How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit a cover letter that is no longer than two pages, double-spaced, and answer the following questions:
- Why are you interested in participating in the Michigan College Advising Corps?
- What would make you an effective college adviser?
- How do you believe this experience will benefit you personally and professionally?
- Out of the schools listed on our website, do you have a preference for where you would like to work? If we could not accommodate your preference, would you be open to another location?
Job Summary
The Center for Educational Outreach is looking for College Advisers to engage and work with students and families across Michigan. If you are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, passionate about equal access to education, and believe we are stronger together, this opportunity may be for you. We are looking for recent graduates. This College Adviser will be located at Chandler Park Academy High School in Harper Woods, MI or Ypsilanti Community High School in Ypsilanti, MI.
The goal of this program is to help encourage students to explore the option of higher education, to understand university admissions and financial aid processes, and guide students as they approach their graduation date, or as they gain interest in higher education. Advisers are expected to live in the community to which they are assigned. The expectation is to be onsite at the assigned school during school hours. The position is expected through June 2025. Upon completion of the first school year commitment, and at the discretion of the MCAC program, advisers may choose to commit to one additional school year of service to the MCAC.
This is an AmeriCorps opportunity with eligibility for an education award for each term of service. Advisers will receive a $31,200 annual stipend and a $5,176 AmeriCorps Education Award.
Mission Statement
The University of Michigan wants to help more Michigan high school students pursue postsecondary education. Following in the tradition of Teach for America and AmeriCorps programs, recent University of Michigan graduates will be advisers in high schools across Michigan for students in traditionally underserved communities. Working with school professionals, MCAC advisers will assist and empower students to make the transition from high school to a postsecondary institution.
Advisers work full-time and focus on low-income, first-generation, and historically underrepresented students, mentoring these students through the increasingly complex and costly steps in pursuing postsecondary education. Advisers will provide students and their families with relevant information about the benefits of a post-secondary education, preparing for college/university attendance, and the admissions and financial aid processes.
Please note: If your anticipated graduation date is after May 2024 (e.g., August 2024), please apply using the student employment website where you will find a duplicate posting: https://studentemployment.umich.edu/
Responsibilities*
- Develop a comprehensive college timeline for each student, including application deadlines for admissions and financial aid
- Assist the program director and evaluation staff to collect and interpret progress and outcome variables to evaluate the effectiveness of the MCAC program
- Help each student complete and submit admissions and financial aid applications
- Assist each student in interpreting correspondence from colleges, including offers of admission and financial aid
- Provide information about high school course selection, test-taking skills, and basic financial planning to help prepare for future education
- Organize group events that encourage students and their families to consider, plan for, and apply to colleges and universities
- Work with local community groups - local college access networks, churches, boys and girls clubs, social service providers - to offer events outside the school setting and hours
- Host regular workshops for the families of students to discuss topics such as financial aid, college planning timeline, the importance of a post-secondary education, and available opportunities
- Establish productive working relationships with principals, counselors, and teachers in assigned high school
- Assess with the MCAC program director and school personnel, the needs of an assigned school, and adapt programs and activities to meet these needs
- Seek the advice and counsel of the on-site supervisor at the assigned high school and support the assessment and long-term sustainability of the program
- Periodic staff meetings and professional development sessions throughout the year
Desired Qualifications*
- A Bachelor's degree with a graduation date no earlier than May 2022.
- Experience working with youth, including those from diverse backgrounds.
- The ability to manage multiple projects using strong planning and organizational skills.
- Prior work manipulating or analyzing data.
- Creativity and initiative in developing new programs.
- Experience with program development or management.
- Pass federal and state background screening.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.