YPIE Mission
Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) partners with students to ensure they are ready for, enroll in, and complete college. We confront the challenges of a low-income, urban school district by providing families with equitable access to the critical tools and services necessary for college success.
Position Overview
YPIE Graduation Coaches develop meaningful relationships with Scholars, serve as conduits to broaden their horizons, provide connections to resources to help them reach their potential, and support them through high school graduation. Graduation Coaches meet with their Scholars two times per month and are provided a curriculum to guide those meetings.
Graduation Coaches match with YPIE Scholars in 10th grade and will establish a strong foundation for their relationship throughout high school. In 11th grade, a focus on college and career exploration leads to the start of the college application process. In 12th grade, under the supervision of YPIE college advising staff, Graduation Coaches guide scholars through college applications and celebrate their accomplishments upon graduation.
Graduation Coaches meet with their students both in-person (following appropriate Covid protocols) and virtually (video calls) at least once every three weeks. In-person meetings must occur 3-4 times each year, but can occur more frequently. In-person meetings take place at the students’ high schools or at the YPIE College Zone. Meetings may also occur in a public place (such as the library or coffee shop) with parental permission.
Graduation Coach Responsibilities
10th Grade Year
Establish a strong relationship based on trust, clear communication, and having fun
Practice using active listening skills and providing supportive, honest feedback
Provide exposure to new opportunities and experiences outside of school
11th Grade Year
Nurture strengths and talents while cultivating post-secondary aspirations
Serve as a cheerleader and guide for college exploration
Provide exposure to new opportunities and experiences outside of school
12th Grade Year
Empower realistic goal-setting and thoughtful decision making
Help navigate college application process and celebrate acceptances/graduation
Provide exposure to new opportunities and experiences outside of school
Requirements
Sense of humor, positive mindset, and persistent attitude
Reflective listening and respectful communication skills
Desire to invest in the life of a young person
Commitment to a 3-year relationship
Ability to attend regularly scheduled YPIE trainings and professional development opportunities
Learn more: ypie.org/volunteer