Students enter our program in Sophomore year of high school and work with skilled staff members to develop college knowledge, establish appropriate goals, and build actionable plans of action. Through academic development, identity work, crisis response, socio-emotional learning, supplemental experiences, and community-building, our hope is that students become equipped to have opportunities to attend a college that meets their financial and personal aspirations.
To this end, the service that Preparation Coaches provide are a key component of College Bound’s programming. They work directly with students, supporting them in a hybrid advisor-mentor role as they pursue high school completion and the intricacies of applying and being accepted to college. Core to College Bound’s mission and approach is strong relationships, which makes our high-touch coaching model integral to our success. Coaches focus on a multitude of areas with students, utilizing the power of genuine relationships to work through the specific barriers of being a first-generation, low-income student in the Saint Louis area. Coaches intervene in the development of strong academic habits and mindsets, collect data to track students’ academic profiles, and support students in developing habits of healthy decision-making. Our work is equally challenging and rewarding, and throughout their year of service AmeriCorps Members will gain practical experience along with receiving professional development and training from industry professionals. They will also work closely with their supervisor to prepare for the next step in their professional and educational careers.
Service Activities
- Directly manage a caseload of approximately 20-25 students by establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships over the course of one academic year
- Engage students in significant and frequent communication via face-to-face meetings, phone and video calls, texting, and other electronic means, with a focus on developing meaningful, constructive relationships
- Support College Bound student programming including structured weekly/biweekly classes, workshops, presentations, job shadowing, tutoring, and volunteer opportunities
- Learn and apply youth development skills to help students improve their study skills, learning and cognition, professionalism, socio-emotional competencies, advocacy, mindset and motivation, and various other themes that positively impact future success
- Using various assessments, develop student growth goals and implement individualized improvement plans based on student needs, resulting in their increased ability to navigate their paths towards college
- Implement Motivational Interviewing and other coaching techniques to collaborate with students on identifying, committing to, and achieving their individual goals
- Collect, monitor, and track student data to inform progress and planning, using College Bound’s database system; approach student data with curiosity, accuracy, thoroughness, and appropriate considerations of privacy
- Utilize skills of self-reflection and critical thinking to improve and adapt your personal coaching approach, by collaborating with teams, managers or other CB staff as well as conducting independent research, creating resources, and utilizing professional development opportunities
Community Need Addressed
Through an individualized, holistic, and multi-year commitment, CB empowers students from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete higher education and enter successful careers. College Bound students will navigate barriers to higher education attainment and enter successful careers and live fulfilling lives of choice and opportunity.
Position Outcomes
65% of CB students in To & Through will complete higher education with a bachelor’s degree within six years of high school graduation.
40% of CB@STLCC students will complete either an associate degree or other high-quality credential or certificate within four years of starting STLCC.
CB students receiving their degrees will have less debt than the national average for graduates (currently $28,950) and will be on a path to career-relevant employment.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
- $24,000 first year annual living stipend, paid bi-monthly
- Fully supplemented health insurance, including vision and dental
- Federal student loan forbearance eligibility
- Food Stamp (EBT) eligibility
- Hands-on experience with education, youth development, tutoring, crisis support
- Onsite trainings and professional development opportunities
- Individual personal/professional development funds and mentorship
- A Segal Education Award in the amount of $6,495 that can be paid towards prior student loans or future educational expenses
- Resume-building experience as a national service member and access to benefits through the AmeriCorps Alumni network
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
CPR, First Aid, non-discrimination, anti-bullying, experience working with youth, commitment to social justice, critical thinking, tutoring and coaching experience, team building experience.
Skills you will gain
working with youth, crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking, organization, team-building, goal setting, strengths-building, communication.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment