At the West End House (WEH) our mission is at the heart of all we do. We provide high-impact programs that support youth as they achieve academic success, explore the arts, develop career readiness & leadership skills, and adopt healthy lifestyles. We are committed to advancing racial equity through our work and throughout all aspects of our organization- our youth programs, our community and family engagement, and our board and leadership.
Our deep commitment to this outcome has, over the years, led us to realize that setting up youth for success and brighter futures does not end at the point of graduation from school or from West End House programs. Transitions to universities and eventually, to the workforce, are all formative moments in youths’ lives and have a deep and far-reaching impact on how resilient and adaptable they are to future challenges. The holistic support we provide to youth during these pivotal moments can have a significant impact on their lives moving forward.
As a member of our Pathways team, you’ll bring your deep understanding of higher education systems and career pathways to provide critical guidance and direction to young people. As a Pathways Coach, your connection to young people will begin in their junior and senior years in high school and will involve the delivery of high-quality programs to promote an array of college exploration experiences and activities that will implement core competencies needed for post-HS success and beyond. Your deep and trusting relationships with youth and young adults will position you to recruit juniors and seniors for critical supports and workshops and create personalized coaching plans for alumni based on the level of support they need and their unique academic, social, and financial circumstances. Additionally, you will strategically leverage program activities at the West End House to create a variety of support structures and interventions based on need.
You will be part of a four-member team that includes the Senior Director of College and Career Pathways, 2 Pathways Coaches, and a Career Pathways Manager. You will report directly to the Senior Director of College and Career Pathways.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
College Access – College Exploration, Relationship Building, and Targeted Programs
- Collaborate with After-School Program Team to build relationships with teens within West End House to have a better understanding of their needs and enable higher quality support post-graduation
- Plan targeted programs and workshops for a robust cohort of juniors and seniors to aid them with exploring college options during junior year and college applications, college selection, and financial aid analysis during senior year
- Maintain key partnerships at partner school to provide the most robust and relevant college access curriculum
- Partner with Teen Academic Success Coordinator to provide critical interventions so that youth are prepared for academic success in college
College Success & Completion – Individualized Coaching, Relationship Building, and Implementation of Core Competencies
- Plan, schedule and conduct personalized meetings with alumni to identify and provide the support they need to be successful in their post-graduation academic/professional journey
- Support young people on college campuses through coaching meetings and office hours
- Create and maintain relationships with key staff at partner colleges and post high school programs
- Provide in-depth personalized career and college guidance to youth, tailored based on their personal and financial background
- Engage and maintain relationships with broader networks of coaches (such as Success Boston Coaches) and attend any required trainings to be better equipped to support alumni
- Track and comply with reporting requirements associated with any grants/funding received by West End House for the Pathways program