High School Advocate

• Base Pay $18.00 / Hour
• Employee Type PT Non-Exempt

Job Title: High School Advocate

Time Commitment: 20–40 hrs/month (based on # of students)

Compensation: Starting at $18/hrs, with consideration for returning Student U High School Student Advocates based on years of service in the role

Student U is a Durham‑based education organization working at the intersection of direct student support and systems transformation.
We are students, families, and educators cultivating joyful, academically excellent learning communities so all students thrive in Durham and beyond. Everyone deserves opportunities in their educational journey that enable them to reach their full potential. As a result of structural racism, poverty and other systemic injustices, we acknowledge that first generation college‑bound students face significant personal and institutional obstacles to educational success.

We want to change the odds for children in our community.

High School Student Advocates play a critical role in supporting Student U high school students as they prepare for graduation, postsecondary education, careers, and lifelong success. Advocates serve as trusted mentors, coaches, and champions for approximately 10–20 students, building meaningful relationships with students, families, and school staff throughout the school year.

Successful advocates are relationship‑centered, organized, culturally responsive, and committed to educational equity. They believe in students’ potential, communicate effectively across diverse groups, and proactively connect students and families with resources and opportunities.

Advocates work closely with Student U’s High School Team and school partners to ensure students receive individualized academic, social‑emotional, and college readiness support.

Students identify their advocate as a trusted adult who consistently shows up, listens, encourages, and celebrates their growth.

Students actively engage in weekly check‑ins and Student U programming and make progress toward academic and postsecondary goals.

Families feel informed, supported, and connected to both Student U and their student’s school community.

School staff view the advocate as a collaborative and reliable partner in supporting student success.

Advocates proactively identify barriers to success and connect students and families with appropriate resources and supports.

Student records, contact logs, and documentation are completed accurately and on time to support coordinated care.

Advocates contribute positively to team culture through collaboration, reflection, and continuous learning.

Advocates consistently embody Student U’s mission by leading with empathy, equity, and high expectations for students.

20–40 hours per month depending on caseload

Weekly student check‑ins

Monthly staff meetings

Monthly supervision meetings

Required trainings

Two Saturday events annually

Meet weekly with assigned students at school, after school at W.G. Pearson Center, or through Zoom.

Monitor student academic progress, attendance, and overall well‑being.

Support students in developing and implementing academic success plans.

Connect students to enrichment, leadership, college readiness, and community opportunities.

Advocate for students within schools by collaborating with teachers, counselors, and administrators.

Build strong relationships with school staff to coordinate student support.

Participate in intervention planning with Student U staff as needed.

Facilitate monthly check‑in meetings with students and caregivers (virtual or in‑person).

Provide additional communication updates for families as needed.

Serve as a consistent communication bridge between families, schools, and Student U.

Support families in navigating school systems and accessing resources.

Attend monthly staff meetings, training, and professional development sessions.

Attend student + family meetings to support tired conferences with our AD of Family Engagement

Support school‑based student gatherings and community events.

Participate in required student and family…