College Access & Success Coach

College Access & Success Coach Job Description

Position Overview

The College Access & Success Coach plays a critical role in preparing and supporting TETC students as they transition from high school into postsecondary pathways, with a primary focus on college and university enrollment. The Coach provides individualized guidance, resources, and programming to ensure students - especially those pursuing STEM, especially engineering, pathways - are informed, prepared, and empowered to achieve their higher education goals.

In addition to supporting 12th-grade students through the full college access process—including applications, FAFSA/TASFA, and enrollment, the College Access & Success Coach will also provide light-touch postsecondary support to TETC alumni to promote college persistence and successful transitions into career pathways.

Key Responsibilities

Student Advising & Support

- Provide one-on-one and group advising on college selection, application processes and strategies, admissions requirements, and deadlines.

- Support students in completing college applications, FAFSA/TASFA, scholarship searches, and financial aid applications.

- Guide students in selecting academic majors and career pathways aligned with STEM fields, specifically engineering and technology.

- Provide holistic advising that supports strategic applications, college‑transition readiness, and clear understanding of financial aid packages.

College Readiness Programming

- Design and deliver workshops on topics such as personal statements, standardized test prep, college interview prep, financial literacy, and time management.

- Coordinate college campus visits, virtual tours, and information sessions.

- Develop partnerships with colleges, universities, and scholarship programs to create opportunities for TETC students.

Family & Community Engagement

- Provide workshops and resources to parents/guardians on navigating the college application and financial aid process.

- Develop relationships with families, schools, and universities to troubleshoot issues as they arise.

College Persistence & Postsecondary Success

- Maintain ongoing communication with alumni to support their transition into college.

- Track and analyze persistence indicators, including FAFSA renewal, enrollment verification, credit completion, academic standing, and financial aid status.

- Identify and troubleshoot common persistence barriers, including financial challenges, academic support needs, housing instability, and mental-health concerns—connecting students to appropriate campus or community resources.

- Facilitate summer melt prevention strategies, including outreach and support between high school graduation and college matriculation.

- Host virtual or in‑person alumni workshops on topics like navigating the first year of college, budgeting, time management, and self‑advocacy.

- Maintain strong relationships with college partners to improve student support and communication about students' progress and needs.

- Contribute to program evaluation efforts by maintaining accurate alumni data and producing monthly or quarterly reports on persistence outcomes.

Data & Tracking

- Maintain accurate records of student progress, applications, scholarships, and college enrollment outcomes.

- Maintain accurate data management to keep advising and student progress on track.

- Track and report on key college access metrics for program evaluation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

- 3+ years of direct experience in college advising.

- Strong knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship processes.

- Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.

- Ability to work effectively with first-generation college students and diverse populations.

- Familiarity with STEM, specifically engineering, pathways preferred.

Key Competencies

- Student-Centered Approach: Passion for mentoring and empowering young people.

- Equity Mindset: Commitment to closing opportunity gaps for underrepresented students.

- Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and student caseloads.

- Collaboration: Works effectively with staff, parents, schools, and external partners.

- Adaptability: Flexible and resourceful in supporting students through unique challenges.

Work Environment

- Position based at the TETC with occasional travel to local colleges, universities, and community events.

- Some evening and weekend hours required to support workshops, family sessions, and special events.