What is a high school graduation coach?

I've heard about graduation coaches in high schools. What exactly do they do to help students? Are they involved in academic counseling or more focused on motivation and planning?

A high school graduation coach occupies a unique role within the educational team. They help students ensure they're taking the right steps throughout high school to graduate on time and to reach their post-high school goals.

Primarily, their responsibilities often involve keeping a close eye on students' academic progress, monitoring their grades and credits. They make sure that students fulfill all the necessary curriculum requirements for graduation. If a student falls behind, the graduation coach helps to identify the issues and create a plan for recovery, which could involve tutoring, extra coursework, or other catch-up strategies.

Secondarily, they do provide motivational support and help set personal and academic goals. They play a crucial role in helping students see the big picture and understand the importance of time management, establishing good study habits, persevering through challenges, and laying the groundwork for their future.

Furthermore, despite not being full-fledged counselors, graduation coaches work closely with school counselors and other faculty, assisting with college planning. Some might help students with filling out college applications, finding scholarships, and figuring out post-graduation plans.

In essence, a graduation coach is akin to a personal advocate for each student's academic journey, providing the necessary guidance, encouragement, and inspiration to help students succeed and reach that important milestone - graduation.