Why Serve as a College Completion Coach?

Postsecondary education is the best way for Michiganders to set themselves up for a lifetime of success in a knowledge-based economy. Yet too few students — especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color — are earning a postsecondary degree or certificate, even if they are attending college.

College Completion Corps, an AmeriCorps program run by MCAN, is seeking candidates who will serve as college completion coaches for the 2024-25 school year and fight for equity in college success for Michigan students. This program places coaches on college campuses, particularly community colleges, to help students persist and complete their associate degree or certificate.

Serving as a college completion coach is no ordinary position. In this role, you will positively change lives and fight systems of inequity, all while gaining experience, individualized support, and personalized support to kickstart your career.

Apply to become a College Completion Coach →

Benefits and Requirements

College Completion Coaches serve alongside college staff toadvocate for students and foster connections, integrate into the campus support structure, and engage in data-informed monitoring to direct their outreach. Completion Coaches engage students over the course of the academic year, including one-on-one meetings to advance on benchmarks and address challenges that arise; group activities and meetings to boost a sense of belonging and self-efficacy; and technology-based interaction (text, email, and phone) to bring attention to important dates and deadlines. In exchange for their full-time service (40 hours per week for 12 months), coaches receive:

• $30,000/year living stipend*
• Education award of $7,395* to repay student loans or finance further studies
• Healthcare coverage at no cost
• Student loan forbearance and student loan interest accrual repayment
• High-impact experience and networking to build your resume for future career or graduate school pursuits
• Launch year opportunity between undergraduate and graduate studies
• Extensive training in college success provided, no prior experience or particular expertise necessary

No previous experience is necessary. Reliable transportation is required. This is a perfect opportunity for recent college grads, those who are looking to gain experience in the education field, those who would like to take a gap year before grad school, or anyone who is committed to working towards a more equitable Michigan. Positions start Dec. 1, 2024, and run until Nov. 30, 2025. Coaches must be willing and able to serve the full term. Additional terms are available beginning in January and March 2025.

*For advisers starting later than December, the benefits will be prorated.

Alumni Perspectives

Quotes from College Completion Corps alums:

"AmeriCorps and MCAN has been genuinely instrumental regarding my life path journey. The professional development trainings were fun, educational, impactful, insightful, interactive, and filled with information that aids with personal and career development. Moreover, the staff are truly beings of compassion, dedication, professionalism, and integrity. I LOVE being connected with this phenomenal non-profit organization of hope, intentionality, focus, and data driven results.”

“Yes! The network is huge, and the skills that I developed as an AmeriCorps member are so universal and valuable. The Segal Ed Award helps, too!”

“I got real professional experience and higher ed experience. It was helpful in me figuring out what I wanted to do and if I wanted to go back to school.”

Questions?

Check our FAQ page or contact Ryan Hoppenworth, strategy assistant for recruitment and alumni engagement.