For 8 weeks over the summer, Summer Reads members will help schools and organizations across Minnesota with emerging needs in education and more. VISTAs will bring literacy to life for children and youth through a variety of activities, including distance learning or in-person learning (following CDC and Minnesota Public Health guidelines), one-on-one tutoring, creative enrichment activities, using arts and drama to explore language, practicing vocabulary and comprehension in science and other subjects, and more. Summer Reads members will help summer programs with meal distribution to youth and families, will help youth and families access and navigate much-needed community resources, and work on other projects identified by sites. 

With school and many aspects of our lives upended recently due to the COVID19 pandemic, especially so for people living at or near poverty level, this summer will be a particularly crucial time to help low-income children, youth and families with education, food insecurity, and breaking down barriers to education and economic security. 

Summer Reads members typically serve with one or two placement sites Monday-Friday (daytime hours) from June 15 - August 9, 2020. Site placements available in many locations statewide. 

Virtual service opportunities may be available, and all interviews take place by phone or video conference.

Summer Reads service this summer may provide a bridge to a career or continued service for the thousands of Minnesotans who already have lost jobs or upcoming summer internships. 

UPDATE: We are no longer accepting applications for 2020. Please check back in March 2021 for information about applying for summer 2021.

Benefits and eligibility

• Must be 18 by service start date 

• Must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or DACA recipient 

• Must serve full-time for 8 weeks from June through August, or 10 weeks for Outreach Specialists (alternate service terms may be available)

• Choice of $1,311 Education Award or $276 post-service cash stipend (Education Award only available to U.S. Citizens; U.S. Nationals; or Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens)

• Bi-weekly living allowance of approximately $491 (Twin Cities) or $479 (greater Minnesota) 

• Training and professional development

• Public benefits will not be affected by service 

• Individuals who receive unemployment benefits prior to service will still be able to continue receiving those benefits after service ends

• Click here for more information about benefits

Apply for a Summer Reads position

Questions?

Please contact Sean at sryan@literacymn.org, 651-251-9066.