Frequently Asked Questions
What population DOES StRIVE work with?
We work with students ages 18-22 who have not received their high school diplomas (or an equivalent) and are affected with either a physical or a mental disability, though the vast majority fall under the latter category.
Which disability does StRIVE focus on?
We do not discriminate based on the type of disability students have. Social stigmas and barriers to integration affect people with disabilities all the same, which is the main issue we aim to overcome. We do, however, recognize that different students have differing needs, which is why our volunteer coaches plan curriculum directed specifically at the students they continually work with.
How are volunteer coaches organized within StRIVE?
Since StRIVE currently reaches out to five different TRACE classes, we split our coaches into five cohorts. Each cohort is partnered to a specific TRACE class, so that our volunteers can form friendships with TRACE students over a long period of time. Each cohort is lead by the head coach, and consists of no more than a dozen coaches.
What is the time commitment I should expect as a StRIVE coach?
The required activities coaches must attend include the bi-monthly planning meetings and the weekly class outings. The planning meetings are around an hour long, whereas the outings are always two and a half hours in duration. Cohorts occasionally meet outside of the mandatory meetings if necessary. All in all, expect to contribute an average of 4 hours per week.
What are the responsibilities of a StRIVE coach?
Our coaches are expected to plan out the details for our lessons and activities. As the needs for people with disabilities vary person to person, it is the responsibility of our coaches to get to know the students they work with, understand their needs, and to plan meaningful activities around those needs. Our coaches then implement those ideas at our weekly outings at TRACE classes.
I can’t join this quarter; can I still apply next quarter?
Yes; StRIVE runs on a quarterly basis which means we interview and accept new applicants every quarter. Those who have been accepted into the program do not need to reapply, even if they need to take a quarter off due to scheduling.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIFIC TRAINING TO BE QUALIFIED TO VOLUNTEER AS A STRIVE COACH AND TO VISIT TRACE CLASSROOMS?
You do not necessarily need any experience working with students with disabilities before applying to StRIVE. We will teach you everything you need to know during a New Member Orientation and Training that takes place before the first official meeting of the quarter. You will learn as you go, and you will have up to 9 other coaches as well as a head coach at each outing to support you.