Onward College Success Coach – Description | Unpaid Volunteer Position

The Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Inc. (HEAF) is a comprehensive education and youth development organization that works to help motivated, underserved students develop the intellectual curiosity, academic ability, social values, and personal resiliency they need to ensure success in school, career, and life. HEAF identifies scholars in middle school and supports them until they have successfully graduated from four year colleges through a variety of afterschool, Saturday, and summer educational/youth development programs.

Responsibilities:

  • Coach students through the college application process
  • Assist students with setting and accomplishing collegiate goals
  • Guide students through how to determine their “best fit” college or university
  • Coach students in creating a college list that includes 3 reach, 4 target, and 3 safety colleges
  • Help to identify resources and opportunities that allow students to prepare effectively for standardized exams including, the SAT and ACT
  • Assist students in proofreading, editing, and revising their personal statements and essays
  • Assist students in understanding and applying for federal aid including the FAFSA
  • Coach students in exploring and understanding the social and emotional aspects of going away
  • Build trust and establish a genuine relationship with students through frequent communication and several in-person meetings/activities
  • Submit monthly activity reports to the Manager of Onward

Time Commitment:

  • 1 yr. commitment (2nd & 3rd yr. coaching opportunities available given satisfactory performance)
  • Attend a 2 hour coach-student college success workshop
  • Communicate with student via telephone, text message, social media, and/or email weekly to assess student progress, continue building a strong relationship, and to problem solve
  • Meet 1-1 with student at least once each month either on or off-site
  • Help to support other success coaches through collaboration and communication via an online success coach forum
  • Attend an initial orientation and training session – additional training sessions maybe required
  • Attend program events, supervision meetings, and program recognition events

Requirements:

  • Be at least 21 years of age or older
  • Reside or work in the NYC Metropolitan Area
  • Hold a Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
  • Be able to commit to 1 year of college success coaching
  • Be willing to adhere to program policies and procedures
  • Be willing to complete the application and screening process including a background check
  • Be willing to communicate regularly with Onward staff and take constructive feedback

We strongly encourage professionals who have particular field experience in education, academic advising, counseling, and or college admissions to apply!

NOTE: This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity. To apply, please email or fax a resume, completed program application, and 3 professional references to:

Attn: Michael Ferron, Manager of College Programs, Onward

Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Inc. (HEAF)

2090 Seventh Avenue, 10th Floor New York, NY 10027

Email: or Fax: (212) 663.9736 Ext. 420