What is a Next Steps coach?
Next Steps Coaches volunteer an hour of their time every week to help a young adult at local non-profit Friends of the Children prepare for life after high school graduation.
Who can be a coach?
Anyone with the know-how, time, and dedication can be a coach. Coach Applicants who pass the preliminary screening will need to consent to a criminal background check and attend an interactive 2-hour training before they start.
Where does this take place?
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Next Steps meetings take place on-site at Friends of the Children--Portland on 44 NE Morris St, about 2 miles south of PCC Cascade.
If you are interested in coaching but can't come to this address, feel free to apply regardless; there might be other opportunities for you! |
When do coaches volunteer?
Next Steps meetings will take place on Wednesday evenings from 4:30-5:30pm at Friends of the Children, from February 11th through June 10th, 2017
Apply to coach today!!!
Apply to coach today!!!
- Interviews will take place on a rolling basis through the month of January 2017 at your convenience.
- All coaches will attend a 2-hour training in early January.
- Please be aware that all volunteers must consent to a criminal background check.
There will not be meetings during Portland Public Schools holiday/snow day closures, or during finals week at Portland Community College & Portland State University.
Why should I become a coach?
Friends of the Children is for k-12 youth who are persevering through the many challenges and barriers that economically exploited communities face. We try to provide the support and resources that every child needs and deserves to prosper in their academic and personal lives, from kindergarten through high school completion, but life after graduation can be daunting; especially for graduates dealing with poverty, racism, trauma, and other systemic adversities.
Next Steps Coaches help a high school junior, senior, or recent graduate navigate postsecondary options -- like college and vocational training — to find their path to gainful employment and personal fulfillment.
Youth are not the only beneficiaries, however! Next Steps Coaches can also benefit from participating themselves:
Contact the Next Steps coordinator anytime to discuss whether coaching is the right fit for you!
Next Steps Coaches help a high school junior, senior, or recent graduate navigate postsecondary options -- like college and vocational training — to find their path to gainful employment and personal fulfillment.
Youth are not the only beneficiaries, however! Next Steps Coaches can also benefit from participating themselves:
- PCC students who qualify for Federal Work-Study could potentially be paid for their volunteer hours and/or receive course credit through a Cooperative Education internship.
- The Next Steps Project is university-friendly! We can help you get the most out of your Community-Based Learning/Service-Learning assignment, thesis, or capstone project.
- All coaches will have the opportunity to attend specialized professional development seminars (lecture-workshops) that are designed to meet your needs. Possible topics include adolescent development, education systems in the United States, and contemporary social justice issues.
- Gain professional references and contacts in the non-profit world!
Contact the Next Steps coordinator anytime to discuss whether coaching is the right fit for you!
How do I apply?
Ready to make the commitment? Apply here! Applications will be accepted until January 31st, 2017.