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
Our YPIE students have tremendous stories to share! YPIE Essay Coaches provide support to our Scholars and Fellows as they write their college essays, a critical part of the college application process. Essay Coaches work closely with and under the guidance of the YPIE College Advisors assigned to each Yonkers public high school. Training and support is provided to Essay Coaches throughout the essay writing process, with regular benchmark checkpoints to ensure that the process is staying on track.
Essay Coaches can choose to volunteer for one or more of these 10-week sessions:
Spring Season - April to June
Summer Season - July to September
Fall Season - September to November
Essay Coaches can choose to meet with their students exclusively virtually (video/phone calls) or mostly virtually with occasional in-person meetings following appropriate Covid protocols. Meetings can 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) provided parental permission is provided.
Essay Coach Responsibilities
Assist students in brainstorming topics, drafting, and revising college essay
Ensure students’ voices are expressed and honored throughout the writing process
Follow directions provided by YPIE staff regarding the essay writing process
Meet consistently with students and notify YPIE staff if meetings become inconsistent
Regularly update benchmark tracking document to ensure process remains on track
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
Strong writing/editing skills
Ability to attend scheduled YPIE trainings
Learn more: ypie.org/volunteer