The College and Career Opportunity Coach Program (CCOC) places AmeriCorps members (coaches) in high schools across South Carolina. Our coaches provide a broad range of services to junior and senior students in planning, preparing, and applying to post-secondary education institutions. (i.e., college/university, technical school, apprenticeships, or military service). Coaches also work closely with school counselors in facilitating events at their sites that promote a college going culture, such as College Application Month, College Goal SC, and College Decision Day.
CHE was awarded the AmeriCorps grant to fund a CCOC beginning in 2019.
For Districts and Schools:
There is no cost to participate in the CCOC. Partnered districts are reimbursed every month for each coaches’ living stipend and 7.65% FICA payroll expenditures. Partnered schools are asked to provide a site supervisor and a workspace with access to a computer, phone, and internet. Site supervisors act as point of contact for the AmeriCorps program director, approve timesheets and participate in the annual site visit. Coaches are recruited, trained, and managed by AmeriCorps program director.
For Coaches:
Coaches provide services to juniors and seniors identified by the school leadership team as needing additional assistance planning for their continued education or career training beyond high school. Coaches help each student determine which college or program best fits their needs and work with students through all phases of entering postsecondary education or training. This includes preparation to increase standardized test scores to qualify for state scholarships, completing program applications, gaining access to grant and scholarship funding to pay for postsecondary education, and developing skills that will ensure continued success once enrolled in a postsecondary institution. Coaches will also act as liaisons between the CHE and their sites in planning for college access events such as College Application Month, College Goal SC, and College Decision Day.
Benefits of being a Coach:
- Living Stipend up to $14,400
- Segal Education Award up to $4,441.50
- Loan Forbearance
- Interest Accrual Payment
- AmeriCorps Networking
- Training Opportunities
- Member Assistance Program
Qualifications to be a Coach:
- Be at least 21 years of age or older
- Have, or be working towards, a college degree
- Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
- Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45 CFR 2540.202.
To learn more, contact Dr. Gerrick Hampton, CHE Office of Student Affairs, at ghampton@che.sc.gov.