AmeriCorps College and Career Guide- I Know I Can (Columbus)

Program Overview 

Want to serve your community while growing personally and professionally? Join College Now’s AmeriCorps Ohio College & Career Guides Program!  

Our program is offered in partnership with the Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism (ServeOhio). AmeriCorps enables individuals to serve their community while earning pay and an education award. 

The goal of our program is to ensure that all Ohioans receive the information needed to prepare, access, and complete a postsecondary credential. AmeriCorps Ohio College and Career Guides  advise middle and high school students and adult learners on college preparation, trade school and industry certifications, and career choices.   

Members serve with our partner organization I Know I Can in Columbus. AmeriCorps Ohio College & Career Guides is a corps of driven young professionals, whom students can relate to as they plan for their future. 

Guides will serve in a full-time capacity (1,700 hours over 11 months) from early August 2026 to June 30, 2027.  We have positions in 6 locations: in Cleveland, Stark County, Summit County, and Mansfield with College Now, and in Columbus with I Know I Can.  The positions in each location differ slightly. (Half-term positions requiring 900 hours over 6 months may be available in January.) 

General Responsibilities: 

• Provide college and career information to middle or high school students or adult learners  

• Assist middle or high school students or adult learners in making a college or career plan  

• Present classroom workshops to students  

• Plan and chaperone college and career visits  

• Assist high school students and families and adult learners with the financial aid process  

• Assist school staff and I Know I Can staff with college and career fairs, community events, and tabling.  

• Participate in community service projects  

• Enter data on all student or adult learner interactions 

Qualifications and Skill Requirements: 

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree (required), with a Bachelor's degree (preferred) or nearing completion of a bachelor's degree.  

• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien 

• Strong communication and public speaking skills. 

• Strong organization and task management skills and self-motivation, and attention to detail. 

• Strong commitment and passion for promoting access to and completion of higher education for everyone. 

• Ability to serve independently and as part of a team.  

• Be a contributing member of the AmeriCorps team. 

• Proactive service delivery. 

• Ability to serve in a fast-paced environment and multi-task effectively. 

• Ability to commit to a 40-hour work week during typical business hours for 11 months (1,700 hours of service). 

• Ability to serve for at least 8 hours in a row on any given weekday, and during minimal evenings and weekends as required. 

• Ability to arrange own travel to and from service sites. 

• Maturity, enthusiasm, positivity and great “people skills.” 

• Experience with a variety of computer programs including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite. 

• Satisfactory result of BCI and FBI background check, sexual predator check and drug screen. 

Program benefits: 

• Up to a $30,000 living allowance (please note, the living allowance is taxed). 

• Upon successful completion of the full-time, 1,700-hour commitment, AmeriCorps Members will be eligible for an education award up to $7,395. 

• Eligibility for free health insurance and childcare. 

• Qualified Federal student loans are eligible for forbearance during time of service.  

• Training and professional development throughout the service term. 

• Guidance and support for “Life After the Corps” goals.

• I Know I Can may offer additional benefits.