Iowa College Aid is looking for individuals with a passion for helping others to serve as student coaches, helping high school seniors to complete the steps required to attend and succeed in college. Members will provide assistance to students, expanding the school district’s college access programming to reach and support a larger number of students. Members also will collaborate with Iowa College Aid, school counselors and administrators, educators and community organizations. Course to College Corps provides an opportunity to make a difference in the students' lives and futures, all while gaining work experience valuable across many career fields.
Service Activities
Access coaches will support high school students as they complete college-going steps in their senior year. Following Iowa College Aid's college-access program, Course to College, members will provide one-on-one, small group and large group assistance on college-going activities that include completing college applications and financial aid forms; sending high school transcripts; comparing award letters; choosing a college; registering for college orientation and arranging transportation. Members also will arrange and assist with financial aid and college access nights as well as recruit and train community volunteers for additional event assistance. AmeriCorps members will track students' progress through the program with the goal of matriculation to post-secondary education. Members will receive training in needed skills and professional/personal development during term of service.
Community Need Addressed
Increased access to assistance with the college-going process.
Position Outcomes
Increased completion of the FAFSA and other steps required to enroll and succeed in college.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Training
Housing and meal assistance varies by location.
Skills you will gain
FAFSA Assistance Provider Certification, time management, team building
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process
Tools
Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization