Junior Coach Leadership Development Program
The middle school years are some of the most challenging — and most critical. For youth from marginalized communities, the transition years between grades 7 and 9 can be a turning point that leads toward disengagement, or toward confidence and belonging.
The Junior Coach (JC) Leadership Development Program is designed specifically for R&R Club+ and Brainworx! alumni and other youth in grades 7-8 who are navigating these transition years. The Junior Coach Program takes a multi-tiered approach by addressing a number of aspects of a youth’s well-being during this critical time in order to help them make a smooth transition to high school, avoid dropout, graduate, and move on to post-secondary education and successful careers.
Through weekly online sessions and an optional opportunity to be a junior leader within a Running & Reading Club+ program in their community, junior coaches receive mentorship, leadership training, and real-world experience, preparing them for high school — and life.
What Participants Gain:
Mentorship and personal development
A more positive attitude toward school and learning
Literacy skill enhancement and increased fitness
Leadership training through social-emotional learning discussions and activities
Career-preparation workshops and opportunities to discover potential career paths
Quality Interpersonal relationships through a community of peers who share similar experiences and goals
The opportunity to practice leadership skills by volunteering as junior coaches in our other programs
Increased confidence, communication skills, sense of purpose, and a belief that they can succeed in high school and beyond
A Parent's Perspective
Jade was elected as a school valedictorian for her middle school graduation. She was so shy to talk to others at first and your program has slowly changed her. I can't even believe that she gave a speech to all her school students and was elected as a valedictorian! More students should join this valuable program.
— Alex, Parent of Junior Coach Program Participant