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What can I do with an English degree and a creative background ?
I want to work with high-school aged youth and be a mentor for underserved communities, especially black and brown girls.
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6 answers
Updated
David’s Answer
I feel the same way and I have an English degree. What I chose to do was teach in areas of low income and diversity and I still do. It can be tough, but it is rewarding when you do get through to a child. English is vital for good communication and children of all ages and colors need to be able to communicate effectively in order to succeed. So, your English degree is a golden key to teaching pretty much anywhere you want to- go use it!
Thank you, David!
Nyah
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Nyah, please know that with an English degree and a creative background, you have a powerful combination of skills that can make a significant impact, particularly in mentoring high school-aged youth from underserved communities, including Black and Brown girls. The ability to write, communicate effectively, and think critically, coupled with your creative abilities, offers you numerous pathways to inspire, support, and empower young people. Here are several career paths and opportunities where your passions and skills can intersect:
1. Youth Mentorship and Empowerment Programs - Your passion for working with high school students, especially Black and Brown girls, can be channeled into mentorship and advocacy programs. By joining or creating mentorship initiatives aimed at empowering young women, you can provide guidance, build self-confidence, and offer opportunities for personal growth. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, local youth organizations, or even after-school programs can benefit from your expertise in communication and creativity. You could mentor youth in areas such as academic achievement, self-expression through writing or the arts, leadership, and career development.
2. Creative Writing or Journalism Workshops - With your English degree and creative background, you could lead writing workshops or journalism programs aimed at helping young people, particularly those from underserved communities, find their voices. Writing is a powerful tool for self-expression and healing, and by teaching students to express themselves through poetry, storytelling, or even journalism, you can help them process their experiences, build confidence, and sharpen their communication skills. These programs can also serve as platforms for social change, encouraging students to write about issues that affect their communities and engage in advocacy through their creative work.
3. Community Outreach and Arts Education - You could work in community-based organizations that focus on arts education and outreach, where your skills in creativity and English can be used to engage and uplift youth. Many community centers and non-profit organizations run programs that teach young people how to express themselves through various forms of art—whether it’s creative writing, theater, or visual arts. These programs often focus on underrepresented communities, providing a safe space for youth to explore their identities and creativity. As a mentor and facilitator, you could help foster these environments and create opportunities for underserved youth to gain access to resources that support their artistic talents.
4. College and Career Readiness Programs - Combining your background in English with your desire to mentor youth, you could work in college and career readiness programs aimed at high school students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. These programs help students navigate the college application process, scholarship opportunities, and career exploration. Your skills in communication and writing would be invaluable in helping students craft strong college essays, personal statements, and applications. Moreover, you could lead workshops on personal development, resume building, or public speaking—equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed academically and professionally.
5. Social Justice and Advocacy - Given your commitment to underserved communities, particularly Black and Brown girls, your creative and communicative talents can also be channeled into social justice work. You could become an advocate for racial equity, gender equality, and youth empowerment, working with organizations that focus on social change through storytelling and activism. Whether it’s writing articles, creating digital media content, or speaking at events, your voice and creativity can help raise awareness around issues affecting young women of color, amplify their stories, and fight for the resources and opportunities they deserve.
6. Youth Counseling and Support Services - If you are passionate about making a deeper, personal impact, you might consider pursuing additional certifications or training in counseling or social work to support at-risk youth. With your background in English, you can help young people express and process their emotions, deal with challenges like trauma, or build life skills that foster resilience and self-esteem. You could work in schools, community centers, or mental health organizations, where you can serve as a counselor, advisor, or case manager, focusing on the well-being and emotional growth of high school students.
7. Content Creation and Digital Mentorship - In today's digital world, creative skills are incredibly valuable, and platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok offer unique opportunities to connect with and mentor youth. As a content creator, you could use your English and creative expertise to produce educational, inspiring, or empowering content aimed at Black and Brown girls. You can create videos, blogs, or podcasts that focus on personal growth, creative expression, navigating the challenges of adolescence, and advocating for social change. This can give you the chance to reach a wide audience and serve as a mentor and role model from anywhere.
Nyah, please remember that with your background in English and creativity, you are uniquely positioned to make a lasting difference in the lives of high school students, especially young women from underserved communities. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, creative education, or social justice work, your ability to communicate and inspire will help you create opportunities, amplify voices, and empower the next generation of leaders. By combining your academic background with your passion for creativity and service, you can build a fulfilling career that makes a meaningful, transformative impact.
1. Youth Mentorship and Empowerment Programs - Your passion for working with high school students, especially Black and Brown girls, can be channeled into mentorship and advocacy programs. By joining or creating mentorship initiatives aimed at empowering young women, you can provide guidance, build self-confidence, and offer opportunities for personal growth. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, local youth organizations, or even after-school programs can benefit from your expertise in communication and creativity. You could mentor youth in areas such as academic achievement, self-expression through writing or the arts, leadership, and career development.
2. Creative Writing or Journalism Workshops - With your English degree and creative background, you could lead writing workshops or journalism programs aimed at helping young people, particularly those from underserved communities, find their voices. Writing is a powerful tool for self-expression and healing, and by teaching students to express themselves through poetry, storytelling, or even journalism, you can help them process their experiences, build confidence, and sharpen their communication skills. These programs can also serve as platforms for social change, encouraging students to write about issues that affect their communities and engage in advocacy through their creative work.
3. Community Outreach and Arts Education - You could work in community-based organizations that focus on arts education and outreach, where your skills in creativity and English can be used to engage and uplift youth. Many community centers and non-profit organizations run programs that teach young people how to express themselves through various forms of art—whether it’s creative writing, theater, or visual arts. These programs often focus on underrepresented communities, providing a safe space for youth to explore their identities and creativity. As a mentor and facilitator, you could help foster these environments and create opportunities for underserved youth to gain access to resources that support their artistic talents.
4. College and Career Readiness Programs - Combining your background in English with your desire to mentor youth, you could work in college and career readiness programs aimed at high school students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. These programs help students navigate the college application process, scholarship opportunities, and career exploration. Your skills in communication and writing would be invaluable in helping students craft strong college essays, personal statements, and applications. Moreover, you could lead workshops on personal development, resume building, or public speaking—equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed academically and professionally.
5. Social Justice and Advocacy - Given your commitment to underserved communities, particularly Black and Brown girls, your creative and communicative talents can also be channeled into social justice work. You could become an advocate for racial equity, gender equality, and youth empowerment, working with organizations that focus on social change through storytelling and activism. Whether it’s writing articles, creating digital media content, or speaking at events, your voice and creativity can help raise awareness around issues affecting young women of color, amplify their stories, and fight for the resources and opportunities they deserve.
6. Youth Counseling and Support Services - If you are passionate about making a deeper, personal impact, you might consider pursuing additional certifications or training in counseling or social work to support at-risk youth. With your background in English, you can help young people express and process their emotions, deal with challenges like trauma, or build life skills that foster resilience and self-esteem. You could work in schools, community centers, or mental health organizations, where you can serve as a counselor, advisor, or case manager, focusing on the well-being and emotional growth of high school students.
7. Content Creation and Digital Mentorship - In today's digital world, creative skills are incredibly valuable, and platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok offer unique opportunities to connect with and mentor youth. As a content creator, you could use your English and creative expertise to produce educational, inspiring, or empowering content aimed at Black and Brown girls. You can create videos, blogs, or podcasts that focus on personal growth, creative expression, navigating the challenges of adolescence, and advocating for social change. This can give you the chance to reach a wide audience and serve as a mentor and role model from anywhere.
Nyah, please remember that with your background in English and creativity, you are uniquely positioned to make a lasting difference in the lives of high school students, especially young women from underserved communities. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, creative education, or social justice work, your ability to communicate and inspire will help you create opportunities, amplify voices, and empower the next generation of leaders. By combining your academic background with your passion for creativity and service, you can build a fulfilling career that makes a meaningful, transformative impact.
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi!
With an English degree and creative experience, there are numerous rewarding career paths you can pursue, especially if your goal is to work with high school-aged youth and mentor underprivileged communities, particularly black. Here are some options and ideas:
1. Teaching and Education
High School English Teacher: Obtain certification to teach English at the high school level. You can inspire students through literature, writing, and critical thinking.
After-School Programs: Lead or develop after-school programs focused on creative writing, literature, or arts to provide enrichment opportunities for students.
Tutoring: Offer individualized tutoring services for English and writing skills, helping students improve academically.
2. Youth Mentorship Programs
Mentorship Coordinator: Work with organizations that focus on mentoring youth, particularly girls from underprivileged backgrounds. You can help design programs that empower them through literature, art, and self-expression.
Community Outreach: Collaborate with local organizations to create mentorship initiatives that focus on literacy, personal development, and creative skills.
3. Nonprofit Organizations
Program Director: Consider working for nonprofits that focus on education, youth development, or empowerment for girls. You could lead initiatives that provide resources, workshops, and mentorship.
Grant Writing: Utilize your strong writing skills to seek funding for programs aimed at supporting black, helping to secure resources for educational initiatives.
4. Creative Arts and Writing
Creative Writing Workshops: Organize and facilitate workshops focused on creative writing, poetry, or storytelling for young girls. Use literature as a tool for self-expression and empowerment.
Youth Publishing Projects: Create a platform or program that encourages young writers to publish their work, providing a space for their voices to be heard.
Art and Literature Programs: Combine your creative experience with educational outreach by designing programs that integrate art and literature, such as mural projects or literary magazines.
5. Counseling and Support Roles
School Counselor: With additional qualifications, consider pursuing a role in school counseling. You can offer emotional support, career advice, and guidance to students from underrepresented communities.
Social Worker: If you’re interested in further education, training as a social worker enables you to help students and families navigate challenges, providing essential support and resources.
6. Advocacy and Policy Work
Educational Advocacy: Engage in advocacy work to support policies that address educational disparities affecting underprivileged communities, particularly black.
Community Organizing: Work with grassroots organizations to mobilize community members around issues affecting youth education and resources.
7. Public Speaking and Workshops
Motivational Speaker: Share your experiences and insights through speaking engagements, inspiring young girls to pursue education and creative endeavors.
Leadership Workshops: Organize workshops that focus on leadership, confidence-building, and personal development for young girls.
8. Digital and Media Literacy
Podcasting or Blogging: Start a podcast or blog focused on issues affecting youth, especially girls. Discuss literature, personal development, and share resources.
Social Media Campaigns: Use your creative skills to develop campaigns that promote literacy, self-empowerment, and community engagement through digital platforms.
With your English degree and creative experience, you have a versatile foundation to foster positive changes in the lives of high school-aged youth, especially in underprivileged communities. Focus on leveraging your skills in writing, teaching, and creativity to create impactful programs and initiatives aimed at empowering black. Networking with local organizations and seeking volunteer opportunities can also help you gain experience and build connections in your desired field.
Good luck!
With an English degree and creative experience, there are numerous rewarding career paths you can pursue, especially if your goal is to work with high school-aged youth and mentor underprivileged communities, particularly black. Here are some options and ideas:
1. Teaching and Education
High School English Teacher: Obtain certification to teach English at the high school level. You can inspire students through literature, writing, and critical thinking.
After-School Programs: Lead or develop after-school programs focused on creative writing, literature, or arts to provide enrichment opportunities for students.
Tutoring: Offer individualized tutoring services for English and writing skills, helping students improve academically.
2. Youth Mentorship Programs
Mentorship Coordinator: Work with organizations that focus on mentoring youth, particularly girls from underprivileged backgrounds. You can help design programs that empower them through literature, art, and self-expression.
Community Outreach: Collaborate with local organizations to create mentorship initiatives that focus on literacy, personal development, and creative skills.
3. Nonprofit Organizations
Program Director: Consider working for nonprofits that focus on education, youth development, or empowerment for girls. You could lead initiatives that provide resources, workshops, and mentorship.
Grant Writing: Utilize your strong writing skills to seek funding for programs aimed at supporting black, helping to secure resources for educational initiatives.
4. Creative Arts and Writing
Creative Writing Workshops: Organize and facilitate workshops focused on creative writing, poetry, or storytelling for young girls. Use literature as a tool for self-expression and empowerment.
Youth Publishing Projects: Create a platform or program that encourages young writers to publish their work, providing a space for their voices to be heard.
Art and Literature Programs: Combine your creative experience with educational outreach by designing programs that integrate art and literature, such as mural projects or literary magazines.
5. Counseling and Support Roles
School Counselor: With additional qualifications, consider pursuing a role in school counseling. You can offer emotional support, career advice, and guidance to students from underrepresented communities.
Social Worker: If you’re interested in further education, training as a social worker enables you to help students and families navigate challenges, providing essential support and resources.
6. Advocacy and Policy Work
Educational Advocacy: Engage in advocacy work to support policies that address educational disparities affecting underprivileged communities, particularly black.
Community Organizing: Work with grassroots organizations to mobilize community members around issues affecting youth education and resources.
7. Public Speaking and Workshops
Motivational Speaker: Share your experiences and insights through speaking engagements, inspiring young girls to pursue education and creative endeavors.
Leadership Workshops: Organize workshops that focus on leadership, confidence-building, and personal development for young girls.
8. Digital and Media Literacy
Podcasting or Blogging: Start a podcast or blog focused on issues affecting youth, especially girls. Discuss literature, personal development, and share resources.
Social Media Campaigns: Use your creative skills to develop campaigns that promote literacy, self-empowerment, and community engagement through digital platforms.
With your English degree and creative experience, you have a versatile foundation to foster positive changes in the lives of high school-aged youth, especially in underprivileged communities. Focus on leveraging your skills in writing, teaching, and creativity to create impactful programs and initiatives aimed at empowering black. Networking with local organizations and seeking volunteer opportunities can also help you gain experience and build connections in your desired field.
Good luck!
Updated
charnelle’s Answer
Hello,
There is many opportunities when it comes to obtaining a degree. Specifically an English one where you can work with youth and high school aged students I feel the previous answers pretty much answered your question. But just to add on I would suggest charters schools or sometihing different like doing research on students so you would spend time with them this could be in the home or after school during home and you can write a research article on your findings this can be done in different areas. Becoming a writing/reading tutor or teacher is another option.
There is many opportunities when it comes to obtaining a degree. Specifically an English one where you can work with youth and high school aged students I feel the previous answers pretty much answered your question. But just to add on I would suggest charters schools or sometihing different like doing research on students so you would spend time with them this could be in the home or after school during home and you can write a research article on your findings this can be done in different areas. Becoming a writing/reading tutor or teacher is another option.
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Hello,
There is a lot of opportunity for you. Please look into the following organizations. The Peace Corps, Americorps and Job Corps. The Peace Corps is a federal agency that will send you to places globally to help communities for 2 yrs stints. The Americorps is domestic (US) assistance to communities in need. Job Corps is a vocational training program located around the country that teacher individuals 16-24 trades. You could do all three. Peace Corps first and then get a job at a Job Corps and volunteer for Americorps in your free time. The country needs millions of people to pursue the goals you seek. Congrats on taking the first step. You will do well.
There is a lot of opportunity for you. Please look into the following organizations. The Peace Corps, Americorps and Job Corps. The Peace Corps is a federal agency that will send you to places globally to help communities for 2 yrs stints. The Americorps is domestic (US) assistance to communities in need. Job Corps is a vocational training program located around the country that teacher individuals 16-24 trades. You could do all three. Peace Corps first and then get a job at a Job Corps and volunteer for Americorps in your free time. The country needs millions of people to pursue the goals you seek. Congrats on taking the first step. You will do well.
Wow, thanks Travis, I'll be looking into these! I've had some opportunities in the past with Americorps but I wasn't sure if it was legitimate,
Nyah
It is legit. Many of the positions are likely volunteer. Some of the Job Corps are federal employees but most are contractors and the Peace Corps is fully federal. Good luck
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Updated
Martha’s Answer
What a terrific aspiration, Nyah! Travis has given good suggestions - my daughter was in VISTA, a part of Americorps. She had a great year and had educational benefits and a leg up for other federal jobs afterwards. Please also consider:
- Teach for America (TFA), which trains teachers over the summer for work with underserved populations. There are also jobs at TFA itself that may interest you
- KIPP, which are college preparatory schools in economically challenged areas. Again, there may be jobs at KIPP itself that would interest you
- Boys and Girls Clubs, which run after-school programs primarily for underserved populations
- Organizations like A Better Chance, which help students from economically-challenged areas prepare for and get into college
- There may be jobs for you in state and local government social service programs, especially in a state like California
Good luck!
Teach for America - https://www.teachforamerica.org/
KIPP - https://www.kipp.org/
A Better Chance - https://abetterchance.org/
- Teach for America (TFA), which trains teachers over the summer for work with underserved populations. There are also jobs at TFA itself that may interest you
- KIPP, which are college preparatory schools in economically challenged areas. Again, there may be jobs at KIPP itself that would interest you
- Boys and Girls Clubs, which run after-school programs primarily for underserved populations
- Organizations like A Better Chance, which help students from economically-challenged areas prepare for and get into college
- There may be jobs for you in state and local government social service programs, especially in a state like California
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Martha you're amazing! Thanks so much for these resources!
Nyah
You're welcome!
Martha Kramer