Starting August 2022-AmeriCorps College Access and Success Coaches-Chicago, IL

About College Possible: As one of the largest and most successful college access and success programs in the country, since 2000 College Possible has helped put more than 59,000 students from disinvested communities on the path to economic mobility via completion of a college degree. Its proven near-peer coaching model, delivered by recent college graduates serving as AmeriCorps members, provides high-touch interventions proven to help students navigate and overcome the most common barriers to college access, retention and degree completion. Nationwide, College Possible students are three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree within six years than their peers from similar backgrounds.

College Possible is a growing nonprofit coaching students from low-income backgrounds to and through college to break the cycle of poverty and empower the next generation of leaders. Our model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has a budget of $33 million, more than 128 full-time employees and more than 321 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2021-22 school year, we will reach an estimated 21,245 students in all 50 states, with the support of 169 partner high schools and 107 partner colleges.

College Possible is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education. To learn more read our Diversity and Inclusion Plan.

Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates: regional sites in Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; and Seattle, WA; College Forward in Austin, TX; and has Catalyze partnerships in California, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee. Learn more at CollegePossible.org.

So what is AmeriCorps? When you think of AmeriCorps, think of the Peace Corps but in your own backyard. AmeriCorps is a civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations and other donors engaging adults in public service work with a goal of "helping others and meeting critical needs in the community." Not only do College Possible AmeriCorps members make a difference in their community, they gain valuable experience for their next job or graduate school endeavor.

We have opportunities available beginning in August, 2022 in our Saint Paul, Minnesota; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Portland, Oregon; Chicago, Illinois; Philadelphia Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; and Omaha, Nebraska sites.

Available AmeriCorps Opportunities (may vary by site)

High School Coach

Serve as a College Possible coach in a high school. Support juniors by providing ACT/SAT test preparation and work with students on an individual basis providing subject specific assistance. Guide seniors as they complete the college application process including essay writing, applications for admission, scholarships, and the FAFSA. Reports to Program Team.

College Coach

Serve as a coach for students as they navigate the milestones and resources essential to graduating from college. Maintain proactive communication and offer services to students in college either from a college campus or College Possible office. Help link students to services already available on campus, plan events for students and connect them to meaningful opportunities.

Community Partnerships Team Member

Support College Possible's programming by building and supporting partnerships to serve students. This may include organizing College Prep Talks, college planning workshops for middle and early high school students; conceiving and organizing two program-wide community service days for College Possible students; organizing practice ACT exams for high school juniors; organizing campus visits to College Possible partner colleges and coordinating support services to College Possible partner colleges. In addition, this role will organize the annual Launch celebration; serve as lead substitute for coaches; and support programming for students transitioning from first to second year of college and supporting summer bridge programming for high school seniors. Research policies, timelines, and resources specific to your site for partners such as high schools, colleges, scholarships, summer programs, etc.

Benefits:

Benefits include a bi-weekly living allowance, health coverage and an Education Award of $6,495 that can be used to repay federal student loans or pay future education expenses. Some student loans may be deferred. 10 or 12 month commitment (depending on position) beginning in August of 2022 required.

Required Skills:

Four year college degree required. Ideal applicants will have demonstrated leadership skills, a high level of achievement in academics, employment and/or other pursuits, and a commitment to the mission of College Possible. Applicants of all academic majors are welcome to apply.

Please visit www.CollegePossible.org/serve to learn more about College Possible and serving with our organization!

College Possible is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Individuals with disabilities encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals and conduct all possible activities in fully accessible settings. Alternative application formats are available upon request by contacting HR@collegepossible.org.