Youth Advocate Apprentice

 and 

Washington County Public Schools

in partnership with

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Youth Advocate Apprentice

(This position is ONLY available for South Hagerstown High students)

$15.00 per hour | Daytime Hours

Position Overview:

Youth Advocate Apprentices would participate as Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) Mentors/ Student Mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County’s (BBBSWC) Youth Leadership Academy and should be highly motivated, compassionate high school students. Youth Advocate Apprentices serve as mentors for elementary school students within WCPS.

This role is part of a structured mentorship and leadership program designed to provide high school mentors with leadership and mentorship training, while supporting academic, social, and emotional growth among elementary mentees. High school mentors will receive guidance and support from BBBSWC staff, fostering an enriching experience for both mentors and mentees.

The commitment for the YLA Mentoring program is for one school year. Youth Advocate Apprentices must be available to participate in training sessions for the first marking period, weekly mentoring sessions for second through fourth marking periods, and any required assessments or feedback meetings.

Youth Advocate Apprentices’ responsibilities include:

·         Participate in Leadership & Mentorship Training sessions provided by BBBSWC during the first marking period to develop essential skills in leadership, communication, and mentorship.

·         Engage in weekly small group mentoring sessions with assigned elementary school students throughout the school year, fostering a positive and supportive relationship.

·         Assist mentees in small group setting and working toward their academic, social, and personal development goals.

·         Model leadership qualities and encourage positive behaviors to help mentees enhance their social and emotional skills.

·         Work collaboratively with BBBSWC program leaders, fellow mentors, and school staff to ensure a positive and productive mentoring environment.

·         Participate in regular assessments and feedback sessions conducted by BBBSWC staff to support growth and improvement in mentoring practices.

Qualifying Related Instruction:

No prior WCPS CTE courses are required for this role.

Below is a detailed overview of the comprehensive training program designed for Youth Advocate Apprentices. This program equips them with essential leadership and mentoring skills to effectively work with elementary school-age mentees.

Training Overview:

The training program spans eight weeks, with each session lasting 90-120 minutes. It focuses on building competencies that foster personal growth, effective communication, leadership, and the ability to mentor younger students. Below is a breakdown of the key components of the training:

1. Developing a Growth Mindset: Students learn how to embrace challenges, persist in the face of mistakes and setbacks, and see effort as a path to mastery. They will complete a Strength and Weakness assessment. They are encouraged to understand their own strengths and weaknesses and leverage this awareness to grow continuously.

2. Core Leadership Practices: Through interactive discussions and role-playing, students explore leadership fundamentals, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and team collaboration.

3. Goal Setting: Students engage in exercises to set and achieve goals, emphasizing the importance of S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). They also learn to apply these skills in mentoring scenarios through group discussions and role-playing.

4. Habits of Excellence: Using "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" as a guide, students develop habits such as proactivity, prioritization, and synergy, which are crucial for personal and professional success. 

5. Kindness Revolution: This session highlights the role of kindness in mentoring relationships, teaching students how to build trust and support mentees through empathetic and compassionate interactions.

6. Mentoring 101: Students are introduced to the fundamentals of mentoring, including active listening, clear communication, and the importance of being a positive role model.

7. Looking to the Future: This session helps students plan their mentoring journey, setting long-term goals for themselves and their mentees, and considering how to sustain the mentoring relationship.

8. Think Tank & Wrap-up: The final session is an interactive think tank where students reflect on their learning, share experiences, and discuss how to apply their new skills in real-world mentoring situations.

Interview Process:

Youth Advocate Application and Selection Process:

Application Submission: Interested high school students will need to complete an online interest form to be invited for an in-person interview.

Interview Process: In-person interviews will be conducted at the school in small groups of 3-4 students per session. The interview questions will include:

·         --What personal qualities do you possess that would make you a strong mentor for younger students, and how would you use those qualities to build trust and positive relationships with your mentees?

·         --Describe a time when you faced a challenge while working with a team or younger peers. How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn that you would apply to mentoring elementary students?

·         --This leadership program is a year-long commitment. How do you plan to balance your responsibilities as a mentor with your schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal life to ensure you can dedicate consistent time and energy to the role?

Questionnaire: Students will complete a questionnaire during the interview, to include questions such as:

·         --Why do you want to participate in this program?

·         --What is your greatest weakness and how will it help you be a great mentor?

Selection: Students will be scored and ranked based on their interview performance and responses to the questionnaire. The highest ranked students will be selected as participants in the Youth Advocate Leadership & Mentoring program for the school year.

How to Apply:

Ready to kickstart your journey into the professional world? Follow these steps to apply for the WCPS Apprenticeship Program:

1.     Team Up with Your Career Coach: Get tailored support from your High School’s Career Coach to craft a job-specific resume and cover letter that shine.

2.     Download the Application: Grab the WCPS Apprenticeship Application and fill it out with all your current details.

3.     Prepare Your Documents: Make sure to include your resume and cover letter, using our handy templates for guidance. Student Resources are located here.

4.     Request Your Recommendations: Ask your related instruction teacher and School Counselor to fill out and return the recommendation form to be included in your completed application packet.

5.     Submit Your Application: Hand in your completed application, cover letter, and resume to your School Counselor or Career Coach. Your Career Coach or Counselor will submit your completed application to Siona Escoto, Apprenticeship Coordinator at EscotSio@wcps.k12.md.us with the team email, Apprenticeship@wcps.k12.md.us cc’d.

6.     Stay Tuned for the Interview: Sit tight! If you're selected for an interview, the employer will reach out to you directly.

Ready to take the first step towards an exciting apprenticeship opportunity? Let's make it happen together! 🌟

Contact the CTE Apprenticeship Team:

Siona Escoto | Apprenticeship Coordinator

EscotSio@wcps.k12.md.us | 301-766-2951

CTE Apprenticeship Team | Apprenticeship@wcps.k12.md.us

wcpsapprenticeships.com