The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE) is the central administrative unit of the Montana University System (MUS) and the Board of Regents. Montana 10 (MT10) provides comprehensive supports to Montana's low-income students to help them stay in school, graduate on-time, and do so with less debt.
Service Activities
As an AmeriCorps member you will support growth of Montana 10, the system’s signature strategic initiative supporting low-income students in earning a college degree. Montana 10 offers students a set of ten strategies that address financial need, help students build academic momentum, and develop a sense of belonging in college and a purpose for their career. In its initial pilot cohort, the program is realizing dramatic, positive outcomes that have led the MUS to pursue expansion of the program. AmeriCorps service members will focus on researching and sharing best practices, supporting design and development of strategic communications, delivering education and training to campus staff and administrators, and enhancing college and university capacity to deliver the ten core supports that are part of Montana 10.
Community Need Addressed
Low-income students face increased barriers to achieving a college degree, and they can also perhaps most benefit from the economic and social mobility that a college degree affords. Low-income students are nearly twice as likely to drop out of college than their middle and high-income peers.
Position Outcomes
By growing Montana 10 and expanding the program to more institutions and more students across the state, the VISTA project will make it
possible for low-income students to earn a degree and achieve economic mobility for themselves, their families, and their future generations.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Training
10 Days of Personal Leave; 10 Days of Sick/Medical Leave; Professional development and training opportunities; Eligible for hiring preference with Employers of National Service; Access to My Life Expert member assistance program.
Skills you will gain
Knowledge for student success; Research and communication skills; Strong data analysis skills.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job
Planning
Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment