Starting August 2027 - AmeriCorps Access Coach - CHICAGO

College Possible AmeriCorps; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid breaks

Personal days

Onboarding

Tech provided

Alumni network

Job summary

College Possible Chicago – AmeriCorps Access Coach is a full-time, in-person role based in Chicago for the 2027-2028 service year. The coach will support high school juniors and seniors with college planning, applications, and persistence, while attending mandatory in-office trainings each Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Transportation to multiple sites is required. You will gain leadership skills, participate in professional development, and contribute to College Possible’s mission of expanding

Qualifications

• US citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.
• College graduate between 2022 and 2027 or age ≤27 by August 2027.
• Must clear National Service Criminal History Check and other security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Teach college preparatory classes for 40+ high school students at local high school campus(es).
• Provide 1-on-1 coaching to develop students' college plans.
• Lead information sessions and recruit students into the program.
• Maintain student records and weekly timesheets and reports.
• Coordinate with College Success Team to provide college transition services.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Attention to detail

Education

College degree (Bachelor's)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

College Possible Chicago - AmeriCorps Access Coach

Employment Status/hours:

In-Person; Full-time; Monday - Friday (40-45 hours/week)

Start Date:

August, 2027

End Date:

June, 2028

Compensation:

• Living Stipend **$1,001.74 paid in biweekly installments
• Segal Education Award of **$7,395
• 100% Employer Paid Medical

** amount represents the 2026-2027 service year and may be subject to change.

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.

College Possible is a proud AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service. Our AmeriCorps volunteers commit to a year of service as a College Possible coach in communities throughout the country.

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 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 service positions focus on coaching and supporting high school juniors and high school seniors who are seeking to earn a college degree. Access 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 Access 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.

Access Coach Service Location: Local High School

• 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 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
• Perform follow-up parent/student phone calls
• 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 volunteers are required to be U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents
• You are a college graduate between 2022 and 2027 and/or do not exceed the age of 27 by August 2027
• 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

College Possible Coach Benefits & Perks

• 3 weeks of paid school breaks & holidays
• Up to 10 personal days
• 2 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

AmeriCorps Eligible Benefits

• Student loan deferment and interest forbearance
• Childcare benefits program
• 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

College Possible is committed to ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities within our organization. We recognize that individuals with disabilities may need reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions and to fully participate in our recruitment, interview, and onboarding processes.

Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process and service term. If you require accommodation, please contact your recruiter at [e-mail]. All requests for accommodations are handled confidentially and assessed on an individual basis. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure an accessible environment for all.

This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

** Position placement and enrollment is contingent upon final notification of funding by the Corporation for National and Community Service