Monroe High School is excited to work in concert with the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) to establish an AdviseMI Americorps adviser position in the building. The adviser’s focus is to guide students through the processes of college applications and financial aid, especially low-income or at-risk students, and will work very closely with the district’s post-secondary planners. As MHS already works so closely with its students to think critically about their futures after high school, this partnership will enhance the school’s mission.

"MHS works with the Michigan College Access Network to provide highly effective post-secondary opportunities for our students," Monroe High School Principal Sandra Kreps said. "We are looking for an individual to round out our three-person team of post-secondary planners that has worked with teenagers or adults in planning their next steps that include career, college, and military opportunities."

The partnership will offer even more support for students who are seeking guidance for the next steps in their lives.

"We are excited to partner with MCAN to help our students see the value and the attainability of post-secondary education," said Julie Everly, Monroe Public Schools Superintendent. "Monroe High School’s staff works diligently already to guide students to even brighter futures after graduation and this partnership will only serve to help promote their mission."

The AdviseMI program, established in 2015, works with schools across Michigan to help students who typically would not complete or even attempt college to succeed in post-secondary education. The advisers will specifically work with students who are working from low-income backgrounds. The Americorps-sponsored adviser, running from July 2017 to June 2018, is responsible for immersing him or herself into the community, encouraging and informing students on the possibilities and benefits of education beyond high school. The AdviseMI adviser will work closely with MHS counselors, administration, and post-secondary planners to bolster the school’s already stellar post-secondary work.

"Monroe High School offers its students and parents access to three post-secondary planners and three coordinators-guidance counselors that work with them for career preparation and planning, college selection and applications, and financial aid and scholarship assistance," Kreps said. "They have been an invaluable resource in being available to students and parents to help them understand FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) with this year’s updates."

MCAN has a goal to have 60% of students attain college by 2025. The network’s values define college as both academic degree programs and professional or technical certificate programs. The program views college as a necessity for everyone and a public good.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree from 2015-2017 from any of MCAN’s partner colleges or universities. High energy and creative applicants are encouraged to submit a resume, three references, and college transcripts to advisemi@micollegeaccesss.org. More information about responsibilities, compensation, and requirements can be found at www.monroe.k12.mi.us.