Overview:
The University of Virginia launched the Virginia College Advising Corps in fall 2005 to address the widening gap in college access for low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students. The Corps places college graduates in high schools throughout the Commonwealth to work alongside counselors and other college access organizations. Our goal is to encourage and assist high school students with college applications, financial aid, scholarship searches, and making the transition to post-secondary education.
Virginia College Advising Corps is a joint venture of The University of Virginia and the College Advising Corps, and is an AmeriCorps program.
College advisers advance leadership, work, and life skills as they interact with K-12, higher education, and community-based organizations, developing knowledge and forging connections that will benefit them in their next step.
Responsibilities:
Virginia College Advising Corps advisers will be expected to tailor programs and activities to meet the specific needs of their assigned schools, in an effort to increase college-going rates, and perform the following primary functions:
1. Provide one-on-one admissions and financial aid advice to any student or family seeking assistance.
- Encourage students to consider a broad range of postsecondary choices, emphasizing concepts of match and fit
- Discuss a comprehensive college timeline, including application deadlines for admission and financial aid
- Work with students to complete and submit admissions applications
- Guide students through the financial aid process including FAFSA submission, interpreting correspondence and financial aid packages and applying for scholarships
2. Organize group events that encourage students and their families to consider, plan for, and apply to colleges and universities.
- Visit classrooms, assemblies, and club meetings to offer VCAC services and explain various aspects of the college-going process
- Hold group workshops and presentations regarding the importance of post-secondary education
- Visit feeder middle schools to encourage early planning for college
- Work with local community groups—churches, non-profits, social-service providers—to offer group events outside school setting and hours
3. Establish productive working relationships with principals, counselors, and teachers in each assigned high school
- Assess, in consultation with VCAC staff and school personnel, the particular needs of each school, and adapt programs and activities to meet these needs
- Actively seek the advice and counsel of the on-site supervisor and other personnel at each partner high school
- Participate in extra-curricular activities of your school site which empower students, build relationships, and contribute to the college-going culture
4. Represent the AmeriCorps program
- Provide direct service at your service-site, and log hours accurately in the OnCorps online reporting system
- Adhere to all guidelines of AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service
- Display AmeriCorps logo at service site
5. Effectively utilize tools and resources in pursuit of continuous improvement and outstanding service to students
- Regularly report and interpret key progress indicators in online system to successfully manage student caseload
- With program staff and site supervisor, systematically evaluate student needs and use data-informed approaches to meet those needs
- Share relevant information regarding activities, accomplishments, and challenges with program staff via monthly report and/or meeting
6. Maintain expertise in admissions and financial-aid advising
- Actively participate in pre-service and in-service training, held in both virtual and in-person settings
- Engage on the national level during the College Advising Corps Adviser Summit
- In consultation with program staff, seek out and participate in other opportunities for professional development
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s Degree obtained between 2021 and 2024
- Ability and willingness to relocate to various locations across the Commonwealth
- Ability and willingness to work hours that coincide with a typical school day, including some night and weekend hours
Bi-weekly pay of $1,400 - $1,480 ($35,000 – 37,000 annual rate, pending final budget approvals)
$7,395 Education Award (AmeriCorps)
$4,679 Health Insurance included (approximate)
$47,074 - 49,074 Total compensation package*
*Total compensation package is determined by the start date. College advisers who begin on the scheduled start date in July will receive 25 bi-weekly payments totaling $35,000 - $37,000. College advisers who begin later in the program year will receive bi-weekly payments of the same amount over fewer pay periods, respectively.
College Advisers also benefit from professional development opportunities including:
- Fully funded state and national conferences
- Ongoing professional development and training throughout service commitment
- A large network of College Advising Corps and AmeriCorps alumni and partner institutions
For additional information:
Contact Assistant Director Ashmore Hyndman III at ashmore@virginia.edu.