US-Brazil Connect, the Brazilian Confederation of Industry, the National Industrial Apprenticeship Service of Brazil (SENAI), the Social Service for Industry of Brazil (SESI), and the United States Embassy in Brazil celebrate the leadership of four U.S. community colleges in the expansion of the US-Brazil Partnership for Skills/World Connect.  This year, the Partnership will send 50 U.S. fellows to six different sites in Brazil for a four-week paid fellowship engaging 700 Brazilian students.

“Brazil is an economic and democratic power the United States needs as a partner,” saidJohn Matel, Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Brazil.  “Creating this partnership is not just the work of diplomats. US-Brazil Connect demonstrates how community colleges can play a leadership role to connect their students, communities and businesses to build mutually-beneficial relationships.”  

Community colleges in the United States enroll nearly half of undergraduates in the nation—just over 13 million students.  In Brazil, SENAI and SESI operate a network of schools, laboratories, and technology centers, comprising the largest technical and professional education complex in Latin America. 

“Our 2012 Partnership with US-Brazil Connect demonstrated impressive results,” said Sergio Moreira, Deputy Director for Education and Technology at Brazil’s National Confederation of Industries (CNI). “We are applying what worked last year to a larger scale, creating an affordable and replicable model to bring hundreds of young people from both countries together to develop their skills and abilities.”

According to Jane Karas, chair-elect of the American Association of Community Colleges and President of Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, MT, this collaboration is a natural fit. “This partnership will increase opportunities for our nation’s community colleges while creating new opportunities for students in Brazil,” she said.  “We are excited to strengthen our international presence while preparing our students for a growing global economy.”

The expansion in 2013 builds on the success of the pilot program in Salvador, Bahia and works to achieve three goals:  (1) build the global leadership skills of US-Brazil Connect Fellows; (2) improve English skills of Brazilian students; and (3) strengthen institutional connections between Brazil’s technical education system and U.S. community colleges.  This year, the Partnership is implemented in the United States through the leadership of Flathead Valley Community College, Jackson Community College, Red Rocks Community College, and Northwestern Michigan College. 

“Community colleges must lead in building global connections,” said Dan Phelan, President of Jackson Community College. “It’s vital that our students attain a high level of global and cultural competence, and our efforts with US-Brazil Connect further that goal.  Indeed, this year Jackson Community College is pleased to expand our work with Brazil as we send a team of nine professionals and thirteen students to three Brazilian cities.”

This enthusiasm for engagement is felt throughout the US-Brazil Connect community college network.

“US-Brazil Connect and our member colleges are proud to partner with SENAI and SESI in Brazil,” said Mary Gershwin, President of US-Brazil Connect. “This partnership does more than create academic exchange.  It models how two large systems — in this case community colleges in the U.S. and the SENAI/SESI system in Brazil — can come together in an affordable, accessible, and sustainable way to meet the needs of students and communities.”

To view a 2-minute video on the process of US-Brazil Connect, click here.

Approx. 5-10 hrs.week Feb-June), then shifts to full-time for one month in Brazil (June or July travel dates).

SEND Cover letter and resume to Meg Barritt by Monday, Feb 11th megbarritt@us-brazil.org

The Team Coordinator and Team Leaders share these leadership responsibilities:

• Serve as a key member of the US-Brazil Connect Leadership Team; provide input and assist with planning to achieve overall goals and objectives. Work collaboratively with Program Manager and other members of the Leadership Team.
• Provide team leadership, ensuring the program remains true to the mission, values, and goals of US-Brazil Connect and our partners
• Ensure physical and emotional safety of Fellows and U.S. team members by adhering to US-Brazil Connect and SESI/SENAI safety policies and procedures, local directives and home college policies.
• Provide support to fellows in the classroom through coaching and observation
• Support healthy group dynamics among American community college team, quickly address negative dynamics and create positive, supportive environment
• All Leadership Team Members must participate in a Leadership Team Workshop on February 23^rd and 24^th, as well as one more weekend workshop in late May or early June, TBD.

In addition, the Team Coordinator provides essential communication, coordination and logistical support:

• Act as central communication liaison between Leadership Team and US-Brazil Connect Program Manager
• Serve as key contact for Brazilian partners during implementation, including day-to-day logistics and problem-solving
• Oversee on-site coordination and logistics

The Team Leader provides essential support through coaching, team development and direct work with Brazilians:

• Directly coach a group of Brazilian students for the month-long immersion
• Provide technical assistance to Fellows to strengthen their coaching skills, lesson plans, etc.
• Actively support the creation of strong group dynamics and teamwork

Team Coordinator Job Description

Organizational Summary: US-Brazil Connect (www.us-brazil.org) links US college students (Fellows) and Brazilian technology high school students in a transformative cross-cultural learning experience. The U.S. Fellows prepare for and serve in a month-long coaching and facilitation role, designed to create a fun English immersion environment for Brazilian high school students.

Position Summary: The Team Coordinators serve as key members of the Leadership Team responsible for preparing and overseeing the on-site work of teams of 5-15 US Fellows during the month-long program in Brazil. The Team Coordinators report to the US-Brazil Connect Program Manager.

Key Responsibilities – Preparation Phase

• Serve as a key member of the US-Brazil Connect Leadership Team; provide input and assist with planning to achieve overall goals and objectives. Work collaboratively with Program Manager, other Team Coordinators and Team Leaders.
• Maintain strong and regular communication with Program Manager on team progress, challenges and questions
• Contributes part-time (approx. 5-10 hours/week) from early February through early June to prepare Fellows for program implementation in Brazil
• Attend and actively participate in a weekend-long Leadership Workshop, February 23^rd and 24^th, and Fellows Workshop ad the end of May or early June
• Facilitate the delivery of US Brazil preparation course, via a hybrid online and small group model
• Facilitate creation of healthy group dynamics among Fellows via team-building activities, online activities, and one Fellows Workshop
• Support Facebook communication between US Fellows and Brazilian high school students, led by Fellows
• Provide referral to resources or other support to fellows individually, as needed
• Collaboratively plan the course schedule for the month-long program and organization of student groups

Key Responsibilities – Implementation Phase

• Serve in a full-time leadership and coordination role for one month at one of six sites in Brazil
• Provide team leadership, ensuring the program remains true to the mission, values, and goals of US-Brazil Connect and our partners
• Ensure physical and emotional safety of Fellows and U.S. team members by adhering to US-Brazil Connect and SESI/SENAI safety policies and procedures as well as local directives
• Ensure Fellows’ adherence to own college codes of conduct and US-Brazil Connect Fellows Conduct Agreement
• Serve as key contact for relationships with local SESI/SENAI coordinators, including day-to-day logistics and problem-solving
• Maintain strong communication with Program Manager regarding progress, challenges, any Fellow status issues and emergencies
• Organize and assign American fellows to groups of Brazilian high school students, monitor course schedules, instructional pairings, and other program quality duties
• Provide support to fellows in the classroom through coaching and observation
• Support healthy group dynamics among American community college team, quickly address negative dynamics and create positive, supportive environment
• Consistently monitor program to ensure quality service delivery by Fellows
• Collect data to assess program impact and identify areas for improvement
• Adhere to standards of professional conduct, acting prudently and reasonably
• Contribute to written products produced by the team
• Lead incident response or emergency management efforts, as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Strong leadership skills required, experience leading groups preferred
• Energetic team player with ability to create an inclusive environment
• Responsible with a proven track record of being reliable and dependable
• Anticipates problems before they arise, addresses them with excellent problem solving skills
• Strong discernment required; ability to recognize own scope of responsibility and act prudently within that or to escalate relevant issues to Program Manager
• Highly organized with strong multitasking skills; interest in coordination and logistics
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to use a variety of technologies (e.g. Microsoft Office suite, social media)
• Flexibility and desire to travel to Brazil (one month during summer)
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently
• Tolerance for ambiguity and change
• Intercultural experience and experience with international exchange programs
• Familiarity with Portuguese is not required

Team Leader Job Description

Organizational Summary: US-Brazil Connect (www.us-brazil.org) links US college students (Fellows) and Brazilian technology high school students in a transformative cross-cultural learning experience. The U.S. Fellows prepare for and serve in a month-long coaching and facilitation role, designed to create a fun English immersion environment for Brazilian high school students.

Position Summary: The Team Leaders serve as key members of the Leadership Team responsible for preparing and overseeing the on-site work of teams of 5-15 US Fellows during the month-long program in Brazil. The Team Leaders report to the US-Brazil Connect Program Manager.

Key Responsibilities – Preparation Phase

Work with US Fellows

• Serve as a key member of the US-Brazil Connect Leadership Team; provide input and assist with planning to achieve overall goals and objectives. Work collaboratively with Program Manager, Team Coordinators and other Team Leaders.
• Contributes part-time (approx. 5-10 hours/week) from early February through early June to prepare Fellows for program implementation in Brazil
• Attend and actively participate in a weekend-long Leadership Workshop, February 23^rd and 24^th, and Fellows Workshop ad the end of May or early June
• Facilitate the delivery of US Brazil preparation course, via a hybrid online and small group model
• Facilitate creation of healthy group dynamics among Fellows via team-building activities, online activities, and one Fellows Workshop
• Provide referral to resources or other support to fellows individually, as needed
• Collaboratively plan the course schedule for the month-long program and organization of student groups

Work with Brazilian high school students

• Serve as a coach to a group of Brazilian students via Facebook (4 hrs/week)

Key Responsibilities – Implementation Phase

Work with US Fellows

• Serve in a full-time leadership and coaching role for one month at one of six sites in Brazil
• Provide team leadership, ensuring the program remains true to the mission, values, and goals of US-Brazil Connect and our partners
• Ensure physical and emotional safety of Fellows and U.S. team members by adhering to US-Brazil Connect and SESI/SENAI safety policies and procedures as well as local directives
• Ensure Fellows’ adherence to own college codes of conduct and US-Brazil Connect Fellows Conduct Agreement
• Collaborate with site-specific Leadership Team to manage day-to-day logistics and address any challenges as they arise
• Maintain strong communication with Team Coordinator regarding progress, challenges, and issues with Fellows
• Provide support to Fellows in the classroom via strong, hands-on technical support to Fellows to successfully execute facilitation role, including assistance with lesson ideas, demonstrating teaching techniques, or other strategies
• Support healthy group dynamics among American community college team, quickly address negative dynamics and create positive, supportive environment
• Consistently monitor program to ensure quality service delivery by Fellows
• Collect data to assess program impact and identify areas for improvement
• Adhere to standards of professional conduct, acting prudently and reasonably
• Contribute to written products produced by the team

Work with Brazilian high school students

• Work directly in a coaching and ESL facilitation role with a group of Brazilian students
• Assess Brazilian student progress using group evaluation tools

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Strong leadership skills required, experience leading groups preferred
• Energetic team player with ability to create an inclusive environment
• Coaching, facilitation or teaching experience required
• Strong interest in working directly with a group of 12-13 Brazilian high school students during the implementation phase
• Strong skills in one or several of the following areas is highly desired:
  • ESL teaching experience, including ESL curriculum development
  • Leadership development, particularly of college-age students
  • Team development, with an emphasis on strong communication and inclusion
  • Anticipates problems before they arise, addresses them with excellent problem solving skills
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to use a variety of technologies (e.g. Microsoft Office suite, social media)
  • Flexibility and desire to travel to Brazil (one month during summer)
  • Tolerance for ambiguity and change
  • Intercultural experience and experience with international exchange programs
  • Portuguese is not required

For a quick look, see Alex’s five minute video.

-OR-

Watch the full 30-minute documentary.

US-Brazil Connect and our community college partners charge no program fees to students. Our Brazilian partners cover the costs of lodging, food and transportation expenses in Brazil.  Even with this support, costs are a barrier for deserving students.  The international travel costs are nearly $2500 (airfare, insurance, visas).   We are asking donors to help subsidize international travel costs so outstanding students from lower income families can participate.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 for our Student Travel Fund that will subsidize transportation expenses to Brazil. Contributions are matched by Colorado Gives.

Some comments from participants in 2012:

• “This isn’t some resume-builder; it’s a life-builder.”
• “We came here to teach them the English language.  Unknowingly, they taught us how to love fear and change that is necessary for us to grow.”
• “The U.S- Brazil Connect Fellowship was a wonderful and extraordinary life changing experiences. So much was expected from me and I am glad that I gave it my all. It was a pleasure and privilege to interact with these bright students.”
• “I feel like over this month my heart grew 100 times as big because of the love, friendship and family these students gave me”

Read More from the voices of our community college fellows.

About Colorado Gives Day

Colorado Gives Day is fundraising initiative that encourages online giving to Colorado-based nonprofits. During a 24-hour period at 12:00 am on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, 100% of donations raised will go directly to the charities thanks to Community First Foundation, FirstBank and sponsors who will be covering credit card and processing fees. Additionally, FirstBank has created a $300,000 Incentive Fund that will be distributed equally across all donations received.

How To Donate

It’s easy to make a contribution to US-Brazil Connect’s Student Travel Fund on Colorado Gives Day. Simply 1) go online to US-Brazil Connect at Giving First (2 ) click the “DONATE NOW” button.

(You can also pre-schedule your donation. Start by beginning donation and click “Schedule a donation for Colorado Gives Day”.)

For more information about the Incentive Fund visit www.givingfirst.org/cogivesday/prizes.

For more information about Colorado Gives Day visit https://www.givingfirst.org/cogivesday.

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper issued a proclamation recognizing STUDY Colorado, led by the Colorado Department of Education, and WORLD CONNECT/US-BRAZIL PARTNERSHIP FOR SKILLS, created by US-Brazil Connect, the Brazilian Confederation of Industry, Brazil’s SENAI and SESI Educational Systems, and Red Rocks, Houston, and Jackson Community Colleges.

Now in its second year, the US-Brazil Partnership for Skills program is engaging hundreds of students in Brazil and the United States in leadership development and education. Lieutenant Governor of Colorado‎ Joe Garcia Lieutenant Governor of Colorado‎ commented on the significance of the US-Brazil Connect Partnership for Skills for Colorado, “This collaboration involving Red Rocks Community College is a win-win for the students, families, and communities of Brazil and Colorado.  We’re working to strengthen our economic and social connections by increasing such partnerships between our colleges and universities and Brazil.”

Featured speakers at the event included Sergio Moreira, Director of Education and Technology of the Brazilian Confederation of Industry/SENAI and SESI;  Mary Gershwin, President, US-Brazil Connect; Mario Hernandez, Director of Public Affairs, Western Union; Michele Haney, President, Red Rocks Community College; Eleanor Allen, Senior Vice President, CH2M HILL; and Inta Morris, StudyColorado, Colorado Department of Higher Education.

The event was made possible by the sponsorship of Western Union, Pearson, and Colorado Partners of the Americas.

Hosting organizations included US-Brazil Connect, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, Red Rocks Community College, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, Colorado Partners of the Americas, and World Trade Center Denver.

The event also included 35 Brazilian and U.S. students focused on global connections, technology, and innovation.  Mary Gershwin, president of US-Brazil Connect, highlighted the significance of their presence. “We are here today with a group of outstanding students from Brazil and the U.S. who will bring Colorado and Brazil closer together for mutual benefit and greater opportunity. This is great news, but we must also acknowledge a disturbing reality,” she said.  “While emerging economies such as Brazil are investing billions in education of the next generation, public funding for community colleges in Colorado has declined 41% since 2001. The presence of these Brazilian students reminds us that Brazil’s leaders in industry and government are making a focused commitment in the next generation.  If the U.S. is to keep pace, we must reverse the current trend of declining investment in community college and technical education.”