Program & Advising Fellow (AmeriCorps Service Year 26-27)

Breakthrough is the leading college access and success non profit in Central Texas. For more than 20 years, we have partnered with thousands of middle and high school students who aspire to be the first in their family to graduate with a degree or certificate. We make a radical, long-term commitment to students, to and through college, unlocking the power of education and a lifetime of opportunity. We support the whole student with personalized services, work closely with community partners, campuses, and employers, and advocate for our students with lawmakers. Breakthrough students attend 60+ public schools and persist at nearly 100 colleges and universities. The result is that nearly 60% of Breakthrough students graduate from college, compared to 15% of low-income students in our region. Our work has resulted in more than 350 college graduates, with nearly 3,500 on their way, positively impacting families for generations, our region’s educational equity, and the Central Texas economy.

• →Advise a caseload of ~50, 9-12th grade students 
• →
  • →Provide one-on-one academic advising and checking in on overall well-being,  includes communicating with students after school and evening hours   
  • →Visit campuses 2-3 times a week to conduct advising appointments
  • →Track and communication updates on student progress and needs relevant stakeholders (families, teacher and team members) 
  • →Host after-school program for student 2-3 days a week  
• →Participate in summer planning committees to support the development summer program 
• →Aid in the planning and implementation of Breakthrough’s High School summer programming for three (10th, 11th and 12th grade)  summer institute and school year Saturday program events

• Advise a caseload of ~75 juniors and seniors at Manor New Tech HS Monday - Friday from 8am-4pm to aid in the creation of college and careers experiences 
• Support in the delivery of Breakthrough’s PSAP program including student and family workshops and seminars
• and school year Saturday program events
• Participate in campus leadership meetings and support

• Advise a caseload of ~70 students on post secondary pathways varying from 2 or 4 year colleges, trade or vocational schools or licensure programs, providing one-on-one academic advising and checking in on overall well-being 
• Travel regionally in Texas to visit with  enrolled students 2-3 times a semester to conduct in-person advising appointments and other university meetings; requires overnight stays in urban and rural areas of the state
• Aid in the planning and implementation of Breakthrough’s CCST program events

Members receive the following:

• Total Compensation:
• • Living Stipend: $ 36,289
  • Housing Stipend: $1,500  
  • Education Award: $7,395
  • • Upon successful completion of the Member’s 1700 service hours and completion of the full term of service, members are eligible to receive an Education Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service of $7,395 to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans. Members may receive no more than the aggregate value of two full-time education awards.

• Optional health insurance coverage at no cost
• Non-monetary benefits (on-going support and professional development from experienced educators and non-profit leaders)
• Assistance with finding housing and other resources for members 

Disaster Recovery Response Clause 

In the event of a local, state, or federal disaster declaration, AmeriCorps members may be asked on a volunteer basis or be required by OneStar to activate to assist in disaster response and recovery activities within their communities. This may involve virtual service opportunities or in-person service opportunities.  This may include service opportunities outside of the member’s standard service hours or in place of their standard service duties.  In the event of a large-scale, high needs local, state, or federal disaster, AmeriCorps members may voluntarily or be required by OneStar to deploy to an area outside of their service area to assist in disaster response and recovery activities.

Breakthrough Central Texas is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its applicants, staff members, and families, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.