College Connect is seeking writing coaches! Looking for friendly, accessible, and thoughtful individuals who wish to make an impact in student’s lives. As a Writing Coach, you will help students craft their personal statements during the summer, and throughout the school year help them with their scholarship essays to honestly and compellingly tell a part of the student’s story.
We ask Writing Coaches for a one year commitment starting in June of each year. Writing Coaches and students meet at the College Connect office at 522 Valencia St. for 1-2 hours once a week. Meeting times are flexible; students and Coaches will find the best days and times to connect during office hours (typically 10am-6:30pm). Writing coaches do not need any prior experience and will go through a training on May 29th from 6 pm-8 pm.
Why are writing coaches important? First-generation college students often lack access to knowledge and resources about the path to college and they can greatly benefit from individualized, one-on-one support. Yesika Cruz (Cohort 6) has been meeting with her writing coach Sarah Illing since June 2013 and is very grateful for all of the support she has received. Yesika says, “Writing coaches are important because many students don’t have this type of support at school. Writing coaches help us reach our dreams and having someone look out for you like that is crucial.”
This is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in community engagement and education, as well as an opportunity to form a meaningful relationship with youth and support them through an important and challenging part of their life. Writing Coach Sarah Illing, who has been volunteering with Mission Graduates since 2012, says, “I love the relationships I have built with the students. I do it because I really like it and am inspired by the work they do.”
If you are interested in becoming a Writing Coach, you can find the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1umTMd1-bnqf4lfJRgWVGcIeVazErt8qAidlgglqmLEw/viewformm
If you would like additional information or have any questions, please contact Jill Marinelli at jill@missiongraduates, or call 415-926-8283.