As a youngster, Nick McDowell wanted to be a criminal defense attorney and be an advocate for individuals who had made serious mistakes in their lives.
Now, McDowell is an advocate and mentor for students in grades 6-12 whose aim is to not only prevent them from making similar mistakes, but also to encourage them to remain in and thrive in school.
McDowell is a graduate support specialist at Most Holy Trinity School and Academy, 1435 Mallinckrodt Street in the Hyde Park neighborhood. After joining the staff in June, McDowell, 31, works in the extended school day program at the middle-school level. He also provides tutoring, mentoring, counseling and other forms of assistance to Most Holy Trinity graduates through their high school years.
“Nick brings the passion and energy needed to best support the students and alumni of Most Holy Trinity,” said Jessica Kilmade, principal at Most Holy Trinity.
“He is an advocate for our young men and women, and fosters within them the drive to achieve their goals. Students relate to Nick and value his opinion. Families trust he is working in the best interest of their children.”
McDowell envisioned himself in the courtroom because several family members, including his father, have or continue to serve time in prison. His career aspirations changed, however.
“As I got older, I realized that trying to save those who already committed crimes was being reactive. If I were proactive, I could prevent individuals from making mistakes,” he said. “It only felt right that I start with those who were most impressionable – the youth.”
McDowell, who attended Webster Groves High School and Harris-Stowe State University, has worked for local non-profits as well as for St. Louis Public Schools and the Jennings School District. Most recently, he worked as an after-school director for Provident Counseling to improve the mental and behavioral health of school-aged children in urban settings.
“While working in different programs, I noticed the lack of male teachers in the school system,” he said. “I learned that the students responded differently to male teachers, and that male teachers were in high demand. I feel that being a positive role model, an advocate for youth, an ear for them to speak freely and debrief from situations is very important.”
Most Holy Trinity is one of three ACCESS Academies (www.accessacademies.org) in St. Louis. Founded in 2005, ACCESS Academies serve socially/economically disadvantaged students in faith-based schools in St. Louis. Their mission is to build a solid and supportive academic foundation for these students during the challenging middle school years that prepares them to succeed in high school. Using the NativityMiguel model of 10-hour school days, a 10-1/2-month school year, and significant teacher and parental involvement, 98 percent of ACCESS graduates are accepted into college-prep high schools.
“Every child deserves a high quality education. ACCESS ensures that socially- and/or economically-disadvantaged students have access to top-quality, values-based education, regardless of race, ethnicity or religious affiliation,” said Blake Youde, executive director of ACCESS Academies.
”Every student at every school we serve is part of the program. As a result, our student body includes a variety of races, ethnicities, religious affiliations and income levels.”
McDowell felt that a small school with a family feeling and a “big heart” is where he needed to be.
“Each person within the school supports one another and works through problems as a team,” he said.
“As a first-generation college student myself, I understand what some of our families face. Unlike a traditional school environment, the Graduate Support program serves as a source of stability for students and families. They have someone to work one-on-one with them regarding their educational needs and, in some cases, just life in general.”
McDowell mentors youngsters through the Alpha Eta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. A former semi-professional football player for Gateway Soul and the St. Louis Saints, McDowell has coached youth sports in Webster Groves, Jennings, and with the St. Louis Public Schools. He also serves as a youth minister at New Beginnings Full Gospel Church. These activities have given McDowell the opportunity to build relationships with kids while setting boundaries and earning respect as a mentor.
McDowell, who grew up in the Murphy Blair Apartments and now has three young children, hopes to serve as the role model and mentor he lacked in his youth.
“Most Holy Trinity is located close to where I grew up,” McDowell said. “And I feel that I am giving back to my community by supporting the work done in the area.”