Alumni Portal

Cohort Captains - Apply here by April 30


The Brooklyn Debate League is seeking Alumni Cohort Captains to support the implementation of the BDL Alumni Fellowship, a program designed to guide BDL graduates as they navigate post-secondary education, internships, and early career pathways. The fellowship provides alumni with mentorship, resources, and a supportive peer network as they transition from high school into college and the workforce.
Cohort Captains will work closely with Alumni Fellowship Coordinator Mosab Hamid to help facilitate the annual fellowship cohort. In this role, Captains will provide peer mentorship, track fellows’ progress, and help coordinate programming that supports alumni success. This position offers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in education, mentorship, youth development, and peer leadership.

Key Responsibilities
Fellow Engagement and Support

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for a small cohort of up to five Alumni Fellows.

  • Conduct regular check-ins (at least monthly) with fellows to discuss academic progress, professional goals, and personal development.

  • Provide mentorship and practical guidance related to:

  • Study strategies and academic planning

  • Resume and professional materials development

  • Navigating relationships with professors and campus resources

  • Socially transitioning into new communities, both educational and professional

  • Identifying and accessing counseling or wellness support when appropriate

Data Collection and Progress Tracking

  • Maintain accurate records on fellows’ academic, professional, and personal milestones.

  • Document key information and insights from monthly check-ins.

  • Track fellows’ participation in BDL programs and opportunities.

Program Coordination and Communication

  • Regularly communicate with the Alumni Fellowship Coordinator to share updates, raise concerns, and identify fellows who may benefit from additional support.

  • Assist with the planning and facilitation of BDL Alumni programming, including workshops, panels, and social events.

  • Share information about BDL stipend opportunities and track fellows’ participation and eligibility.



Who Should Apply
BDL is seeking college students or recent graduates who are passionate about mentorship and community-building. Strong candidates will demonstrate:

  • A commitment to supporting fellow BDL alumni

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

  • Reliability and organizational ability

  • The capacity to maintain regular contact with fellows throughout the program year



What You’ll Gain
Cohort Captains will receive valuable leadership and professional development experience, including:

  • Training in peer mentorship and supportive advising practices

  • Experience in program coordination and administrative management

  • Opportunities to develop leadership, facilitation, and communication skills

  • Direct involvement in strengthening the BDL alumni community



Application Process
The application will include:

  • Basic identifying information

  • Short written responses

FAQ

Q: Is the Cohort Captain program paid?

A: Yes, Cohort Captains will receive competitive hourly stipends for their time.

Q: Am I allowed to participate in the Cohort Captain program at the same time as the Alumni Fellowship and/or the College Coach Fellowship program?

A: As long as you graduated from a BDL Partner School, you can absolutely be an Alum Fellow while being a Cohort Captain. As for participating in the College Coach Fellowship while being a Cohort Captain, you are welcome to apply to both programs, but we will only let you participate in one during your first year of college, and then we’ll re-assess your interest at the end of your freshman year.

Q: What is the duration of the Cohort Captain role?

A: We ask students to commit for the entire school year, and pending their performance, we hope to invite them to return for each year of college.

Q: Is the Cohort Captain position only open to students attending colleges in NYC?

A: No, most of the check-ins will happen remotely, so anyone can apply.

Q: Is the College Coach Fellowship only open to students who participated in Brooklyn Debate League in high school?

A: Yes. This role is only for alumni who participated in Brooklyn Debate League.