Program & Advising Fellow (AmeriCorps Service Year 26-27)

About Breakthrough Central Texas

Breakthrough is the leading college access and success non-profit in Central Texas. For over 20 years, we have partnered with thousands of middle and high school students who aspire to be the first in their family to graduate with a degree or certificate. We make a radical, long-term commitment to students, to and through college, unlocking the power of education and a lifetime of opportunity.

Service Description

2026-2027 Breakthrough Central Texas (BTCTX) is changing lives with our community and student-centric approach to postsecondary access and completion. AmeriCorps members provide essential support to students who are on this path at various stages: middle school, high school, and beyond. Members provide mentoring, academic support, coaching, program planning and implementation, and other activities to contribute to the success of Breakthrough students.

Essential Functions

• Work closely with assigned supervisor to provide individualized support to assigned caseload of students
• Provide academic support services to students at the Breakthrough office or at the student’s campus
• Aid in the development and implementation of programming
• Support in cultivating and managing Breakthrough volunteers assigned to your team and/or students
• Mentor students on the skills and strategies needed for success in attaining postsecondary goals
• Communicate with students and families regularly
• Approach work with cultural competence in working with vulnerable populations
• Participate actively in all training, professional development, civic reflection, and service activities

Specific Team Responsibilities

Middle School Program

• Advise a caseload of ~50, 6-8th grade students
• Provide one-on-one academic advising and checking in on overall well-being, includes communicating with students and families after school and day occasionally during evening hours
• Visit campuses 2-3 times a week to conduct advising appointments
• Track and communicate updates on student progress and needs to relevant stakeholders (families, teachers and team members)
• Host after-school program for students 2-3 days a week
• Participate in summer planning committees to support the development of an immersive, nine week summer program
• Aid in the planning and implementation of Breakthrough’s Middle School summer program and school year Saturday program events

High School Program

• Advise a caseload of ~50, 9-12th grade students
• Provide one-on-one academic advising and checking in on overall well-being, includes communicating with students after school and evening hours
• Visit campuses 2-3 times a week to conduct advising appointments
• Track and communication updates on student progress and needs relevant stakeholders (families, teacher and team members)
• Host after-school program for student 2-3 days a week
• Participate in summer planning committees to support the development summer program
• Aid in the planning and implementation of Breakthrough’s High School summer programming for three (10th, 11th and 12th grade) summer institute and school year Saturday program events

Schoolwide Program - School-based role at Manor New Tech High School or Eastside Early College High School

• Advises a caseload of ~75 juniors and seniors at Manor New Tech HS Monday - Friday from 8am-4pm to aid in the creation of college and careers experiences
• Supports in the delivery of Breakthrough’s PSAP program including student and family workshops and seminars and school year Saturday program events
• Participates in campus leadership meetings and support
• Participates in campus leadership meetings and support
• Participates in campus leadership meetings and support

College & Career Success Team

• Advise a caseload of ~70 students on post secondary pathways varying from 2 or 4 year colleges, trade or vocational schools or licensure programs, providing one-on-one academic advising and checking in on overall well-being
• Travel regionally in Texas to visit with enrolled students 2-3 times a semester to conduct in-person advising appointments and other university meetings; requires overnight stays in urban and rural areas of the state
• Aid in the planning and implementation of Breakthrough’s CCST program events

Member Requirements

• Recurring access to vulnerable populations
• Wear the AmeriCorps logo daily
• Available to work nights and weekends for scheduled events and for urgent student needs
• Reliable transportation (personal vehicle)

Qualifications

• Be a U.S. citizen, or U.S. national or lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Have a commitment to community service and the ability to serve for the complete program year
• Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:
• Effective communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to follow through
• Flexibility and openness to changing roles
• Ability to work cooperatively on a team
• Respond well to constructive criticism
• Effective academic support and mentoring skills
• Willingness to learn and attend all AmeriCorps trainings
• Commitment to working with youth and to service
• Ability to manage several concurrent issues and solve problems effectively
• Complete paperwork and meet deadlines
• Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred

Member Hours, Benefits, And Compensation

• Full-time (year-round) members are required to accumulate 1700 hours and complete the full term of service period of September 1, 2026 to August 13 or August 27, 2027.
• Members Receive The Following Total Compensation:
• Living Stipend: $ 36,289
• Housing Stipend: $1,500
• Education Award: $7,395

Disaster Recovery Response Clause

In the event of a local, state, or federal disaster declaration, AmeriCorps members may be asked on a volunteer basis or be required by OneStar to activate to assist in disaster response and recovery activities within their communities. This may involve virtual service opportunities or in-person service opportunities. This may include service opportunities outside of the member’s standard service hours or in place of their standard service duties.

EEO Statement

Breakthrough Central Texas is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its applicants, staff members, and families, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.