Why Serve as a College Adviser?

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 high school students — especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color — are going on to earn a postsecondary degree or certificate.

AdviseMI, an AmeriCorps program run by MCAN, is seeking candidates who will serve as college advisers for the 2024-25 school year and fight for equity in college access for Michigan high school students. This program places advisers in select high schools across Michigan, particularly schools in communities with low college-going rates and low adult educational attainment rates.

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

• In a recent external evaluation of the program, 100% of advisers surveyed agreed with the statement “I feel my service as an adviser had a positive impact on the students and families with whom I worked.”

Apply to become an AdviseMI adviser →

Benefits and Requirements

AdviseMI advisers serve alongside high school staff to support and guide seniors as they explore their options, develop a postsecondary plan, and create a path to realizing their dreams. In exchange for their full-time service (40 hours per week for 10.5 months), advisers 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 access provided, no prior experience or particular expertise necessary
• Access to select graduate programs at partner institutions, with financial benefits for AdviseMI alums. See the FAQ page for more details on grad school benefits.

No previous advising or counseling 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 Aug. 1, 2024, and run until mid-June 2025. Additional adviser terms will be available beginning in September and October 2024.

* These benefit amounts are for advisers serving a full August-June term. For advisers starting later than August, the benefits will be prorated.
 

Alumni Perspective

Quotes from AdviseMI alums:

"AdviseMI provided an opportunity to be a professional right after college. My year of service mindset quickly transitioned to a lifetime of service due to AdviseMI and the people I was around."

"My AmeriCorps service with MCAN allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I was able to refine my advocacy, leadership, and time management skills, which has helped me throughout my current grad school program!"

"I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduating from college. Serving with AdviseMI gave me a purpose and showed me that I could work with students in ways outside of simply being a classroom teacher."

"While in college, I realized how college access was different for many various different people in different cultures, [...] what motivated me to accept this position was that I could make a difference and make that process easier for future generations."

“I feel that the most important contribution I will make as an adviser is building relationships with students which leads to them having someone in their corner who is there to assist them, cheer them on, and be a positive influence.”

Learn more:

Watch the video with Spanish captions here.
Watch the video with Arabic captions here.

Questions?
Check our FAQ page or contact Hunter Roznowski.