AdviseMI AmeriCorps Adviser 25-26

Make a difference in your community. Jump start your professional journey. Put your values into action. Provide students in Michigan with a brighter long-term future.

Summary:

AdviseMI, in close partnership with Michigan colleges and universities, seeks to help more Michigan students pursue 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 in communities with low college-going rates and low adult educational attainment rates. 

Serving alongside high school counselors and other school professionals, advisers will support students as they explore postsecondary options, complete the college-going steps, and make the transition from high school to college. Advisers serve in a Three-Quarter Time AmeriCorps  position and focus on students who experience the most college access barriers. The 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 the areas; no previous experience is necessary. Every student’s postsecondary journey is different and there is no one size fits all approach. Advisers bring their own personal postsecondary journeys and experiences to the adviser role. Successful candidates:

• are enthusiastic about helping Michigan students open doors for their future;
• are potentially considering a career in education, higher education, social work, nonprofit, civil service, policy, or some other field in which the adviser service experience is a launch pad; and
• see value in the professional development, networking, and skill-building the position provides and are eager for new challenges and opportunities. 

Commitment:

Three-Quarter Time members will serve a minimum of 1,200 service hours over a nine-month service year. Members are expected to serve 40 hours per week. Advisers will commit to an AmeriCorps term of service from October 1, 2025, through June 26, 2026. Candidates that are not willing to make a commitment to the full service term should not apply. 

This position includes mandatory, virtual training, in October 2025, before advisers begin working with students. Some in-person training or events may happen throughout the term. If so, all expenses (including room, board, and travel) are covered by the program. Note: No more than 20 percent of the aggregate of all AmeriCorps member service hours in the program will be spent in education and training activities per 45 CFR §2520.50.

Successful advisers are fully enmeshed in the fabric of the local communities and, as such, advisers are required to live within 45 minutes of the service site in which they are serving. Placements are available throughout the state but only in high schools that have partnership agreements with MCAN. Upon successful completion of their first term, advisers may be invited to return for an additional term of service with the AdviseMI program.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Interact daily in-person with high school students and families in the assigned high school(s) to provide relevant information about postsecondary education and the college choice/financial aid processes, with a particular focus on cohort students:
• Encourage each student to consider a broad range of appropriate college choices while providing regular reminders and follow through
• Develop a plan with each student that includes postsecondary pathways, application deadlines for admission and financial aid for each student
• 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
• Balance a whole-school approach with specific focus and emphasis on serving a priority group of students who experience the most college access barriers
• Organize group events that encourage students and their families to consider, plan for, and apply to colleges and universities:
  • Speak to classrooms, assemblies, and club meetings to offer services and emphasize the necessity of postsecondary participation
• Partner with local community groups—particularly Local College Access Networks (LCANs)—to provide college access services outside the school setting and school hours
• Host regular workshops for the families of students to discuss topics relevant to college preparation
• Organize college campus visits and on-site college representative visits
• Establish productive collegial relationships with principals, school counselors, and teachers in assigned high school as well as other community-based college access professionals
• Identify, collect, and interpret key progress and outcome data to evaluate the effectiveness of adviser interventions on a daily and weekly basis
• Submit qualitative and quantitative data reports by due dates outlined in the adviser administrative calendar
• Represent AdviseMI, as requested by the program staff, to potential supporters and other interested parties
• Build and maintain expertise in admissions and financial aid advising:
  • Participate fully in program training sessions, including College Adviser Institute, the MCAN Conference, and monthly professional developments
• In consultation with the program, seek out and participate in other opportunities for professional development
• Adhere to all regulations and requirements of AmeriCorps members from the AmeriCorps Agency and the Michigan Community Service Commission

Eligibility:

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. Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any subject area. Applicants must successfully pass federal and state background screenings, live within 45 minutes of the service site and have dependable transportation to get to and from service.

Desired Skills:

• Ability to effectively partner with students, faculty, and staff, including those from diverse backgrounds
• Previous experience demonstrating strong leadership abilities and/or  influencing others in a positive manner while achieving goals
• Ability to serve independently and take initiative, exercising discretion and good judgment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient computer skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects; strong planning, detail-orientation and organizational skills
• High energy, creativity, ability to assume responsibility

Compensation:

Compensation will include: $28,650 living allowance for 9-month term of service, $5,176.50 post-service education award*, health care coverage (including dental, medical and vision), and childcare coverage to eligible individuals.

*Upon successful completion of the full term of service, members are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The education award may be used to pay educational costs at eligible postsecondary educational institutions and/or to repay qualified student loans. Individuals may earn the equivalent of two full-time education awards during their lifetime.

Other benefits: Advisers are eligible to receive tuition discounts/scholarships at select Michigan institutions post-service.