Essay Coaches

Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) partners with students to ensure they are ready for, enroll in, and complete college. It confronts the challenges of a low-income, urban school district by providing families with equitable access to the critical tools and services necessary for college success.

YPIE students have tremendous stories to share! Volunteer Essay Coaches provide support to YPIE Scholars and Fellows as they write their college essays, which is a critical part of the college application process. Essay Coaches work closely with and under the guidance of the YPIE College Advisors assigned to each Yonkers public high school. Training and support is provided to Essay Coaches throughout the essay-writing process, with regular benchmark checkpoints to ensure that the process is staying on track.

Essay Coaches can choose to volunteer for one or more of these 10-week sessions:

• Spring: April-June
• Summer: July-September
• Fall: September-November

Essay Coaches can choose to meet with their students in-person or virtually (video calls). In-person meetings can take place at the students' high schools or at the YPIE College Zone. Meetings may also occur in a public place (such as the library or coffee shop), provided parental permission is provided.

Essay Coach responsibilities:

• Assist students in brainstorming topics, drafting, and revising college essay
• Ensure students' voices are expressed and honored throughout the writing process
• Follow directions provided by YPIE staff regarding the essay-writing process
• Meet consistently with students and notify YPIE staff if meetings become inconsistent
• Regularly update benchmark tracking document to ensure process remains on track

Essay Coach requirements:

• Sense of humor, positive mindset, and persistent attitude
• Reflective listening and respectful communication skills
• Desire to invest in the life of a young person
• Strong writing/editing skills
• Ability to attend scheduled YPIE trainings

Express interest below!