WriterCoach Connection is getting bigger again in West Contra Costa County next fall, with a pilot program at Richmond High School. As part of its expanding role in West County, Community Alliance for Learning, the nonprofit parent of WriterCoach Connection, is participating in a range of education initiatives with the school district and with other nonprofit organizations.
One of those initiatives in an active role in the new West County College Access Network (WCCAN), a broad consortium of organizations and programs brought together by the West Contra Costa Public Education Fund (The Ed. Fund). WCCAN is formulating a variety of strategies to support improved access to post-secondary education for West County students.
Because of CAFL's expanding role in West County, WCC volunteers have opportunties to offer direct help to West County students beyond writer coaching. Last year, several of our coaches attended a Scholar's Workshop, sponsored by The Ed. Fund, at which we helped students craft personal statements in support of scholarships from donors. This year, we'll be inviting our coaches to help students prepare personal statements for college applications at the District's Getting Ready for College and Career Conference on Saturday, March 17.
Our presence in West Contra Costa County was a long time coming and it means a great deal to us. We relish the opportunity to engage West County students and teachers in a variety of productive ways.
Bob Menzimer