Student Coach Program

• Program Runs: Spring Semester, 2026

• Location: Local schools in either Downey, El Monte, Whittier, or Compton

• Who Can Apply: High school students (Grades 9–12)

SC Volunteer Pathway:

All applicants who demonstrate interest in learning, leadership, and community impact will be accepted into the Student Coach Volunteer Program!

SC Micro-Internship:

We are accepting a select group of students from Downey, El Monte, and Whittier.

SC Volunteer Pathway:

• HFA Student Coach Certificate

• Verified community service hours

• Mentorship from HFA team and assigned mentor coach

• Opportunity to be a part of the HFA Community Cup, affiliated with the Los Angeles World Cup Legacy Program!

• Invitations to Student Coach social events & community programming

• Personalized letter of recommendation (per request)

SC Micro-Internship:

All benefits above, plus:

• Nationally recognized grassroots coaching licenses

• Leadership opportunities, workshops, mentorship, and a Professional Development Training Day

• A $200 paid micro-internship stipend

• HFA x PUMA coaching shirt + gear

SC Volunteer Pathway:

• Assist a mentor coach with practices at assigned school site(s)

• Coach and/or set-up at HFA community events and game days

• Attend monthly leadership meetings for check-ins, updates, and reflection

• Log volunteer hours

SC Micro-Internship:

Micro-Interns are REQUIRED to meet the following expectations:

• Coach 2 Hours Per Week (Volunteer Commitment)
  Volunteer 2 hours per week at your assigned school site by supporting your Mentor Coach during practices. All absences must be requested and approved in advance.
  You’re welcome to coach additional days or hours to earn more service hours!

• Participate in 2 Events
  All micro-interns must participate in 2 HFA events—one of which must be the Community Cup Final Tournament in June. The second event may be selected from other HFA community events or Game Days, where you’ll coach, lead, or support event setup.

• Attend 1 Professional Development Training Day

  This is a required workshop to strengthen leadership & youth engagement skills.

• Attend All Monthly Leadership Meetings
  All micro-interns must attend monthly group meetings (dates TBD), where you’ll complete a brief evaluation, receive leadership training, and participate in group check-ins.

Step 1: Application Review

• Every application is reviewed with care, and you’ll hear back within 1–2 weeks of the deadline.

Step 2: Info Session/ Group Interview

• Volunteer Pathway:
  All volunteer applicants are automatically accepted and will be invited to an info session with onboarding details.

• Micro-Internship:
  Applicants may be invited to a group interview/info session to meet staff, learn about the program, and share why they want to join the paid cohort.

Step 3: Acceptance Announcement into Different Pathways

• If you are selected for the Micro-Internship:
  You’ll join the paid cohort and begin micro-intern onboarding.

• If you applied for the Micro-Internship but are not selected:

  You’ll still be automatically accepted into the SC Volunteer Pathway, which includes volunteer hours, mentorship, events, and more.

• If you only applied for the Volunteer Pathway:
  You’ll be fully accepted into the SC Volunteer Pathway and receive access to all volunteer coaching opportunities.

• No matter your pathway, every student coach becomes part of the HFA community!

Step 4: Placement + Onboarding:

• You’ll be placed at a school site based on location, availability, and sport interest, and receive your schedule, mentor coach, and materials.

Step 5: Start Coaching!

• Begin weekly practices, log hours, and join events throughout the school year.

Step 6: Ongoing Support + Growth

• Monthly check-ins, social events, workshops, and mentorship from HFA staff.

• Micro-Interns receive additional leadership sessions and hands-on responsibilities.