Overview
YPIE Graduation Coaches are matched with one or more Yonkers students in the YPIE Scholars program, who they will mentor through all four years of high school.
YPIE Graduation Coaches will meet online two times per month to guide and motivate their Scholars to stay on track for graduation and help to support their future college and career goals.
In grades 11 and 12, YPIE Graduation Coaches will support Scholars through the college application process including coaching them through the college essay. YPIE will provide a curriculum to YPIE Graduation Coaches to help guide all meetings.
Graduation Coaches will meet with their YPIE Scholar online only at this time. YPIE provides training sessions to help prepare Graduation Coaches for this important role.
Guiding Principles
Listen: First and foremost, our Coaches are non-judgmental listeners.
Connect: Connect students to different opportunities and resources.
Coach: Equip students with the necessary skills to be successful in college and beyond: interview, thank you note, email, time management, self-advocacy, etc.
During meetings with their Scholars, Graduation Coaches will discuss the following:
College Readiness
Academics: Help students navigate high school academic requirements
Spark Student Passion: Set personal goals and steps needed to accomplish them
Competitive Edge: Help Scholars develop critical traits like grit, growth mindset, and curiosity; Help Scholars navigate emotions, and important life skills
College Access
College and Career Advising: Classes, credits, Regents, and standardized tests needed to graduate; review report cards, interim reports and class attendance
Admissions Prep: The college application process in grades 11 and 12
Community service, extracurricular activities, and summer jobs
College Persistence
Transitioning: Help Scholars transition from High School to College
Requirements To Become a YPIE Graduation Coach
Attend volunteer training sessions (help online at this time)
Meet with assigned student(s) at least twice per month (every other week)
Stay in contact between sessions and during the summer
Attend program events, including annual Coach Kickoffs and Coach Summer Sendoffs and ongoing optional trainings
Keep YPIE staff updated on student progress, needs, and concerns
Recruitment and Onboarding Timeline
Attend an information session
Complete YPIE Graduation Coach Application
Complete interview via video conference
Complete online background check
Attend YPIE Graduation Coach Training via Zoom
Matched with YPIE Scholar