College Coach Roles and Responsibilities
Program Goals:
Provide Breakthrough high school graduates with a consistent adult mentor to:
· Help them persist in college through graduation
· Assist in reaching critical milestones required for success in college
Volunteer Expectations:
· Attend Initial Training Event and participate in quarterly Team Calls
· Work with 1-3 Breakthrough high school graduates
· Commit to approximately 2 hours/month (per student) for the duration of the
2012-2013 Academic Year (longer if possible)
· Check in regularly with student about his/her college and life experience
· Provide moral and emotional support and encouragement to students
· Ask important questions about academic success and financial aid
· Serve as a role model and “life skills” coach for students
· Encourage self-advocacy (suggest resources on campus, role play conversations)
· Relay information and updates about successes and challenges to BT staff
Roles and Responsibilities:
College Coach:
All High School Graduates· Check-in regularly with student(s)
o Skype or call student on a consistent basis (every 2 weeks or as appropriate)
o Ongoing communication as needed (email, text, phone)
o One face-to-face meeting with student each semester if possible ( for students in Central Texas)
· Motivate students and help them stay on track (Monday morning weekly text? Encouraging email?)
· Help student set 1-2 SPECIFIC semester goals
· Hold students accountable for actions and commitments
· Notify Breakthrough staff of individual student needs/red flags and email notes from conversations to BT staff
Students Currently Attending 4 Year Schools
· Check-in regarding logistics, enrollment, financial aid
o Remind students of upcoming deadlines (course registration, FAFSA renewal, add/drop dates)
o Make sure students know their graduation plan and if they are on track (# of credits)
· Support students academically
o Build/reinforce positive study skills
o Encourage students to know professors and sit in the front of the class
· Build Self-Advocacy skills
o Encourage students to use resources on campus
o Role play conversations and help them figure out the questions they need to ask
· Support life and career skills
o Encourage students to go to career services office for internship and job placement help
o Help students decide on a major if undecided
o Work/school balance
o Help students network and build “social capital”
· Encourage participation and diverse experiences
o Clubs, intramurals, sorority and fraternity involvement on campus
o Study abroad opportunities
Students Currently Attending 2 Year Schools
· Check-in regarding logistics, enrollment, financial aid
o Remind students of upcoming deadlines (registration, FAFSA renewal, add/drop dates)
o Make sure students know their transfer plan and if they are on track (# of credits)
· Support students academically
o Build/reinforce positive study skills
o Encourage students to know professors and sit in the front of the class
· Build Self-Advocacy skills
o Encourage students to use resources on campus
o Role play conversations and help them figure out the questions they need to ask
· Support life and career skills
o Help students decide on a major if undecided
o Work/school balance
o Help students network and build “social capital”
· Encourage participation and diverse experiences
o Clubs and intramurals on campus
Students NOT Currently Enrolled
· Check in regarding work schedule and desire to begin and/or re-enroll in classes
· Help students set goals
· Encourage students to enroll in at least 2 ACC classes to be working toward degree
· Notify Breakthrough staff when student expresses interest in enrolling/re-enrolling
· Help trouble-shoot challenges (transportation, childcare, etc.)
· Build Self-Advocacy skills
o Encourage students to use resources available to them
o Role play scenarios and help them figure out the questions they need to ask
Breakthrough Staff:
· Provide Breakthrough overview and training for Coaches
· When possible, facilitate in-person introductions between students and coaches
· Send monthly emails to track interactions between students and coaches
· Create call script templates and notify coaches of major deadlines and/or events to be communicated to students (registration, FAFSA, etc)
· Intervene as necessary to improve coach-student relationships
· Ultimate accountability for student services and success
Breakthrough Student:
· Request and/or agree to working with a College Coach
· Communicate in a timely manner with the coach (respond to emails/calls/texts within 48 hours)
· Be Proactive: Contact coach with questions and needs