AmeriCorps Access Coach – CHICAGO

Nichols College; Dudley; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Nichols College as an AmeriCorps Access Coach to help high school students navigate their college journeys. This full-time position offers a living stipend and an invaluable opportunity for mentorship and professional development within a supportive educational structure. Coaches will focus on teaching and guiding high school juniors and seniors as they prepare for college, ensuring that students achieve their academic goals.

Benefits

Paid school breaks & holidays

Employee Assistance Program access

Company-provided technology

Access to College Possible alumni network

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen required; AmeriCorps members must meet citizenship requirements.
• Graduate not exceeding 27 years by August 2025.
• Must pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Coach high school juniors and seniors in college preparation and applications.
• Conduct college preparatory classes for 40+ students at local high schools.
• Provide 1-on-1 coaching to develop college plans.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical Skills

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Teamwork

Education

College graduate between 2020 and 2025

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

and the job listing Expires on July 11, 2025

College Possible Chicago – AmeriCorps Access Coach

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 [e-mail] or reach out directly to your recruiter.

* Position placement and enrollment is contingent upon final notification of funding by AmeriCorps