Middle school is a fascinating age where young people are trying to figure out who they might be as an adult. As a coach, you’ll encourage students to think critically, organize their thoughts coherently, and confidently express their unique voice through writing. In today’s world of Zoom meetings and hours spent alone on social media, the WriterCoach Connection model of pairing students with coaches provides even more value by connecting with students, our local burdened schools and the community.
Be part of a community that sparks a passion for writing
You can make a
meaningful difference
Our volunteers have a tangible impact on the students and their communities. They are purpose driven and are eager to contribute to the journey of our kids as they make their way through college or the business world.
In our current societal trend of disinformation and misinformation, AI and social media, WriterCoach Connection's mission to engage, encourage and inspire our students to think critically and develop written communication skills is more relevant and essential than ever.
✨ Close the achievement gap for youth from under-resourced communities
✨ Provide the assistance students crave
✨ Support first generation college acceptance
Here’s all it takes to join a community of proud and enthusiastic coaches:
✨ A background check
✨ Three hours of training
✨ At least one hour a week for 10 weeks (middle school)
✨ Two hours a week for five weeks (high school)
COMMUNITY
“I love the dreams of WriterCoach Connection. We all have the same values. We show up for each other and everybody has a place to grow.”
Elaine Holliman
Coach
volunteer opportunities
volunteer opportunities
volunteer opportunities
volunteer opportunities
volunteer opportunities
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF MAKING IT HAPPEN
Middle School Programs
Partner Schools
Betty Reid Soskin Middle School, El Sobrante, CA
7th Grade English Language Arts
1121 Allview Avenue
El Sobrante, CA 94803
Expected Start Date: October 3, 2024
Duration: 10 weeks
Weekly Coaching Time(s): Thursday mornings or afternoons
Curriculum: Creative writing assignments and introductory argumentative essays as direct by the teacher(s).
Elmhurst United Middle School, Oakland, CA
7th Grade English Language Arts
1800 98th Avenue
Oakland, CA 94603
Expected Start Date: October 2, 2024
Duration: 10 weeks
Weekly Coaching Time(s): Wednesday mornings or afternoons
Curriculum: English Language Arts
Albany Middle School, Albany, CA
8th Grade English Language Arts
1259 Brighton Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
Expected Start Date: January 2025
Duration: 8 weeks
Weekly Coaching Time(s): Thursday mornings/afternoons, Friday mornings/afternoons
Curriculum: iSearch research paper proposals, papers, and portfolio
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Berkeley, CA
8th Grade English Language Arts
1781 Rose St. Berkeley, CA 94703
Expected Start Date: September 24, 2024
Duration: 12 weeks
Weekly Coaching Time(s): Tuesday & Thursday mornings or afternoons
Curriculum: English Language Arts
VOLUNTEERS ARE KEY TO WHERE BREAKTHROUGHS HAPPEN
High School Essay Program
We partner with College Is Real to help Richmond high school students achieve their dreams of attending college. As a coach, you create a safe, trusted and caring space to assist students in confidently telling their personal stories which is a key requirement in their college applications. Join our community to help students achieve their dreams.
Partner Schools
Richmond High School, Richmond, CA
College Essay – Personal Insight Questions
1250 23rd Street
Richmond, CA 94804
Duration: 5 weeks, twice weekly
Dates: August 26 – September 25, 2024
Coaching Time(s): Mondays from 3:45 – 4:45 pm and Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:00 pm
De Anza High School, Richmond, CA
College Essay – Personal Insight Questions
5000 Valley View Road
Richmond, CA 94803
Duration: 5 weeks, twice weekly
Dates: August 26 – September 25, 2024
Coaching Time(s): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
Kennedy High School, Richmond, CA
College Essay – Personal Insight Questions
4300 Cutting Boulevard
Richmond, CA 94804
Duration: 5 weeks, twice weekly
Dates: August 26 – September 25, 2024
Coaching Time(s): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 – 4:45 pm
Cigan Valentine
Senior
Berkeley High School
"Being able to write an essay means that you can also write an email, or a pamphlet, or a petition, or whatever it is you need to write to make yourself heard in a world where an increasing number of people are going silent. Everyone has a story within them, but not all have the encouragement to tell it."
The WriterCoach Connection Effect
Jared Heifetz
Teacher
Betty Reid Soskin Middle School
"WriterCoach Connection is amazing because they create small group cultures where my students get the assistance that they really crave. It enriches them and elevates their writing, but also make them feel seen and heard. The coaches come in with their great intentions and their energy really affects the students and helps them create great products."
Thank you to our foundational and community partners!
