Participants will have the flexibility to create their own curriculum while benefiting from the support of their peers.

At ECS, we believe that each participant has the ability to reach their own goals with the support of a qualified coach. Our coaching model is a mutual process that requires respect, dignity, patience, and accountability from both participants and their coaches.

MindSet participants will be matched with a coach based on the coach’s experience and skillset, plus the participant’s availability and interests. Each coach is trained to understand the shifting realities in participants’ lives to ensure that if circumstances change, it will still be possible for MindSet participants to reach their goals.

If accepted into MindSet, you’ll join a cohort of your peers: motivated individuals who are ready to take control of their lives.

Your cohort will meet online for group trainings every week for 15 weeks. Flexible scheduling options will be available.

During each training, you’ll learn essential skills related to one of the four core areas: Health and Wellness, Employment, Education, and Financial Management. Trainings will be delivered in the form of participatory workshops, developed and taught by qualified subject-matter experts.

MindSet participants will be encouraged to learn at their own pace. Everyone’s goals are different, so the paths to achieving them will be different as well!

Once the first 15 weeks of training are completed, you’ll work with your coach to design an individualized curriculum that matches your unique needs and interests. With your foundation set, you’ll select skill-specific workshops and ongoing activities that equip you with the knowledge that you need to reach your goals!

At this time–and for the expected future–all MindSet activities including training, group activities, and one-on-one sessions with staff will take place virtually.

MindSet is not a full-time commitment. If accepted as a MindSet participant, you can expect to spend approximately 15 to 20 hours per month on coaching, trainings, and workshops. Throughout the year, MindSet offerings will include scheduled one-on-one sessions with your coach, individualized activities such as education and career coaching, and group activities with your cohort of program peers.

Activities and coaching sessions will typically be scheduled during the week (Monday through Friday) but evening and weekend options will be available. You’ll build a long-term relationship with your coach in order to keep on track with your progress while navigating your own path forward.

It will give you the tools you need to enter a career that has long-term advancement opportunities and provides you with a living wage.

Participants will engage with MindSet’s program staff who are highly-qualified specialists in the areas of education and employment. You’ll work together to develop a unique and individualized plan that will help you develop the skills needed to enter a new career or advance in your current career.

Building a strong financial foundation is a key component of MindSet. ECS will provide cash incentives for completing specific program activities. For the duration of a participant’s engagement, ECS will also offer a 2 to 1 cash match on the money each individual saves within a designated bank account. That means for every $10 you save, ECS will reward you with an additional $20 in the bank!

Most participants achieve their self-defined goals within 3-5 years.

Anticipated outcomes include:

• Graduates will have the ability to earn a living wage with benefits for themselves and their dependents
• Graduates will no longer be dependent on any government subsidies or subsidized housing
• Graduates will have saved at least three (3) months of living expenses in a secure savings account

We know that everyone’s path to prosperity will be different. MindSet staff are highly-trained and equipped to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds to create an ambitious, but achievable, path forward.

Here’s how to apply:

1. Take the Eligibility Quiz.
2. If eligible, complete the MindSet Application.
3. If your application is accepted, an ECS representative will contact you to schedule an interview.

If you have any remaining questions, please contact us at 215.351.1427 or mindset@ecsphilly.org.