Become a Minds Matter NYC College Coach and Help Low-Income College Students Succeed!

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.

• MMNYC students are 3x more likely to graduate from college than their low-income peers.

Role Overview:

College Coaches support a cohort of 4-6 students through their first two years of college, holding monthly virtual check-ins with each student and leading skill-based workshops with their cohort once a semester.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support high-achieving, mostly first-generation college students as they transition from high school into college.
• Connect students with resources, track their progress, and be a listening ear as they overcome challenges and strive to succeed in college.
• Build an authentic relationship with students based on mutual trust, open communication, and respect over the course of two academic years (during your students’ first and second years of college).

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 scheduling and holding monthly check-ins with each student in the cohort and maintain up-to-date records of meeting attendance and student progress.

Desired Experience:

• College Coaches are friendly, supportive, highly emotionally intelligent, and open to sharing their own life experiences.
• 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 college 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 College Coach Orientation in August.
• Receive ongoing guidance and support from MMNYC staff.
• MMNYC will provide all check-in guides and workshop curriculum.

Time Commitment:

• College Coaches should expect to dedicate approximately 5-8 hours per month over two academic school years (August to May).
• Schedule and facilitate individual check-ins with each student monthly throughout the academic year based on your mutual availability (check-ins typically take place virtually for up to 1 hour).
• Lead students through one skill-based workshop each semester.
• Attend 1-hour College Coach meetings monthly to receive supplemental training, program updates, and discuss student concerns.

Benefits of Volunteering with MMNYC:

• Make a lifelong impact by helping high-achieving, low-income students achieve 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.

How to Apply:

• Submit Minds Matter NYC’s Volunteer Application.
• Successful applicants will be contacted to schedule a 30-minute Zoom interview with MMNYC's College Success Senior Manager, Izzy.
• Want to Learn More? Visit mindsmatternyc.org/volunteers or reach out to Izzy at izzy@mindsmatternyc.org