Become a Writing Advisor with Minds Matter NYC and Help NYC High School Students Achieve Their College Dreams

About Minds Matter NYC:

Minds Matter NYC (MMNYC) connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their futures, and change the world.

• 100% of MMNYC students graduate from high school and enroll in 4-year universities.
• MMNYC students are 3x more likely to graduate from college than their low-income peers.

Role Overview:

• Writing & Critical Thinking Advisors work in pairs to lead a classroom of students in Minds Matter NYC’s curriculum. This curriculum will guide students in refining their grammar and syntax and honing their personal voice, preparing them for writing college admissions essays and for a lifetime of connection.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Co-facilitate MMNYC’s writing curriculum to a classroom of high-achieving, low-income high school students through writing prompts, group discussions, and instruction.
• Assist students in the brainstorming, writing, and revision of personal, academic, and/or college admissions writing.
• Help students build the skills to express themselves, communicate confidently, and think critically in preparation for college, career, and personal success.
• Build an authentic relationship with your students based on mutual trust, open communication, and respect over the course of three academic years (from your students’ sophomore through senior years of high school).

Skills/Qualifications Needed:

• Must hold a degree from a 4-year college/university.
• Must pass a criminal background check, undergo child protection training, and sign youth protection policies.
• Must commit to attending at least 80% of Saturday sessions throughout your time in the program (one academic year).
• WCTs do not need to be experts in writing or have a formal teaching background. Instead, WCTs must be comfortable with writing and revising others’ work; whether they do it for work, as a passion, or enjoyed it in school.

Desired Experience:

• Writing Advisors are friendly, supportive, highly emotionally intelligent, and are open to sharing their own life experiences.
• Comfortable revising others’ writing and conveying information and concepts to students with a wide range of learning styles.
• Respectful of and willing to learn about backgrounds, cultures, and experiences different from your own.
• Team-oriented, responsive, and active listener who can serve as a role model for young people.
• Experience/interest in working closely with high school students.
• Experience/interest in taking on a long-term commitment and consistent volunteer role.
• Belief in the power of a college education and career preparation.

Training:

• Attend a New Volunteer Orientation in September.
• Receive ongoing guidance and support from volunteer leaders and the MMNYC program and volunteer staff.
• Attend weekly pre-meetings and debriefs led by volunteer leaders to discuss the day’s curriculum, facilitation methods, and ask questions.

Time Commitment:

• Writing Advisors attend program sessions in person from 12 PM to 2 PM on Saturdays for one academic year. September to April.
• Sessions are typically held just two to three Saturdays per month (taking off for holiday weekends and school breaks according to the NYCDOE school calendar).
• Writing Advisors are required to attend at least 80% of program sessions each school year.
• Sessions take place on high school campuses across Manhattan based on your students’ grade in school: Junior year- Chinatown, Senior year- Chelsea.

Benefits of Volunteering with MMNYC:

• Make a lifelong impact by helping high-achieving, low-income students accomplish their college dreams.
• Join a friendly community of 400+ value-driven young professionals, and gain access to monthly social events and mixers (ex. Dinner with 10 Strangers, Trivia Nights, Holiday Mixers, and more!)
• Grow as a leader and have the opportunity to take on volunteer leadership roles as an Associate Board Member, Team Leader, and/or Program Director.
• Form a deeper connection to New York City and contribute to the growth of the city’s youth.

How to Apply:

• Submit Minds Matter NYC’s Volunteer Application.
• Successful applicants will be contacted to schedule a casual 30-minute Zoom interview with a current MMNYC volunteer.
• Want to Learn More? Visit mindsmatternyc.org or reach out to Maya (Volunteer Engagement Senior Associate) at maya@mindsmatternyc.org.