College Completion Coach

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 and other college campuses to supplement campus efforts to increase persistence and completion of first-generation college-going students, low-income students, and students of color. This is a grant-funded position that aims to address inequities in student success.

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.

Commitment:

Full-time members will serve a minimum of 1,700 hours over a twelve-month service year, and will log daytime, evening and weekend service hours to facilitate student activities. Coaches will commit to an AmeriCorps term of service from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2025. Candidates who are not willing to make a full-year commitment should not apply.

This program includes a mandatory, one-week orientation session, parts of which are in Lansing, Michigan, which will be followed by three weeks of mandatory campus orientation prior to engaging with students. All Lansing-based training 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 encouraged to live in the community in which they are placed. Upon successful completion of the first-year commitment, Coaches may be invited to apply for one additional year of service with the College Completion Corps program if they choose.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Ongoing interaction with students in your 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

• Assist in the assessment and long-term sustainability of the program:

  • Assist MCAN with the identification, collection, and interpretation of key progress and outcome data to evaluate the effectiveness of College Completion Corps:

    • Track time and frequency of student interactions

    • Track completion of key program benchmarks

    • Recommend additional supports to campus and MCAN staff that may assist with student completion

  • Submit monthly progress reports documenting progress and output data to the program staff

  • 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 offered by the College Completion Corps

  • In consultation with the Program Director and your Site Supervisor, seek out and participate in other opportunities for professional development

• Adhere to all regulations and requirements of AmeriCorps members from the Corporation for National and Community Service 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. Members must be able to pass federal and state background screenings.

Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in any subject, from an accredited institution (with preferred student experience at the institution where you will serve)

• Ability to effectively partner with students, faculty, and staff, including those from diverse backgrounds

• Previous experience demonstrating strong leadership abilities, influencing others in a positive manner while achieving goals, and effectively communicating and generating support for ideas

• Ability to serve independently and analytically, exercise discretion and good judgment

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Proficient computer skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects with strong planning and organizational skills

• Willingness to handle complex and detail-oriented tasks and projects

• High energy, creativity, ability to assume responsibility

• Ability to take initiative and facilitate coaching activities within the community college setting

• Successfully pass federal and state background screenings

• Provide documentation of eligibility for service (e.g. birth certificate, passport, transcripts)

• Live within 45 minutes of your service site and have dependable transportation to get to and from your service site.

Open Sites for the 2024-2025 Program Year:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1AzuYZ8ybOrW0q-Tjp6OyRxysHDXZT6o&usp=sharing

Compensation:

Annual compensation will include: $30,000 living allowance, $7,395 post-service education award*, 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

It is our policy to provide an equal employment opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, handicap/disability, genetic information, height, weight, veteran status, marital status, or any other classification that is protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. We are committed to a diverse workforce. We value all employees' talents and support an environment that is inclusive and respectful. We are strongly committed to this policy, and believe in the concept and spirit of the law.