Abstract:

Mission Hill After School Program is a student-operated PBHA program that provides after-school childcare, homework assistance and curriculum to students ages 6-13+ in the Mission Hill community in Boston. Coordinators in the program are college students in charge of managing both the students in attendance and the student tutors (counselors). The research of this paper sought to determine strong leadership styles and practices for coordinators that allows for both the children and the student counselors to be positively impacted by the program. The research focuses on leadership styles for coordinators of Blue Group, which works with 11 and 12 year olds. The research pieces together data from an expert interview, counselor survey, and current/former coordinator and counselor interviews. The paper finds that it is beneficial for coordinators to focus on building mutual trust and respect with the students, be flexible in nature, communicate clearly, and consider displaying some initial authority. Recommendations for future actions also include improving training of counselors and coordinators, developing an institutional memory, increasing feedback opportunities, and creating a list of tips and tricks.