Jenill has worked with RE for five years now. As Program Coordinator, she assists youth as they navigate the challenges of high school. With a background in STEAM learning, she coordinates external resources and relationships to support our students as they move from high school to the next phase of their journey.
“I’ve always believed in the innate potential in every young person,” she says. “Working here, I am able to be actively engaged in helping each youth reach their highest potential.”
Her proudest moments come with each new class of graduating seniors—seeing how far they’ve come and where they’re going next. Last year, in 2021, all nine of our seniors graduated from Washington High School. Of those, seven were awarded financial aid and scholarships that allowed them to attend college debt free.
This year, our senior class consisted of four students, all of whom graduated, with two being accepted to historically black colleges, and one to trade school. The other is preparing to obtain an accreditation certificate before joining the workforce.
Jenill recognizes that different students have different needs and ambitions.
“I enjoy the creative freedom to pivot in our approach,” she says. Because of the relational model we use, she is able to tailor her support to meet each student where they’re at.
That same relational model extends to students’ families. “Once you develop a solid foundation of mutual respect, communication and consistency with each parent creates the buy-in necessary for each child to be successful in our program.”
For those interested in volunteering at RE, she advises to be flexible, patient, and of course to have fun with the students. At the end of the day, our relationships are based on positivity and mutual respect. Dedicated staff members like Jenill are part of the reason our students rise to meet our expectations.