College Completion Coach

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:

Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), in close partnership with Michigan colleges and

universities, seeks to help more Michigan students pursue postsecondary education. MCAN’s

College Completion Corps will place full-time AmeriCorps members on community college

campuses to supplement campus efforts to increase persistence and completion for students who have the most college success barriers.

Members will serve as coaches to a defined cohort of 100-150 students over the course of a year,

guiding students through the development of a college completion plan and assisting with the

navigation of an academic year. Working in partnership with professional campus staff, coaches will organize learning sessions for small groups, coordinate 1:1 meetings with students, and provide reminders of key activities (such as course registration deadlines and FAFSA completion workshops) via technology prompts. The purpose of this program is to assist students with their acclimation to campus, build their knowledge of campus systems and resources, and help them successfully persist to completion. 

Coaches 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. Coaches bring their own personal postsecondary journeys and experiences to the role. Successful candidates:

are enthusiastic about helping Michigan students open doors for their future;

are potentially considering a career in education, higher education, nonprofit, civil service, policy, or some other field in which the coach 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:

Full-time members will serve a minimum of 1,700 hours over an eleven-month service year. Coaches will commit to an AmeriCorps term of service from October 1, 2025 through September 19, 2026. Candidates that are not willing to make a commitment to a term year of service with the program should not apply.

This program includes a mandatory program and campus orientation which includes virtual sessions in October. Coaches are expected to complete the training prior to 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 coaches are fully enmeshed in the campus and community and, as such, coaches are

required to live within 45 minutes of the community in which they are serving. Placements are available throughout the state but only  at colleges that have partnership agreements with MCAN. Upon successful completion of their first term, coaches may be invited to return for an additional term of service with the College Completion Corps program.

Primary Responsibilities:

Ongoing interaction with students in the assigned cohort, following the campus program

calendar:

Conduct monthly check-ins with students (preferably face to face, 1:1)

Organize and facilitate small-group interactions to model community-building and facilitate campus acclimation for students, for example:

Meals on campus

Study groups

Group visits/tours of campus services or to campus activities

Coordinate a group volunteer/service project

Ensure each student renews their FAFSA during the application window

Ensure each student registers for subsequent semester of coursework

Understand community services and resources that may provide support to students (United Way, 2-1-1, community scholarship programs, food pantries, transportation services, etc.), connecting students to these resources as relevant to eliminate barriers to success

Establish productive collegial relationships with professional staff, faculty and administration at your host campus:

Learn about existing systems that provide support to your assigned student cohort and assess, with staff, how your activities can supplement their efforts to expand services and avoid duplication

Learn the referral process and make active referrals from students to campus staff, establishing relationships that will continue through each student’s educational experience

Actively seek the advice and counsel of your Site Supervisor and professional network when confronted with unique challenges and needs of students

Be familiar with campus reporting processes and guidelines in the event you need to report a student crisis or emergency

Identify, collect, and interpret key progress and outcome data to evaluate effectiveness of coach interventions on a daily and weekly basis

Submit qualitative and quantitative data reports by due dates outlined on the coach administrative calendar

Represent College Completion Corps, as requested by the program staff, to potential supporters and other interested parties

Build and maintain expertise in completion coaching and student success

Participate fully in mandatory program training and professional development, included the program/campus orientation, the MCAN conference, monthly professional developments, and required regional meetings

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 an Associate or 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 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: $35,000 living allowance, $7,395 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 post-secondary educational institutions, to repay qualified student loans. Individuals may earn the equivalent of two full-time education awards during their lifetime.