AdviseMI College Adviser

Summary:

AdviseMI, in close partnership with Michigan colleges and universities, seeks to help more Michigan students pursue postsecondary education. 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 and other school professionals, advisers will support students as they explore postsecondary options, complete the college-going steps, and make the transition from high school to college. Advisers serve full time and focus on students who are first-generation college-going students, students from low-income backgrounds, 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 admission and financial aid processes. Advisers will receive robust straining in all the areas; no previous experience is necessary.

Commitment:

Three Quarter Time members will serve a minimum of 1,200 service hours over a eight-month service year. Advisers will commit to an AmeriCorps term of service from fall, through June 20, 2025. Candidates that are not willing to make a commitment to a full year of service with the program should not apply.

This position includes mandatory training in Lansing, in fall of 2024, before advisers can begin working with students. All Lansing-based training expenses (including room, board, and travel) are covered by the program. Note: No more than 20 percent of the aggregate of all AmeriCorps member service hours in the program will be spent in education and training activities per 45 CFR §2520.50.

Successful advisers are fully enmeshed in the fabric of the local communities and, as such, advisers are required to live within 45 minutes of the community in which they are placed. Upon successful completion of the first-year commitment, advisers may be invited to return for an additional year of service with the AdviseMI program if they choose.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Interact daily 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, with a particular focus on cohort students:

o Encourage each student to consider a broad range of appropriate college choices while providing regular reminders and follow through

o Develop a plan with each student that includes postsecondary pathways, application deadlines for admission and financial aid for each student

o Help each student complete and submit admissions and financial aid applications

o Assist each student in interpreting correspondence from colleges, including offers of admission and financial aid

o Balance a whole-school approach with specific focus and emphasis on serving a priority group of students who are first-generation college-going students, students from low-income backgrounds, and/or students of color

• Organize group events that encourage students and their families to consider, plan for, and apply to colleges and universities:

o Speak to classrooms, assemblies, and club meetings to offer services and emphasize the necessity of postsecondary participation

o Partner with local community groups—particularly Local College Access Networks (LCANs)—to provide college access services outside the school setting and school hours

o Host regular workshops for the families of students to discuss topics relevant to college preparation

o 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
• Identify, collect, and interpret key progress and outcome data to evaluate the effectiveness of adviser interventions on a daily and weekly basis
• Submit qualitative and quantitative data reports by due dates outlined in the adviser administrative calendar
• Represent AdviseMI, as requested by the program staff, to potential supporters and other interested parties
• Build and maintain expertise in admissions and financial aid advising:

o Participate fully in mandatory training sessions, including College Adviser Institute, the MCAN Conference, and monthly professional developments

o Attend all professional development training sessions provided by AdviseMI

o In consultation with the program, 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.

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)
• Live within 45 minutes of your service site and have dependable transportation to get and from your service site