Match Matters: Principal Gomez Defines City Year’s Impact at San Jose Elementary

Principal Jasmin Gomez advocated for City Year to serve at San Jose Elementary School. At the end of our first year of partnership, it is evident that Principal Gomez’s passion, leadership, and energy shine bright and perfectly align with the dedication of our Student Success Coaches, who bring an equally unique energy every day and connect with students on a different level than even their teachers can.

Principal Gomez yearns to give her students the solace and belonging she found at school when she was a kid growing up in the foster system. Her background matches the experience of many of the students in her school, and she is passionate in her belief that the relatability of Student Success Coaches to the third through fifth graders they mentor provides a sense of stability that some of these students may not find after the bell rings.

Recognizing the Need

As principal of San Jose Elementary, Principal Gomez sought out the support of City Year and our Student Success Coaches to provide individualized attention and mentorship that fulfilled the diverse needs of her students. Our presence at San Jose has been transformative, not only because of the additional academic support but also because of the profound connections Student Success Coaches establish with the students.

Cultural Connection

The cultural and experiential match between the coaches and the students is a driving factor of our impact at San Jose Elementary.

Principal Gomez emphasizes that “match matters,” noting that many Student Success Coaches share similar backgrounds with the students they mentor. This shared experience and cultural understanding enable the coaches to serve as relatable role models, showing students that success is within their reach.

“Match matters,” Principal Gomez says. “The corps members that we got are either Latino or Black. And that’s so important for our kids because they may not see that reflected in their teachers.”

“But they do see it in their corps members,” she continues. “Having someone that looks like them and has a shared experience as them be their number one motivator and cheerleader in the classroom… is so affirming.”

Filling the Gaps

The presence of Student Success Coaches has filled crucial gaps at the school. This is particularly true for students whose families, though deeply caring, may face challenges that make it difficult to provide academic support at home.

In these cases, Student Success Coaches often become champions for the students, offering academic guidance alongside emotional and motivational support. They remind students that someone believes in their potential and will be there to help them navigate their educational journey.

As Principal Gomez describes it, “Every kid needs a champion, and that is what City Year does. Our Student Success Coaches are our kids’ champions.”

Transformative Impact

This partnership has created an environment where students feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving their dreams.

Principal Gomez beautifully states, “The space that we build for students is life-changing.”

The success of our program, in alignment with the efforts of teachers at San Jose Elementary, is a testament to the power of connection and the importance of matching the right support to the students’ needs. Principal Gomez’s unwavering dedication and City Year’s enthusiastic involvement have significantly impacted the lives of many young learners at San Jose Elementary. Together, we are building a brighter future, one student at a time.

Watch Episode 10 of Inspiring Voices to watch the whole conversation between Principal Gomez and Allishia: https://youtu.be/xr7e7lVizpk