**New Opportunity Alert**
Goal: Place FAFSA. AmeriCorps VISTA members with Michigan school districts or ISDs to build systems for FAFSA completion to move the state closer to Sixty by 30 - 60 percent of Michigan residents earning a postsecondary certificate or degree by the year 2030.
Who:
- School districts in Michigan who are committed to raising their FAFSA completion rates
- Priority is given to school districts who are moving towards a universal FAFSA policy, though this is not a requirement
- Districts will also be prioritized who have a higher-than-average free & reduced lunch rate and a lower-than-average college enrollment rate
- Districts that already have a college adviser through AdviseMI, MSUCAC, or MCAC are welcome to apply for an AmeriCorps VISTA as well, as the role is different
Timeline:
- Request for Proposals Available: January 16, 2025
- Priority Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
*Beyond February 14, the application will remain open until all placements (7) are accounted for on a rolling basis.
- Candidate Recruitment: March 2025 and extended as necessary
- Round 1 VISTA start date March 10, 2025
* Additional start dates will take place (likely monthly) until all awarded placements (7) are filled.
The Opportunity:
The FAFSA AmeriCorps VISTA Program ("the VISTA program") at the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) hires, trains and places individuals as AmeriCorps VISTA members. These members are placed in and serve with school districts statewide to build district capacity to drastically increase FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion rates. Under the guidance of MCAN staff and district leadership, AmeriCorps VISTA members use a data-driven approach to develop and implement systems, policies, procedures at the district, school, and community level to raise awareness about the importance of FAFSA, mobilize resources for FAFSA submission, promote and/or lead training and professional development for staff and community members around financial aid, and build district sustainability to increase and maintain FASFA completion rates.
The VISTA program aims to increase the number of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students unlocking federal, state, and local financial aid through the FAFSA. To achieve this goal, MCAN seeks to foster strong and mutually rewarding partnerships with school districts. FAFSA VISTA members will be hired by and supported by MCAN, with day-to-day activities, supervision, and guidance provided by the partner school district.
The FAFSA AmeriCorps VISTA Program:
The FAFSA AmeriCorps VISTA program embeds well-trained, dedicated, AmeriCorps VISTA members in school districts, prioritizing districts that serve significant numbers of low-income and first-generation college-going students. The goal of the program is to increase the number of FAFSA completions for the district, particularly among students with the most college-going barriers. Up to 7 advisers are placed throughout the state. AmeriCorps VISTA members complete the activities on the VISTA Assignment Description.
As seen in the activities above, AmeriCorps VISTA members operate indirectly and more behind-the-scenes (vs direct engagement with students). AmeriCorps VISTA members are only allowed to engage in direct service when it directly supports their capacity building activities.
For example, AmeriCorps VISTAs with the FAFSA project should not be used regularly to directly assist students with FAFSA completion; however, in order to design resources and build systems for FAFSA completion as well as recruit and train volunteers in FAFSA completion, VISTAs need to have a strong understanding of the FAFSA as well as some of the challenges and barriers to completion; to enable this understanding, VISTAs may engage in limited FAFSA completion with students.
Districts that would like a direct service member to directly support students in FAFSA completion should consider applying for AdviseMI.
AmeriCorps VISTAs may not be used as supplemental staff to fill other gaps in district or school staffing structures. AmeriCorps VISTAs are not allowed to hold another paid position at the district while they are serving with the program.
AmeriCorps VISTA members receive the following compensation benefits:
- Living stipend of $24,962
- Education award equivalent to the maximum Pell award ($7,395)
- The education award can be applied to existing student loans or can be used to pay for future educational costs (must be used within 7 years of service)
- AmeriCorps members age 55+ at their time of service can gift the award to a dependent for the uses above
- $250/month housing stipend ($3,000 total for 12 months)
- $250/month food stipend ($3,000 total for 12 months)
- Health Coverage plan
- 1 year of Non-Competitive Eligibility for federal jobs
- Member Assistance Program
- Professional development, including free attendance at MCAN conference
Funding and administration
The FAFSA AmeriCorps VISTA program is administered by MCAN with a small amount of federal AmeriCorps funds. Successful applicant high schools, a local philanthropic partner, or other entity must provide an annual host site contribution to provide a portion of this cost. MCAN will administer the program by recruiting and training the VISTA members, managing member HR and benefits, and providing program oversight and management, including through dedicated program staffing.
High school partnership expectations
MCAN is seeking response from school district leadership who are committed to supporting a dedicated, full-time, AmeriCorps VISTA member in their district to increase their FAFSA completion rates through a systematic approach. Interested districts are asked to complete this brief application online, commit to program expectations, and attach letters of support (described below).
By completing the application, high schools commit to participating in the program for a full calendar year and providing the required host site contribution ($15,000) for each year in the program. These funds can be provided by district and non-district sources, including but not limited to: state funds, a community foundation, an intermediate school district, a United Way, a family foundation, a corporation/business, a local government, or any combination. Funding must be secured by the district.
District host sites will be required to participate in College Bound Michigan (CBMI ), a funded suite of events to promote college access and build college going culture, and to send a representative to the annual MCAN conference at a discounted rate.
About Michigan College Access Network
MCAN’s mission is to increase college readiness, participation, and completion in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. In order to build and sustain a vibrant economy and strong communities based on an educated population, MCAN works to ensure everyone in Michigan has the opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education. MCAN’s goal is in alignment with the state’s Sixty by 30 attainment goal: to increase the proportion of Michigan residents with college degrees and postsecondary certificates to 60% by the year 2030. At its core, MCAN believes:
College is Postsecondary Education: MCAN uses the term “college” to refer to the attainment of valuable credentials beyond high school, defined as postsecondary certificates and academic degrees.
College is a Necessity: Postsecondary education dramatically increases an individual’s economic independence in a knowledge-based economy.
College is for Everyone: We work toward changing the systems that perpetuate inequities in postsecondary attainment.
College is a Public Good: Postsecondary attainment is critical to a just and equitable society, strong economy, thriving democracy, and healthy communities.
We seek proposals that align to its mission and values as articulated above. MCAN is a 501©3 nonprofit organization.
For more information, contact Jenny McArdle, MCAN Director of Service Strategy, at jenny@micollegeaccess.org.
Become a FAFSA AmeriCorps VISTA Host Site
**New Opportunity Alert**
Goal: Place FAFSA. AmeriCorps VISTA members with Michigan school districts or ISDs to build systems for FAFSA completion to move the state closer to Sixty by 30 - 60 percent of Michigan residents earning a postsecondary certificate or degree by the year 2030.
Who:
- School districts in Michigan who are committed to raising their FAFSA completion rates
- Priority is given to school districts who are moving towards a universal FAFSA policy, though this is not a requirement
- Districts will also be prioritized who have a higher-than-average free & reduced lunch rate and a lower-than-average college enrollment rate
- Districts that already have a college adviser through AdviseMI, MSUCAC, or MCAC are welcome to apply for an AmeriCorps VISTA as well, as the role is different
Timeline:
- Request for Proposals Available: January 16, 2025
- Priority Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
*Beyond February 14, the application will remain open until all placements (7) are accounted for on a rolling basis.
- Candidate Recruitment: March 2025 and extended as necessary
- Round 1 VISTA start date March 10, 2025
* Additional start dates will take place (likely monthly) until all awarded placements (7) are filled.
The Opportunity:
The FAFSA AmeriCorps VISTA Program ("the VISTA program") at the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) hires, trains and places individuals as AmeriCorps VISTA members. These members are placed in and serve with school districts statewide to build district capacity to drastically increase FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion rates. Under the guidance of MCAN staff and district leadership, AmeriCorps VISTA members use a data-driven approach to develop and implement systems, policies, procedures at the district, school, and community level to raise awareness about the importance of FAFSA, mobilize resources for FAFSA submission, promote and/or lead training and professional development for staff and community members around financial aid, and build district sustainability to increase and maintain FASFA completion rates.
The VISTA program aims to increase the number of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students unlocking federal, state, and local financial aid through the FAFSA. To achieve this goal, MCAN seeks to foster strong and mutually rewarding partnerships with school districts. FAFSA VISTA members will be hired by and supported by MCAN, with day-to-day activities, supervision, and guidance provided by the partner school district.
The FAFSA AmeriCorps VISTA Program:
The FAFSA AmeriCorps VISTA program embeds well-trained, dedicated, AmeriCorps VISTA members in school districts, prioritizing districts that serve significant numbers of low-income and first-generation college-going students. The goal of the program is to increase the number of FAFSA completions for the district, particularly among students with the most college-going barriers. Up to 7 advisers are placed throughout the state. AmeriCorps VISTA members complete the activities on the VISTA Assignment Description.
As seen in the activities above, AmeriCorps VISTA members operate indirectly and more behind-the-scenes (vs direct engagement with students). AmeriCorps VISTA members are only allowed to engage in direct service when it directly supports their capacity building activities.
For example, AmeriCorps VISTAs with the FAFSA project should not be used regularly to directly assist students with FAFSA completion; however, in order to design resources and build systems for FAFSA completion as well as recruit and train volunteers in FAFSA completion, VISTAs need to have a strong understanding of the FAFSA as well as some of the challenges and barriers to completion; to enable this understanding, VISTAs may engage in limited FAFSA completion with students.
Districts that would like a direct service member to directly support students in FAFSA completion should consider applying for AdviseMI.
AmeriCorps VISTAs may not be used as supplemental staff to fill other gaps in district or school staffing structures. AmeriCorps VISTAs are not allowed to hold another paid position at the district while they are serving with the program.
AmeriCorps VISTA members receive the following compensation benefits:
- Living stipend of $24,962
- Education award equivalent to the maximum Pell award ($7,395)
- The education award can be applied to existing student loans or can be used to pay for future educational costs (must be used within 7 years of service)
- AmeriCorps members age 55+ at their time of service can gift the award to a dependent for the uses above
- $250/month housing stipend ($3,000 total for 12 months)
- $250/month food stipend ($3,000 total for 12 months)
- Health Coverage plan
- 1 year of Non-Competitive Eligibility for federal jobs
- Member Assistance Program
- Professional development, including free attendance at MCAN conference
Funding and administration
The FAFSA AmeriCorps VISTA program is administered by MCAN with a small amount of federal AmeriCorps funds. Successful applicant high schools, a local philanthropic partner, or other entity must provide an annual host site contribution to provide a portion of this cost. MCAN will administer the program by recruiting and training the VISTA members, managing member HR and benefits, and providing program oversight and management, including through dedicated program staffing.
High school partnership expectations
MCAN is seeking response from school district leadership who are committed to supporting a dedicated, full-time, AmeriCorps VISTA member in their district to increase their FAFSA completion rates through a systematic approach. Interested districts are asked to complete this brief application online, commit to program expectations, and attach letters of support (described below).
By completing the application, high schools commit to participating in the program for a full calendar year and providing the required host site contribution ($15,000) for each year in the program. These funds can be provided by district and non-district sources, including but not limited to: state funds, a community foundation, an intermediate school district, a United Way, a family foundation, a corporation/business, a local government, or any combination. Funding must be secured by the district.
District host sites will be required to participate in College Bound Michigan (CBMI ), a funded suite of events to promote college access and build college going culture, and to send a representative to the annual MCAN conference at a discounted rate.
About Michigan College Access Network
MCAN’s mission is to increase college readiness, participation, and completion in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. In order to build and sustain a vibrant economy and strong communities based on an educated population, MCAN works to ensure everyone in Michigan has the opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education. MCAN’s goal is in alignment with the state’s Sixty by 30 attainment goal: to increase the proportion of Michigan residents with college degrees and postsecondary certificates to 60% by the year 2030. At its core, MCAN believes:
College is Postsecondary Education: MCAN uses the term “college” to refer to the attainment of valuable credentials beyond high school, defined as postsecondary certificates and academic degrees.
College is a Necessity: Postsecondary education dramatically increases an individual’s economic independence in a knowledge-based economy.
College is for Everyone: We work toward changing the systems that perpetuate inequities in postsecondary attainment.
College is a Public Good: Postsecondary attainment is critical to a just and equitable society, strong economy, thriving democracy, and healthy communities.
We seek proposals that align to its mission and values as articulated above. MCAN is a 501©3 nonprofit organization.
For more information, contact Jenny McArdle, MCAN Director of Service Strategy, at jenny@micollegeaccess.org.