Coach Across America - Overview
Founded in 2010, Coach Across America is a national nonprofit
organization that is focused on the power of coaches to transform the lives of our nation’s most vulnerable youth, and the communities they live in, through sports. (click here)
OGLA and OHSLA Overview
OGLA and OHSLA are Oregon’s high school lacrosse governing organizations. They’re cooperating to bring lacrosse outreach to traditionally under-served areas of the state. By introducing the game at the elementary and middle school levels, the two orgs believe they can get more kids playing through their high school years - especially with lacrosse’s coming out party at the 2028 Olympics.
Position Description - Try Lax Coach
As a Coach Across America AmeriCorps member, you will coach teams and/or lead programs for elementary to high school age youth. The coaching position being sponsored will run into October of 2026. The total time commitment is 450 hours for those 10 months or about 10 hours/week.
The coach will provide beginners lacrosse instruction in traditionally under-served areas on Portland’s deeper eastside of Parkrose/McDaniel. The coach will work with schools, youth support organizations (e.g., SUN), and existing lacrosse clubs to offer opportunities for new players to try lacrosse. The coach will also cooperate with their supporting team to develop the curriculum and schedule the engagements with partnering organizations.
Additionally, the coach will:
- Attend and complete all Sports-Based Youth Development Training (dates TBD - 20 hours).
- Encourage participants to develop life skills and healthy practices through sport, using lessons learned at Coach Across America's best-in-class training events.
- Perform data collection activities.
- Complete bi-weekly timesheets.
- Act as a role model, gaining the respect and trust of the community served.
Eastside Program:
As part of our Try Lax outreach for fall 2025’s camps, we have already contacted several schools about cooperating to bring lacrosse to their students. We’ve been approved to coach PE sessions at Richmond and Sacramento Elementary and Parkrose Middle schools. The SUN Parkrose afterschool program has also offered to host after-school classes at the elementary, middle, and high schools.
Example Program 1:
Place Parkrose MS
PE Program
Venue: Big gym
Starting: January 26
Day: Every day for 2 weeks
TIme: 9:20am to 3:30am – 6x 45-min sessions
Class Size: 30-40
Total hours: 15-45 depending on whether 1, 2, or 3 sessions per class (17)
Example Program 2:
Sacramento Elementary
SUN Program
Venue: Tennis courts/covered bball court
Starting: Early February
Day: Weds after school for 6 sessions
Time: 3:30-4:30
Class size: 10
Total hours: 6
Perks of being an Coach Across America coach
- Coach Across America specializes in teaching coaches to use sports to transform the lives of youth on and off the field. (Understanding Culture and
Community Context, Trauma-Sensitive Coaching, Building Meaningful Relationships, Introduction to Social & Emotional Learning, and Self-care and
Program Support)
- Career Readiness Opportunities
- Health Insurance
- Bi-weekly living stipend ($5850 stipend + $1956 Education Award)
- Coach Across America/AmeriCorps Uniform
AmeriCorps and other federally issued benefits eligibility
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
- Loan forbearance and interest accrual payments for qualified student loans • Time accrual toward the U.S. Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Income-based Loan Repayment Plan (IBR)
Eligibility & Qualifications
- AmeriCorps is open to US citizens and lawful permanent residents.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have, or be working towards, a HS diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Must have access to reliable transportation.
- Successful completion of criminal history background checks.
- Must be patient, positive, and enthusiastic with children.
- Previous lacrosse experience required.
