What is the Missouri College Advising Corps?

The Missouri College Advising Corps (MCAC) is a college access and career awareness program designed to increase postsecondary educational attainment among students in partner high schools in urban and rural communities of the state with high percentages of students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds.

MCAC is headquartered at Mizzou. Do I have to be a Mizzou graduate to serve as an adviser?

No; graduates from ANY 4-year postsecondary institution may apply.

Do I have to be an education major to serve as a college adviser?

No; candidates from ANY academic discipline may apply.  

 

Why have past advisers served with MCAC?

Motivations to serve vary. MCAC is a great opportunity for college graduates interested in making a positive difference in local communities; taking a gap year between college and graduate school (while earning money for graduate school); exploring careers in K-12 education, higher education, and/or public and nonprofit service; gaining valuable skills through service and professional development while you determine your next steps; and/or helping high school students determine what’s next, especially if you are a former advisee who had a college adviser in high school.

What can I expect during the application process?

You will first submit an application with resume, cover letter/motivational statement, and the contact information for 3 references through the Mizzou eRecruit system. You’ll then be contacted for an interview and, based upon the interview and reference checks, be notified of your selection. An offer letter with a partner school assignment will be provided and you’ll be asked to confirm acceptance of the offer.

Does MCAC select my partner school placement for me?

Yes; we will select your partner school assignment based on your geographic preference – East (St. Louis Region), West (Kansas City Region), or South (Springfield, South Central, and Bootheel Regions) – and the alignment of your skills and experience with the partner school’s needs.

What do MCAC college advisers do?

We have a list of 15 service deliverables that make up the position description for college advisers. In general, MCAC college advisers collaborate with school administration and counselors to foster a college-going culture; meet one-on-one and in small groups with students (particularly seniors and juniors) to help them identify their “best fit” postsecondary option (e.g., 4-year or 2-year institution, career/technical education programs, military or national service, etc.); plan activities that help students explore diverse college and career options; provide students and their families information about and assistance with college admissions, financial aid, and planning processes; etc.

Do I need to know about college admissions or financial aid beforehand?

No; we will provide you with intensive pre-service and ongoing (monthly) training to build your knowledge and skills to carry out the adviser role. We’ll also provide professional development opportunities to prepare you for life after the corps.

Does MCAC provide housing or cover relocation expenses?

No; we do not provide housing or cover relocation expenses. However, we have second-year advisers and a network of alumni who can provide recommendations for where to live if you are relocating to a new area.

How much travel will I be required to do?

Travel mostly occurs for training and professional development events. Most trainings are within your regional cluster with the exception of summer pre-service training (July) and two corps-wide trainings (September and February) held at Mizzou. There may be a statewide convening of our AmeriCorps network as well as an out-of-state convening of our national College Advising Corps network.

Do I have to pay for training and professional development events?

No; MCAC provides lodging, meals, and transportation to eligible training and professional development events.

When and how long would I serve as a college adviser?

We require a 1-year service commitment (July – June) and advisers may serve up to 2 years (or, in special circumstances, 3 years) with the program based on successful performance. The program year kickoffs with summer pre-service training in July and advisers serve through June.

What benefits do I receive as a college adviser?

MCAC is an AmeriCorps program and advisers serve dually as AmeriCorps members. As such, they are eligible for AmeriCorps benefits including a monthly living stipend, healthcare and childcare coverage, loan forbearance and interest accrual repayment, and an education award upon successful completion of the term of service. The value of the education award is approximate to the Pell Grant and advisers may earn up to 2 education awards (assuming they have not previously earned education awards from service in another AmeriCorps program).