Board of Director

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of African Nova Scotian students? If so, we invite you to join us in inspiring and preparing African Nova Scotian students for college, university and beyond as a member of the Board of Directors for the PREP Academy.

About The PREP Academy

The PREP Academy is a non-profit community based organization that inspires and prepares African Nova Scotian high school students for college, university and beyond. Our programs and services help students, parents, guardians and proxies access resources and information while receiving support navigating college and university processes. We coach students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 to plan, prepare and pursue college and university – and continue to provide wraparound support as they navigate their post-secondary education and transition into their chosen careers.

Our mission is to influence social and economic impact within the historic African Nova Scotian communities by increasing the number of students who are prepared for, and complete college and university.

The PREP Academy is dedicated to serving Indigenous African Nova Scotian students who were born in Nova Scotia, or have parents or grandparents who were born in Nova Scotia. We serve a specific demographic of students who make up and represent the historical roots of African Nova Scotians in the province. We also support Black students who were born in Nova Scotia and have participated in the Nova Scotian education system.

Knowledge & Skills

Board members must have alignment with PREP’s mission, vision and values, and have knowledge of the African Nova Scotian secondary and postsecondary education experience, and are able to work within an anti-oppression framework; having an understanding of issues of equity and diversity. Familiarity with nonprofit organizations is a valuable asset.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who have experience and abilities in one or more of the following areas:

• Human resources
• College connection
• Regional representation (outside of HRM)
• Government relations

Time Commitment

Members of the Board are volunteers and, as such, serve without compensation. This voluntary commitment involves:

• Attending and actively participating in an informed manner at Board, committee and the annual strategic planning session
• Board members should expect 9 board meetings per year from September – June which currently take place on the last Thursday of each month from 5:30pm-7:30pm online Via Zoom.

Contribution

Board members are expected to contribute to the organization in a variety of ways. This includes their work on the board, as well as building and supporting a culture of philanthropy, engaging and participating in fundraising events and activities, identifying new prospective partners and donors, sharing communications, building partnerships, connecting with the community on behalf of the organization and attending ad hoc meetings. The PREP Academy relies on board members to share their skills and expertise, connections, networks and experiences to build and strengthen collaborative relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including but not limited to students, community organizations, corporations and donors.

Term

A Board Member commits to serve a two-year term. A Director is eligible to serve a maximum of three consecutive two-year terms.

Express Your Interest

If you are interested in becoming a Board member, please email [email protected] with the following information by May 24, 2024:

• A brief email outlining the relevant experience and skills that you can contribute to the PREP Academy and what motivates you in joining the Board of Directors
• Attach an updated resume and biography
• The Board of Directors will review each application and invite shortlisted candidates for a brief connection to discuss their interest further and provide an opportunity to answer any questions about the organization.

If you would like more information about PREP or about the Board recruitment process, please email us at [email protected]