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Become an Adviser

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By 2027, 70% of jobs will require education beyond high school. In Pennsylvania, only 52% of citizens hold a college degree or credential. 

The American School Counselor Association recommends a 250-to-1 students to school counselors in order to provide students with the best support services possible. In Pennsylvania, the student to school counselor ratio is 360-to-1.

College Advisers have an opportunity to meet a critical need in Pennsylvania. 

Advisers participate in a cohort-based, two year service program designed to help underrepresented students. College Advisers transform lives and communities by helping students figure out their plans for after high school. 

Cohort 23-25

The Adviser Experience

 

Each adviser is assigned to serve at one to two high schools for a two year term of service. Advisers work with school counselors, teachers, and administrators to build a culture of postsecondary success through: 

  • One-on-one mentoring
  • Event planning
  • Classroom presentations
  • Family engagement
  • Community partner collaborations
  • Data management
  • Administrative duties
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Training and Professional Development

As newer professionals, Advisers receive continuous support throughout the year, beginning before they even step into their assigned high school. The intentional design of an Adviser's professional development allows them to grow substantially in their skills during their service term. 

Summer Training

Advisers attend a comprehensive month-long training during the summer to prepare them to identify and assist future college-bound students. Advisers gain exposure in the following areas:
  • College knowledge
  • Advising skills
  • Site-specific knowledge
  • College Advising Corps expectations
  • Professional development

Monthly In-Service Training

Advisers participate in monthly trainings throughout the school year. Training content centers around timely topics and professional development skills. For example, during the Septmber training, we invite a financial aid representative to walk Advisers through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in anticipation of the FAFSA going live in October and host a session on developing a strong LinkedIn profile. Monthly trainings also provide an opportunity for Adviser community building and professional development.

College Advising Corps National Trainings

The National Office hosts an annual training where PCAC Advisers convene with the greater College Advising Corps. This training brings together more than 750 College Advisers from across the country, allowing Advisers to build communities of support in their work and to learn how to excel in their jobs. This annual training also provides PCAC Advisers with the opportunity to present to their colleagues on a national level. College Advising Corps also offers monthly webinars on emerging practices, as well as has an online platform where Advisers can connect and seek advice in real-time. There are also opportunities to earn microcredentials in areas such as career advising.

Additional Adviser & Alumni Professional Development

As Advisers provide support to their students through their post-secondary planning, the PCAC administrative team commits itself to providing similiar support to current and former Advisers. This support is achieved through 1:1 mentoring for the graduate school application process and job search. The administrative team also prioritizes connecting current Advisers with PCAC alumni in similiar career paths. 

The Application Process

Application Requirements

  • Job Application
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Interview
  • Three References
    • At least one reference provided should be an individual who has directly supervised the applicant. Who Can Apply
  • While Pennsylvania College Advising Corps gives priority status to applicants from Franklin & Marshall College, Gettysburg College, and Millersville University, we accept applicants who hold Bachelor's degrees from all four-year institutions.
  • Due to the near-peer model of the College Advising Corps, applicants must have earned a Bachelor's degree between 2020-2024.
  • As an AmeriCorps program, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien.
  • Because the position works with minors (non-F&M students under the age of 18), all new hires must successfully complete a series of background checks and clearances prior to the beginning of summer training. Anyone who does not finish these clearances prior to training may have their offer letter revoked. 

Desired Qualifications

  • As an Adviser’s direct supervisor is located outside of the school district, an ability to establish a strong remote supervision relationship through communication and organizational skills are key.
  • Ability to speak Spanish or an understanding of working with English Language Learner populations is advantageous for specific school districts. 
  • Due to our emphasis on community integration, Advisers should ideally be willing to relocate to their assigned county.
  • Ability to provide professional, quality service and work with others in a collegial manner. 
  • Since this position serves in mostly rural communities, reliable access to transportation for the daily commute to work is required.

Deadline

Now accepting applications!

All applications received after February 23 will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The job posting will remain open until all positions are filled. 

Open Positions 2024-2026

As we are a two-year program, some positions may not be open in specific high schools during this hiring season, but we anticipate having in-person openings in the following counties for this hiring cycle: Blair, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Franklin, Huntingdon, and Luzerne. 

If you have questions about the application process or geographic availability for placements, contact us at PCAC@fandm.edu. 

Apply now