Who can participate?

A Way With Words & Numbers offers 20-hour administrative assistantships for students enrolled full-time in any MU graduate program. The assistantships are very competitive.

IMPORTANT! These programs rely heavily on federal work-study funding, so IN ORDER TO BE HIRED FOR THIS POSITION YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FAFSA. To determine your eligibility simply complete the free online FAFSA form. The form can be accessed by visiting http://sfa.missouri.edu, and clicking FAFSA Electronic Version. Click on Gather documents and information before you begin so you can be sure you have what you need to complete the form. Be aware that student loans, scholarships, and fellowships may impact your eligibility! Also keep in mind that if you were not work-study eligible as an undergraduate, your status may change when applying as a graduate student.

What will I do?

• Program administration and service
• You will lead a team of literacy and math tutors (both work-study students and volunteers) in providing tutoring to elementary school children or students at community organizations.
• You will communicate with the site contact regarding the program.
• Training
• You will facilitate on-going training for tutors at bi-weekly tutor meetings.
• Supervision
• You will monitor and respond to weekly reports sent by your tutors.
• You will monitor the tutor's time spent at the site, including scheduling all tutoring sessions.
• Tutor Recruitment and Retainment
• You will help out with recruitment efforts throughout the year.
• You will do your best to ensure that tutors have had an enjoyable, beneficial experience and will return to the program.

• As a site coordinator you will also have constant communication with your supervisors in the form of meetings, weekly reports, etc.
• This assistantship requires interest and/or background in leadership, group work, and service learning.
• Compensation includes a 12-credit hour tuition waiver (if allowed by the student's department) and a competitive hourly pay rate.

What are the benefits of the program?

• Allows work-study students to earn money while in college.
• Allows students to be invaluable members of the community.
• Delivers direct service to members of the community.
• You help students master the important skills of reading and math.
• You are given the opportunity to serve as a positive, supportive mentor and develop relationships with the students.
• Promotes a spirit of helping and service to everyone involved.
• Challenges students to participate in solving serious social issues.

Professional and Educational Gains:

• Schools and agencies receive hardworking, prospective employees and volunteers.
• Students gain valuable experience by working in a professional setting.
• Including practical job skills such as supervision, responsibility, communication, punctuality, professional dress and behavior, and working with both children and authority figures.
• Students gain job skills in new areas and experience for resumes.
• Students gain beneficial career exploration.
• By reflecting on your experiences, you will learn a great deal about yourself and how you might fit into the world of work. Some tutors/site coordinators have even decided to change their major as a result of their experience.

What do current site coordinators have to say about the program?

"I feel as though professionally I have gained valuable management skills through training, supervising, etc."

• Dana Bocke, 3rd year Site Coordinator

"Not only has working with this program been an invaluable experience professionally, it has also been a lot of fun! I love my co-workers and the work environment. It has been the best way to meet new people and feel connected to the school counseling program.

• Lillian Dean, 2nd year Site Coordinator

"I love our program more than I can put into words. On a daily basis I get to do things that actually help people. I couldn't see myself in a better position to provide outreach and support to our community."

• Johnny Guyton, 2nd year Site Coordinator

How do I apply?