Location:
Office of School & Community Engagement, Minds Matter Philadelphia
Modality:
In-Person
Position Length:
Academic Year (Fall - Spring)
Work Hours and Commitment:
Minds Matter Philadelphia programming takes place primarily on Saturdays during the academic year. • Support: 1 Hour Curriculum/Program onboarding scheduled in advance prior to the start of programming and as needed/requested during the program year. • Planning: Tutors should expect to spend 45-60 minutes each week reviewing curriculum and preparing for their Saturday session. • Saturday Programming: Tutors should be prepared to attend 10-12 Saturday sessions February-May. Tutoring takes place 10:30-12:00pm each Saturday. • Attendance: Volunteers are expected to attend at least 80% of assigned sessions. • Academic Year Commitment: Tutors commit to serving for one full academic year. Specific schedules may vary based on student needs and the academic calendar.
Pay Rate:
$0.00/month
Additional Compensation:
None
Overview
About Minds Matter Philadelphia
Minds Matter Philadelphia connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities they need to succeed in college, create their futures, and change the world. Our Writing & Critical Thinking Tutors help students become stronger, more confident writers and critical thinkers as they prepare for college and beyond. Tutors work directly with students in small groups and one-on-one settings, providing structured instruction, thoughtful feedback, and coaching throughout the writing
and revision process.
The Role
Writing & Critical Thinking Tutors support Minds Matter Philadelphia students as they develop their writing voice, build and defend an argument using evidence, strengthen their critical reading skills, and become more confident and independent writers. Depending on the student's grade level and needs, Tutors may
support students with:
- Developing and organizing ideas
- Critical reading and analysis
- Building an argument and using supporting evidence
- Grammar, sentence structure, and word choice
- Drafting, revising, and editing
- Providing and responding to constructive feedback
- College application essays and personal statements
- Scholarship essays and other academic writing
- Developing a clear, authentic writing voice
Tutors use Minds Matter Philadelphia's curriculum and resources while meeting students where they are and helping them make meaningful progress as writers.
Supervisor/Contact
Julie Berger - Senior Associate Director, Office of School & Community Engagement
juliebe@upenn.edu
Required Duties
- Attend and actively participate in Minds Matter Philadelphia's Saturday programming.
- Facilitate small-group and/or individual writing and critical thinking support for high school students.
- Provide thoughtful, specific, and encouraging feedback on student writing.
- Coach students through multiple stages of the writing and revision process rather than simply editing their work for them.
- Help students strengthen their ability to read critically, develop ideas, make arguments, and support their thinking with evidence.
- Support students in developing college application essays, personal statements, and scholarship writing when appropriate.
- Collaborate with other Minds Matter volunteers and staff to ensure students receive consistent, responsive support.
- Build positive relationships with students and serve as a supportive adult role model.
- Communicate proactively with Minds Matter Philadelphia staff about student progress, needs, and challenges in addition to Tutor needs, areas for support, and challenges.
Preferred Qualification and Essential Skills
We're looking for volunteers who:
- Have experience helping others write, edit, revise, or think critically.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent four-year college degree.
- Are strong communicators, active listeners, and thoughtful collaborators
- Enjoy working with high school students and are committed to helping young people recognize and develop their strengths.
- Can provide constructive feedback while maintaining a student's voice and ownership of their work.
- Are responsive, reliable, and able to collaborate as part of a volunteer team.
- Can commit to regular Saturday programming and one full academic year.
- Are able to pass required background clearances.
- Share Minds Matter Philadelphia's commitment to expanding access to college and career opportunities for students from low-income families.
Application Instructions
Want to learn more?: Reach out to MMP Executive Director Ashley McGrath to talk through any questions that you might have.
Ready to apply?: Submit an application and MMP will be in touch to schedule an introductory conversation.
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