Ellen Ridyard Email & Phone Number

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

- Facilitation and Stakeholder Management: build, convene and cultivate higher education partnerships and steward college access and success ecosystem member engagement - Support Ecosystem Steering Committee and Workgroup meetings: provide direction and backbone support to partner access and success organizations in aligning their work to the common ecosystem agenda - Communications: communicating project objectives, leading data reporting, executing ecosystem communications strategy and tools, and designing systems for effective, engaging communication platforms- Shared Strategy and Measurement: oversee strategy development and implementation toward continuous on-time graduation outcome improvement for Philadelphia students-Team Leadership: serve on PEF's leadership team, support the collaborative work of stakeholders; manage the evaluator in informing program design, strategic approach and methods for data collection and analysis; collaborate with the communications manager to direct and inform the ecosystem communications work- Launched staff committees focused on Technology Resources and Professional Development; member of both staff committees

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars merged to become Heights Philadelphia:- Leader for the advising model and college admissions process for 1900 students at 23 public schools annually- Supports the training of direct-service staff through 15 professional development opportunities/semester- Led the advising implementation team workgroup to launch the merged organization’s advising model (2022)- Collaborate in stewarding of college partner admissions and financial aid relationships, and seek opportunities to recommend new college partner relationships- Develops and implements strategic college admission programming and exposure with partners and stakeholders, including trips, events, fairs, mock interviews, classes and workshops: connect students to relevant opportunities - Stewards consistent communication with stakeholders, including college partners, to provide clear advocacy for students in the college application and matriculation process- Provides data analysis and review, investing stakeholders in ongoing advising milestones, metrics, and focus areas- Researches and connects staff to professional development information, resources and opportunities about college admissions, including NACAC, PACAC resources and counselor programs on college campuses- Member of the organization’s strategic planning committee (2022-2023)

Greater Philadelphia Area

- Lead college access programs for 200 first-generation-to-college, low-income high school students from over 30 Philadelphia public high schools- Supervise four college access professionals to support, drive, and guide their direct service work - Collaborate with Volunteer Director to match students and mentors; coordinate staff, student and mentor meetings, participate in mentor training, support and stewardship- Collaborate with Development team to match students with sponsors and cultivate sponsorship relationships- Collaborate in program admissions processes, including: conducting information sessions in high schools for staff, parents, and students, participating in the Admissions Committee to evaluate student applications, hosting interview days for students and families- Collect program data, maintain student records and prepare student performance and program effectiveness reports in order to shape programming to best serve students and achieve the organizational mission- Teach a college prep class to high school juniors focused on college research, interview and financial aid skills

Greater Philadelphia Area

- Manage college admissions activities for the senior class: coordinate applications, financial aid & scholarship applications, placement exams- Coordinate the partner college admissions process: special visits, on-site info. sessions, admissions interviews, recommendation process, and drive partner college expansion- Support implementation of and curriculum for the senior seminar course- Assist with planning and implementation of the College Admissions Marathon: a nine-day summer intensive program to initiate the college application process- Coordinate college transition between the pre-college program and the college retention & success teams- Manage college visits

Greater Philadelphia Area

- Advised a caseload of 500 students in the College of Science and Technology to set and meet academic and career goals, transition to college, complete strategic academic planning, and navigate challenges while making progress toward graduation. - Taught a first-year experience seminar course focused on strengthening college survival skills, such as: time management, financial literacy, appreciating diversity, study skills, learning styles, and university opportunities/resources.- Facilitated new and transfer student orientation, open houses, and accepted student days.- Planned annual Temple Academic Advising Day, as part of the planning committee.- Presented workshop at NACADA regional conference.- Created and led new projects: staff retreat, peer advisor appreciation week & training, seminar course curriculum development, financial literacy initiative.

- Professional advisors assist college students with selecting the best courses to complete degree requirements in the College of Science and Technology. - Advisors also teach a freshman seminar course (CST 1001) designed to help students transition successfully to college, by strengthening students' independent skills like time management, study skills, professional readiness, and 4-year planning. - Advisors also facilitate daily one-on-one student advising appointments, develop financial literacy projects and programming, and manage changes of program, academic petitions, and graduation reviews.

- Assisted 100 high school seniors annually with the entire college process: research, high-stakes testing, visiting campus, applications, financial aid, scholarships: 100% college acceptance track record for 4 graduating classes. Average of $5 million in scholarship dollars gained for each graduating class. - Designed and implemented innovative college programming & workshops for all grades: 7-12, including college access and information sessions for parents and families. - Managed the College Readiness Coordinator. - Managed the College Team budget. - Taught a Senior Seminar class focusing on college research and fit, financial aid, scholarships, college transition. - Supported Mastery alumni while enrolled in college & post-secondary programs.

- Created curriculum for and delivered engaging English & Composition lessons to 7th & 8th grade students. - Collaborated with the English department to plan and host Poetry Slams, the Poetry Cafe, and annual Recitation Contest.

Pennsylvania State Teaching Certification, Secondary Education And Teaching: English & History

Master'S Of Science, Creative Writing

Activities and Societies: 5's Field Hockey Club, Creative Writing Exchanges with Glasgow University studentsGraduated with a Master.

Bachelor Of Arts, Women'S Studies

Activities and Societies: Varsity Women's Field Hockey Team, Sexual Assault & Violence Prevention Partnership, P.E.A.C.E. (Promoting.