Cherie W. Commissiong, M.S. Ed.
Summary
Dedicated and student-focused education professional with over 20 years of experience supporting diverse youth and young adults in high school and college through evidence-based success strategies, career-based curriculum, college and career readiness programming, and community engagement. Proven ability to foster strong relationships with students, families, and stakeholders to remove barriers to academic and career success. Recognized for leadership, excellence in student support, and commitment to helping all students graduate and be prepared for their postsecondary goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Business & Community Outreach Coordinator
Jobs for America's Graduates (Eckerd Partners)
03.2024 - Current
- Serve as a mentor and advocate for high school students, promoting postsecondary readiness, and supporting their transition into continued education, military enlistment, and the workforce.
- Build strategic partnerships with businesses and community agencies to expand student access to work-based learning and engagement opportunities.
- Collaborate with schools and families to identify and address barriers to student success.
- Facilitate workshops for students, emphasizing career exploration and planning.
- Coordinate outreach efforts to engage diverse community stakeholders and enhance program visibility.
- Provide counseling, case management, education, and job training to a diverse client base.
- Curate work-based learning opportunities, like job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships, for students based on their career interests.
Specialist/Teacher
Jobs for America's Graduates (Eckerd Partners)
07.2018 - Current
- Named 2023 State of Indiana JAG Specialist of the Year for excellence in student success outcomes.
- Develop and deliver a curriculum aligned with employability and life skills, integrating guest speakers, real-world experiences, and personalized instruction.
- Provide individualized case management, referrals, and social-emotional support to students, including trauma-informed care.
- Design and facilitate workshops for students, focusing on college readiness and life skills.
- Organize job fairs, workshops, seminars, and webinars aimed at helping students find employment opportunities.
- Assist students in gaining employability skills through lessons on career assessment, job search, resume writing, and mock interviews.
- Maintain & track communication with graduates, update database with post-secondary and career outcomes from students.
Academic Coordinator
Upward Bound (Indiana University)
08.2005 - 03.2012
- Recognized with the Dean's Outstanding Staff Award (2007 and 2008) for commitment to equity and access.
- Identified and addressed barriers to student success through targeted interventions and resource referrals.
- Designed academic programs and interventions to support low-income, first-generation, college-bound high school students.
- Partnered with schools and families to ensure students remained on track to graduate and pursue higher education.
- Delivered group and individual counseling focused on academic performance, motivation, and life planning.
- Developed and implemented academic support programs for underrepresented high school students to enhance college readiness.
- Conducted regular meetings with students to assess their academic progress and provide personalized support and guidance.
- Monitored compliance with federal and state educational regulations to ensure program integrity and funding eligibility.
- Organized college campus visits and educational field trips to broaden students' exposure to higher education environments.
- Implemented data tracking systems to monitor student participation, performance metrics, and program outcomes.
Academic & Career Advisor
University Division (Indiana University)
05.2004 - 07.2005
- Assisted students in selecting courses, planning their degree paths, and understanding graduation requirements.
- Played a significant role in student success by supporting persistence, encouraging on-time graduation, and increasing engagement through one-on-one advising.
- Advised students on ways to connect their academic interests and developed skills with career goals.
- Guided students in the exploration of academic majors, providing insights into course selection and career pathways.
- Developed personalized academic plans to help students navigate their educational journey and achieve their career goals.
- Monitored student academic performance and provided timely interventions to foster academic success and retention.
Education
Master of Science - Higher Education & Student Affairs
Indiana University
Bloomington05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN05.2002
Skills
- Community and stakeholder engagement
- Case management
- Student advocacy
- Academic advising and guidance
- Career development, exploration, and attainment
- Leadership skills
Timeline
Business & Community Outreach Coordinator
Jobs for America's Graduates (Eckerd Partners)
03.2024 - Current
Specialist/Teacher
Jobs for America's Graduates (Eckerd Partners)
07.2018 - Current
Academic Coordinator
Upward Bound (Indiana University)
08.2005 - 03.2012
Academic & Career Advisor
University Division (Indiana University)
05.2004 - 07.2005
Master of Science - Higher Education & Student Affairs
Indiana University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Indiana University