At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high school students in their college journey through coaching and guidance.
- Company: Join College Possible, a nonprofit dedicated to making college accessible for all students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a living stipend, education award, paid breaks, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping students achieve their college dreams while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a U.S. citizen, recent college graduate, and possess strong computer skills.
- Other info: Position includes training, community service events, and access to a supportive alumni network.
Expires on July 11, 2025
Employment Status/hours: In-Person; Full-time; Monday – Friday (40-45 hours/week)
Start Date: August 2025
End Date: June 2026
Compensation:
- Living Stipend $1,001.74 paid in biweekly installments
- Segal Education Award of $7,395
Who We Are
This Work Is Our Mission! At College Possible, we believe talent is universal. For many students, the path to college can feel overwhelming or out of reach. That’s where you come in. We support students on their journey to higher education by providing personalized coaching, resources, and guidance. When you join College Possible, you become part of a team dedicated to making college access and success a reality. Together, we help students navigate the admissions process, overcome challenges, and earn their degrees.
Our Impact:
- 80% of College Possible students are admitted to college
- 86% of College Possible students enroll in college
- 93,000+ students served nationwide since 2000
Our Coaches
College Possible Coaches come from various backgrounds across the United States to serve as college access and success mentors. Each Coach brings unique skills to help students succeed. We seek dedicated and capable individuals committed to supporting students on their path to college. Through this service year opportunity, Coaches develop leadership skills, participate in professional development workshops, gain public speaking experience, and more. This role provides a valuable learning experience for both students and Coaches alike.
What You’ll Do
The College Access Coach (high school coach) service positions focus on coaching and supporting high school juniors and high school seniors who are seeking to earn a college degree. High school coaches will serve primarily inside a partner high school coaching a caseload of high school juniors and/or seniors as they explore college opportunities and complete the college application process. All high school coaches are required to be in the office every Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM for mandatory ongoing training. Coaches must have reliable transportation to and from the office, assigned school placements, affiliated institutions, and other required locations.
Flagship Access Coach (High School Coach)
Service Location: Local High School in the Chicago Community
- Teach college preparatory classes for 40 or more high school students at local high school campus(es)
- Ensure that students consistently receive the highest quality of services, that school partner needs are met, and that each student makes satisfactory progress toward program goals
- Provide 1-on-1 coaching to students to develop their college plan
- Gain and maintain knowledge of all students’ interests, needs, and backgrounds
- Lead student recruitment at schools in your portfolio; including but not limited to tasks like leading information sessions, communicating with school staff, facilitating interviews, and welcoming students into the program.
- Collect, organize, and maintain student and program documents
- Update the database and spreadsheet files on a weekly basis; maintain student records and statistics
- Provide mid-year and end of year-end progress reports for all students
- Coordinate with the College Success Team to provide college transition services to graduating high school seniors
- Submit weekly timesheets, periodic reports (i.e., monthly reports, self-evaluations, and supervisor evaluations), and other service-related documentation as required
- Attend required programmatic and community service events
Qualifications
- You are a U.S. citizen; AmeriCorps members are required to be U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents
- You are a college graduate between 2020 and 2025 and do not exceed the age of 27 by August 2025
- You must clear a National Service Criminal History Check and all other security requirements set forth by College Possible and the school district in which you serve before the start of training
Computer/Software Skills:
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other Office Suite programs.
Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:
- Desire to work in a growing nonprofit organization with a strong commitment to the mission of helping students earn admission to college and persist toward degree completion.
- Adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and commitment to excellence
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to effectively interpret data and reports.
- Outstanding attention to detail
- Top quality organization skills, unwavering ability to meet deadlines, multi-task, and handle potentially stressful situations calmly and appropriately.
- Willingness and ability to take initiative and thrive in new environments.
- Motivated and able to work independently as well as with a team.
- Able to establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships.
- Flexibility to work in multiple locations. Time is split between the College Possible office and affiliated institutions.
- Access to reliable transportation required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed
- Office environment with limited travel
- Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day
- 3 weeks of paid school breaks & holidays
- Up to 5 personal days
- 3 weeks onboarding and training
- Consistent professional & leadership development training
- Employee Assistance Program access, with mental, physical, & financial wellness benefits
- Company-provided technology
- Company-provided gear & apparel
- Access to College Possible alumni network
- Student loan deferment and interest forbearance
- Childcare benefits program
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
- Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
- Access to Schools of National Service Network for additional education benefits
- Access to AmeriCorps alumni & Employers of National Service networks
If you require any accommodation, please contact us at AmeriCorpsRecruitment@CollegePossible.org or reach out directly to your recruiter.
AmeriCorps Access Coach – CHICAGO employer: Nichols College
Contact Detail:
Nichols College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land AmeriCorps Access Coach – CHICAGO
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the mission and values of College Possible. Understanding their commitment to helping students access higher education will allow you to align your experiences and motivations with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former AmeriCorps members, especially those who have served as Access Coaches. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to stand out in the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your adaptability and problem-solving skills. As a coach, you'll need to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles or experiences, particularly in educational settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to community service and education. Highlight any volunteer work or relevant experiences that demonstrate your passion for helping students succeed, as this aligns closely with the role's responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace AmeriCorps Access Coach – CHICAGO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the AmeriCorps Access Coach position. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to coach and support students. Include any previous mentoring, teaching, or community service roles that showcase your commitment to education.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for helping students succeed in their college journey. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your dedication and how you can contribute to College Possible's mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nichols College
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand College Possible's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with their commitment to helping students access higher education.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
As an Access Coach, you'll be mentoring students. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully guided or supported others. Be ready to share these stories during your interview.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
This role requires flexibility and the ability to thrive in various environments. Prepare to discuss situations where you've had to adapt quickly to new challenges or changes, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.