AmeriCorps AdviseMI Adviser

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Summary:

The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), in close partnership with Michigan colleges and universities, seeks to help more Michigan students pursue postsecondary education. Recent college graduates (bachelor’s degree or higher) will serve as AdviseMI AmeriCorps advisers in selected high schools across Michigan, particularly high schools that are located in communities with low college-going rates and low adult educational attainment rates. Serving alongside high school counselors, principals and other school professionals, advisers will support students as they complete the college-going steps and prepare for the transition from high school to college.

Advisers serve full time and focus on supporting students who are first-generation college-going students, low-income students, and/or students of color. Advisers will provide students and their families with relevant information regarding the benefits of a postsecondary education, selecting a best match/fit institution, and the admissions and financial aid process. Advisers will receive robust training in all of these areas; no previous experience is necessary. 

Term of Service: August 1st 2024-June 2025

Living Stipend : $30,000

Education Award: $7,395

Commitment:

Advisers will commit to an AmeriCorps term of service from August 2024 through June 2025. Candidates who are not willing to make a commitment to service with the program should not apply. All training expenses, including room, board and travel are covered by the program. Successful advisers are fully enmeshed in the fabric of the local community and, as such, advisers are encouraged to live in or near the community in which they are placed. Upon successful completion of the first year commitment, advisers may be invited to return for one additional year of service with the AdviseMI program if they choose. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Interact on a daily basis with high school students and families in the assigned high school to provide relevant information about postsecondary education and the college choice/financial aid processes:
  • Encourage each student to consider a broad range of appropriate college choices while providing regular reminders and follow up
  • Develop a plan with each student that includes postsecondary pathways, application deadlines for admission and financial aid for each student
  • Help each student complete and submit admissions and financial aid applications
  • Assist each student in interpreting correspondence from colleges, including offers of admission and financial aid
• Organize group events that encourage students and their families to consider, plan for, and apply to colleges and universities:
  • Speak to classrooms, assemblies, and club meetings to offer services and emphasize the necessity of postsecondary participation
  • Partner with local community groups—particularly Local College Access Networks (LCANs)—to provide college access services outside of the school setting and hours to school students
  • Host regular workshops for the families of students to discuss topics relevant to college preparation
  • Organize college campus visits and on-site college representative visits
• Establish productive collegial relationships with principals, school counselors, and teachers in assigned high school, as well as other community-based college access professionals:
• Track adviser and student data:
  • Identify, collect, and interpret key progress and outcome data to evaluate the effectiveness of AdviseMI
  • Submit monthly progress reports documenting progress and output data to the program staff
  • Represent AdviseMI, as requested by the program staff, to potential supporters and other interested parties
• Build and maintain expertise in college access, admission and financial aid advising:
  • Participate fully in a mandatory training session
  • Attend all professional development training sessions provided by AdviseMI
  • In consultation with the program director, seek out and participate in other opportunities for professional development

Eligibility:

Applicants must be a United States citizen, a national, or a legal permanent resident and at least 18 years of age. Documentation of proof of age and citizenship will be required during the selection process. Members must be able to pass federal and state background screenings.

Completion of Covid-19 vaccination is recommended but not currently required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in any subject area
• Ability to effectively partner with students, faculty, and staff, including those from diverse backgrounds
• Previous experience demonstrating strong leadership abilities, influencing others in a positive manner while achieving goals, and effectively communicating ideas and generating support for ideas
• Ability to serve independently and analytically, exercise discretion and good judgment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient computer skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects; strong planning and organizational skills
• Willingness to handle complex and detail-oriented tasks and projects
• High energy, creativity, ability to assume responsibility
• Take initiative and develop new programs within the high school setting
• Successfully pass Federal and State background screenings
• Provide documentation of eligibility for service (e.g. birth certificate, passport, transcripts)
• Dependable transportation to get and from your service site

OUR VALUES 

College is postsecondary education 

We use the term college to refer to attainment of education beyond high school, including postsecondary certificates and academic degrees. Postsecondary attainment dramatically increases an individual’s economic independence in a knowledge-based economy. 

College is for everyone 

We work toward changing the systems that perpetuate inequities in postsecondary attainment. 

College is a necessity

Postsecondary attainment dramatically increases an individual's economic independence in a knowledge-base economy.

College is a public good 

Postsecondary attainment is critical to a just and equitable society, strong economy, thriving democracy, and healthy communities.

Compensation:

Annual compensation will include: Living allowance, post-service education award*, healthcare coverage (including dental, medical and vision), and childcare coverage to eligible individuals.

*Upon successful completion of the full term of service, members are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The education award may be used to pay educational costs at eligible post-secondary educational institutions, to repay qualified student loans. Individuals may only earn the equivalent of two full-time education awards during their lifetime.

Other benefits: Advisers are eligible to receive 15% tuition and mandatory fees for Saginaw Valley State University and a scholarship of up to $6,000/year at Baker College for graduate studies.