What does a WUSTL College Advising Corps Adviser Do?
Washington University in St. Louis seeks to help more St. Louis high school students pursue postsecondary education. Recent WUSTL graduates will serve as advisers in selected public high schools across St. Louis, particularly those that are located in traditionally underserved communities. Working alongside school professionals, WUSTL CAC advisers will identify, assist, and empower students to make the transition from high school to a postsecondary institution. Advisers work full time and focus on low-income, first generation students, mentoring these students through the increasingly complex and costly steps in postsecondary education. Advisers will provide students and their families with relevant information regarding the benefits of a postsecondary education, preparing for college / university attendance, and the admission and financial aid processes.
WUSTL CAC advisers, who are closer in age and experience to the high school students they serve, bring enthusiasm, an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and a strong desire to participate in making this dream come true for their students. At the same time, the program provides advisers with a tremendous professional development experience as well as the pride and satisfaction associated with knowing that they have made a difference in the lives of so many youth.
The Work of an Adviser
- Provide one-on-one, near peer mentoring to students
- Facilitate college access workshops: Why is college important, financial literacy, ACT preparation, college-planning timeline, etc.
- Plan and coordinate campus visits to colleges all over the state
- Host college fairs and college rep visits
- College application and essay writing assistance
- FAFSA advisement and completion assistance
- Scholarship search/application assistance
- Parent outreach: College information and financial aid workshops
- Link students with academic support services at their post-secondary institution
Commitment
Advisers commit to a two-year term of service beginning in summer prior to the high school academic year. Year two is based upon successful completion of the first school year commitment and at the discretion of the WUSTL CAC program.There is a mandatory four-six week training session on campus and one week at the National College Advising Corps training program outside of Missouri. In an effort for the advisers to be fully enmeshed in the fabric of the local communities, advisers are expected to live in the community near their assigned school.
“I advise because educational access should NOT be a privilege!”