The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), in close partnership with Michigan colleges and universities, seeks to help more Michigan students pursue and succeed in 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 make the transition from high school to a postsecondary education institution. Advisers serve full time and focus on advising 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, preparing for college attendance, and the admission and financial aid processes.
Advisers will commit to a full-time AmeriCorps term of service from August 2021 through June 2022. Candidates who are not willing to make a commitment to a full year of service with the program should not apply. This position includes a mandatory four-week training in August 2021. All training expenses, including room, board and travel, (if training held in-person) are covered by the program. Successful advisers are fully enmeshed in the fabric of the local communities and, as such, advisers are encouraged to live in 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.
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:
Organize group events that encourage students and their families to consider, plan for, and apply to colleges and universities:
Establish productive collegial relationships with principals, school counselors, and teachers in assigned high school, as well as other community-based college access professionals:
Assist in the assessment and long-term sustainability of the program:
Build and maintain expertise in admission and financial aid advising:
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.
Annual compensation will include: Living allowance ($25,000), post-service education award* ($ 6,345), health insurance (including dental, medical and vision), and childcare coverage to eligible individuals.
*Upon successful completion of the full year 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.
AdviseMI applications opens: January 14, 2021
Interviews: Spring 2021
Program year start date: August 2021
AdviseMI Mandatory summer training: August 2021 (Final dates TBD-4 weeks)
Program year end date: June 2022
Visit https://mcan.smapply.org/prog/advisemi_adviser_application and follow application instructions. Applications are processed on a rolling basis. Applicants should apply as soon as possible, since interviews for individual high school placements can vary. Questions may be directed to AdviseMI program staff at advisemi@micollegeaccess.org.
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