Academic and Experiential Learning Coach

Academic and Experiential Learning Coach

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Formed in 1999 to address the mass incarceration crisis, the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI) defies expectations of who college is for and where it might lead. For twenty years, BPI has reimagined and redefined questions of availability, affordability, and expectations typically associated with college in America. One of the most rigorous and effective college‑in‑prison programs in the country, BPI is now extending its radical intervention in educational inequity outside of prison through the Bard Microcolleges and Bard Bac.

The Academic and Experiential Learning Coach will join BPI ’s New York City team during an exciting time to support youth in a juvenile detention center in Brooklyn, NY to connect their education to their career goals. The position is a one‑year, full‑time role that starts on July 1, 2025 and ends on June 30, 2026, with a possible two‑year extension depending on grant renewal.

The Coach will actively participate in the implementation of a rigorous and robust education and career development training for students aged 14 to 21 years old. The student‑centered, results‑driven individual will provide tutoring, mentoring, and career exploration support to the students. In collaboration with the student and using a strength‑based and holistic approach, the Coach will strategize on ways to overcome barriers to students’ academic persistence and career success.

Using original curriculum and a student‑centered approach to teaching and learning, the Coach will play an integral part in supporting the students’ journeys to college and/or career and beyond, promoting deeper understanding and skill acquisition by serving as a coach and facilitator of learning. The Coach should be personable, approachable, friendly, reliable, and communicative.

• Crossroads Juvenile Detention Center, Brooklyn, New York
• BPI New York City Office – Midtown Manhattan office

Please note that with the exception of Thursdays, the Coach position will be fully in person at the juvenile center Monday through Friday. On Thursdays, the Coach will be in BPI’s Manhattan office for staff meetings and professional development.

• Work closely with the Associate Director of Youth Projects and Innovation to inspire and motivate students academically and professionally to transition from school to career.
• Support outreach efforts to students.
• Support the creation of educational and career support materials.
• Help students identify academic and career goals and milestones.
• Prepare a transition plan to provide to occupational training partners.
• Keep detailed records of tutoring and career sessions in the required formats after each session.

• Develop content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work to help students persist academically toward their career goals.
• Create and tailor lesson plans to meet each student’s needs and strengths.
• Plan and lead tutoring sessions across core subjects.
• Attend tutor workshops to build competencies.

• Engage and support students who are not college‑bound in exploring career paths aligned with their interests and skills.
• Help young people celebrate successes, navigate challenges, and prepare for next steps.
• Conduct comprehensive career assessments.
• Engage youth in developing career readiness plans.
• Plan and facilitate professional and soft‑skills workshops.
• Conduct high‑quality, one‑on‑one coaching sessions.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Career and Workforce Development to plan career exploration and development activities such as information and networking sessions.

• Capacity to recognize and appreciate the lived experience of students while supporting them to reach their highest potential.
• Aptitude for teaching and engaging youth.
• Values and promotes diversity and inclusion.
• Minimum of an associate’s degree.
• Experience with career services and/or workforce development.
• Classroom teaching and/or tutoring experience.
• Comfortable with and skilled at navigating technological learning systems.
• Understand in…