Summary:
AdviseMI in close partnership with Michigan colleges and universities, seeks to help more Michigan students pursue and succeed in 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, principals and other school professionals, advisers will support high school 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 training in all of these areas; no previous experience is necessary. To apply for this role, you can either be a college graduate or on track to graduate prior to August of 2024. Please provide either a college transcript, copy of diploma, or a letter from an academic adviser that confirms you are on track to graduate prior to August 2024.
Primary Responsibilities:
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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, with a particular focus on cohort students:
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Encourage each student to consider a broad range of appropriate college choices while providing regular reminders and follow through
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Develop a plan with each student that includes postsecondary pathways, application deadlines for admission and financial aid for each student
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Help each student complete and submit admissions and financial aid applications
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Assist each student in interpreting correspondence from colleges, including offers of admission and financial aid
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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
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Organize group events that encourage students and their families to consider, plan for, and apply to colleges and universities:
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Speak to classrooms, assemblies, and club meetings to offer services and emphasize the necessity of postsecondary participation
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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
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Host regular workshops for the families of students to discuss topics relevant to college preparation
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Organize college campus visits and on-site college representative visits
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Establish productive collegial relationships with principals, school counselors, and teachers in assigned high school, as well as other community-based college access professionals.
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Identify, collect, and interpret key progress and outcome data to evaluate the effectiveness of adviser interventions on a daily and weekly basis
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Represent AdviseMI, as requested by the program staff, to potential supporters and other interested parties
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Build and maintain expertise in college access, admission and financial aid advising:
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Participate fully in mandatory training sessions, including College Adviser Institute, the MCAN Conference, and monthly professional developments
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Attend all program meetings and convenings hosted by AdviseMI
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In consultation with the program, seek out and participate in other opportunities for professional development
