Overview:
The University of Virginia launched AdviseVA (formerly the Virginia College Advising Corps) in the fall of 2005 as a public service program to address the widening gap in college access for low income and first-generation students. Our mission is to expand access to high-quality postsecondary opportunities for Virginia's students. AdviseVA is an AmeriCorps program.
Pathways Advisers develop leadership, work, and life skills as they interact with K-12, higher education, and community-based organizations, developing knowledge and forging connections that will benefit them in their next step.
Responsibilities:
Advisers serve in-person in their assigned high school daily with monthly opportunities for tele-service. Advisers are expected to tailor activities to meet the specific needs of their assigned school to support its postsecondary planning efforts through the following primary functions:
- Provide one-on-one admissions and financial-aid advice to any student or family from your assigned school
- Encourage students to consider a broad range of postsecondary choices, emphasizing concepts of match and fit.
- Discuss a comprehensive college timeline, including application deadlines for admission and financial aid
- Work with students to complete and submit admissions applications to higher education institutions, apprenticeship and licensure programs, and other postsecondary opportunities.
- Guide students through the financial aid process including FAFSA submission, interpreting correspondence and financial aid packages and applying for scholarships.
- Organize group events that encourage students and their families to consider, plan for, and apply to various postsecondary opportunities
- Visit classrooms, assemblies, and club meetings to offer AdviseVA services and explain various aspects of the college-going process.
- Hold group workshops and presentations regarding the importance of postsecondary education.
- Visit feeder middle schools to encourage early college and career planning.
- Partner with local community groups—churches, non-profits, social-service providers—to provide postsecondary planning information to the community and host events outside school setting and hours.
- Establish productive working relationships with principals, counselors, and teachers in each assigned school
- Assess, in consultation with program staff and school personnel, the particular needs of each school, and adapt programs and activities to meet these needs.
- Actively seek the advice and counsel of the on-site supervisor and other personnel at each partner school.
- Participate in extra-curricular activities of your school site which empower students, build relationships, and contribute to the postsecondary planning efforts.
- Represent the AmeriCorps program
- Provide direct service at your service-site, and log hours accurately in the OnCorps online reporting system.
- Adhere to all guidelines of AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service.
- Display AmeriCorps logo at service site.
- Effectively utilize tools and resources in pursuit of continuous improvement and outstanding service to students
- Regularly report and interpret key progress indicators in online system to successfully manage student caseload.
- With program staff and site supervisor, systematically evaluate student needs and use data-informed approaches to meet those needs.
- Share relevant information regarding activities, accomplishments, and challenges with program staff via regular reporting and/or meetings.
- Maintain expertise in postsecondary planning, including 2- and 4-year colleges, trade and technical options, workforce, and other opportunities.
- Actively participate in pre-service and in-service training, held in both virtual and in-person settings.
- In consultation with program staff, seek out and participate in other opportunities for professional development.
Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree obtained between 2023 and 2026
- Ability and willingness to relocate to various locations across the Commonwealth;
- Ability and willingness to work hours that coincide with a typical school day for educators, as well as some night and weekend hours
Annual Compensation:
- Bi-weekly pay of $1,560 - $1,640 ($39,000 – 41,000 annual rate, pending final budget approvals)
- $7,395 Segal Education Award (approximate)
- $5,169 Health Insurance included (approximate)
$51,564 – 53,564 Total compensation package*
*Total compensation package is determined by the start date. Pathways advisers who begin on the scheduled start date in July will receive 25 bi-weekly payments totaling $39,000 - $41,000. Pathways advisers who begin later in the program year will receive bi-weekly payments of the same amount over fewer pay periods, respectively.
Pathways Advisers also benefit from professional development opportunities including:
- Ongoing professional development and training throughout service commitment
- Fully funded state conference
- A large network of AdviseVA and AmeriCorps alumni and partner institutions
For additional information:
Contact Assistant Director Ashmore Hyndman III.