Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) is a four-year-old organization that increases quality and access of after-school programs for children and youth. Nikita Zook, a current PULSE fellow, serves at APOST as co-coordinator of a pilot after-school program. The after-school program brings five organizations together to better deliver after-school services.
Mila Yochum, the director of APOST and Nikita’s site supervisor, sits down for a quick interview. This is the first time that APOST has brought on a PULSE fellow.
Why did your organization decide to work with PULSE?
PULSE fellows are great, passionate and effective team members that truly help build capacity for various projects. APOST is an organization that is fairly young and needs that type of support. PULSE is a great cost-effective solution.
What do you like most about your current PULSE fellow?
I truly love our thought-provoking conversations about the community and her perspective. I like that she asks questions and is trying to find her place in service. She brings great energy and passion to the position!
How has your partnership with PULSE impacted your organization?
The partnership with PULSE has been great. Our PULSE fellow is an asset to our team. She is committed, passionate, and genuinely interested in our work. She is thoughtful and careful of how we position ourselves in working with the community. Without PULSE or the PULSE fellow, we would not be able to give the much-needed attention to the project.
What is the most rewarding part of working with PULSE?
The PULSE fellows are extremely passionate and want to contribute to the work and community. It’s great to have motivated people on your team. I like interacting and hearing their opinion and perspective. I learn from them just as much as they learn from their service to the organization.
What would you tell other Pittsburgh nonprofits about PULSE?
PULSE is a fabulous AmeriCorps program that engages committed young people to serve the Pittsburgh community. You would be lucky to have a PULSE fellow on your team; it’s a competitive process but well worth applying.
Story by PULSE Alumna Sara Alvarez.
Read more stories about the Nonprofit Partner experience with PULSE. If you would like to learn more about a Nonprofit Partnership, please visit our Partner Page.