connection Fellow is a full-time American Connection Corps (ACC) AmeriCorps service position hosted by Blue Sky Center, a rural, place-based nonprofit serving the Cuyama Valley in inland Central California. The Fellow supports Blue Sky Center’s creative community engagement and economic development work, helping advance community priorities through staff-directed outreach, research, information sharing, events, workshops, and approved program activities. The role emphasizes community storytelling, participation, data collection, and hands-on community building while strengthening access to opportunity in a rural community of approximately 1,100 residents.

The Fellow serves under the supervision and direction of designated Blue Sky Center staff and must follow the approved AmeriCorps service assignment. The Fellow does not independently manage programs, organizational operations, grants, budgets, staff, or contracts; replace staff positions; make funding decisions; or provide preferential or individualized services to for-profit businesses. Public communications and promotional materials require staff review and approval.

The service term is December 7, 2026, through August 13, 2027. Members serve approximately 40 hours per week and complete 1,200 service hours. The position includes structured training and professional development, including national cohort orientation and an in-person Winter Institute, twice-monthly virtual training, a community listening tour, and support from a Lead For America Program Coordinator and peer cohort.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Be at least 17 years old by the start of service.
• Have served fewer than four AmeriCorps State/National terms.
• Demonstrate a passion for community service and connecting neighbors with digital tools, skills, and opportunities.
• Have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in gaining experience in community development or digital inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Advance the Cuyama Valley Community Action Plan, Cuyama Futures report, and Cuyama Catalyst report by assisting staff with working-group facilitation, coordination, and distribution of staff-reviewed research and data.
• Assist staff with developing and delivering creative and economic programs and community engagement activities across Blue Sky Center programs.
• Help host community events, trainings, workshops, and outreach, and support staff-directed efforts to reach residents throughout the Cuyama Valley.
• Assist with approved food security and food-systems activities, including community education, outreach, and resource sharing.
• Assist with developing promotional materials and designs, and help publish accurate, authentic, community-informed stories and information, subject to staff review and approval.
• Organize resources and participation-tracking systems; maintain accurate participation records and compile data for staff review, reporting, and evaluation.
• Support staff-led regional economic development strategies through community-wide outreach, research, information sharing, and engagement.
• Help identify and share information about community-driven economic projects and initiatives that support community-wide needs and sustainable growth.
• Support regular, staff-approved communications and promotional materials that increase tourism and promote the Cuyama Valley as a destination.
• Conduct research and assist staff with preparing information for potential grants or other resources that support approved community service activities, in accordance with AmeriCorps requirements and program policies.
• Support staff-led, community-wide efforts related to local businesses and entrepreneurs through general information, public resource sharing, and approved outreach.

Benefits

• A $23,300 living stipend, dispersed biweekly over the service term.
• A $5,220 Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps, usable for eligible education expenses after the program, including repayment of qualifying student loans.
• Healthcare coverage, if applicable.
• Access to childcare benefits.
• Student loan forbearance during the service year.
• Fully funded ACC Winter Institute, including travel, lodging, and a per diem stipend.
• Structured training and support, including virtual orientation, twice-monthly training, a community listening tour, dedicated program coordinator support, and peer pod meetings.
• Access to a national network of ACC Members, alumni, and community partners.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED