Overview:
The University of Virginia launched the Virginia College Advising Corps (VCAC) in the fall of 2005 as a public service program to address the widening gap in college access for low income, first generation, and under-represented students. Our mission is to increase the number of these students entering and completing higher education. Virginia College Advising Corps 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:
Advisers serve in-person in their assigned high school daily with monthly opportunities for tele-service. Advisers are expected to tailor activities to meet the specific needs of their assigned school to support its postsecondary planning efforts through the following primary functions:
1. Provide one-on-one admissions and financial-aid advice to any student or family from your assigned school
- 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 to higher education institutions, apprenticeship and licensure programs, and other postsecondary opportunities.
- 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 various postsecondary opportunities
- 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 postsecondary education.
- Visit feeder middle schools to encourage early college and career planning.
- Partner with local community groups—churches, non-profits, social-service providers—to provide postsecondary planning information to the community and host events outside school setting and hours.
3. Establish productive working relationships with principals, counselors, and teachers in each assigned school
- Assess, in consultation with program 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 school.
- Participate in extra-curricular activities of your school site which empower students, build relationships, and contribute to the postsecondary planning efforts.
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 regular reporting and/or meetings.
6. Maintain expertise in postsecondary planning, including 2- and 4-year colleges, trade and technical options, workforce, and other opportunities.
- Actively participate in pre-service and in-service training, held in both virtual and in-person settings.
- In consultation with program staff, seek out and participate in other opportunities for professional development.
Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree obtained between 2022 and 2025
- Ability and willingness to relocate to various locations across the Commonwealth
- Ability and willingness to work hours that coincide with a typical school day for educators, as well as some night and weekend hours
Annual Compensation:
- Bi-weekly pay of $1,480 - $1,560 ($37,000 – 39,000 annual rate, pending final budget approvals)
- $7,395 Segal Education Award (approximate)
- $5,169 Health Insurance included (approximate)
$49,564 – 51,564 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 $37,000 - $39,000. 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:
- Ongoing professional development and training throughout service commitment
- Fully funded state conference
- A large network of Virginia College Advising Corps and AmeriCorps alumni and partner institutions
For additional information:
Contact Assistant Director Ashmore Hyndman III at [email protected].