Words Beats and Life (WBL) has developed a unique approach to community transformation through hip-hop culture in the District of Columbia. The WBL Staff develop curriculum, projects, and programs to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness for DC youth, parents and area hip-hop artists. WBL has seen a number of breakthroughs with our students and a series of first time breakthroughs with numerous DC based youth development funders. Over the last year we have seen our organization budget grow as the size of our student roster grow even more. The WBL Academy is growing at an exponential rate.

'College Material’ is part of the Words Beat & Life Academy. It allows a set of volunteers to equip Apprentices in the Academy to reach beyond the classroom and seek to create a link between the artistic elements of hip-hop and higher education. Students are encouraged to actively participate in our arts programming and see themselves as 'college material’; someone with the ability to succeed and flourish in a post-secondary educational environment. By linking each student with a one-on-one 'College Material Coach’, the program provides the individualized resources, skills, and support needed for Academy Apprentices to achieve their goals. In addition, the program is simultaneously developing meaningful intergenerational relationships rooted in a common love for hip-hop culture. College Material has included as many as 22 students and 10 College Material Coaches ( a 2:1 student-to-coach ratio).

Volnteer Requirements:

Individuals interested in becoming Coaches must pass a background check, have or obtain documented TB test results, and either be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a four-year college or university.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

c Devote 2 days a month (2 hours) to coach one to two (1-2) students for 12 months

c Participate in a monthly All-Coaches call

c Document Student-Coach bi-weekly meetings

c Help student create personal goals and a plan to accomplish them (both short & long term)

c Identify the need for additional resources (i.e. tutoring, counseling, employment)

c Play an active role in programmatic activities (i.e. college tours, scavenger hunts, etc.)