College Coach- First Star ISU Academy

Job Summary

The First Star ISU Academy is a college-preparatory program for high school foster youth with the aim of preparing for successful matriculation into 2- or 4-year colleges and universities. The Academy strives to keep youth on track for high school graduation, prepare them for higher education, and equip them with the skills to successfully transition to adulthood. The youth, referred to as Scholars, spend two-weeks living on the university campus (Summer Immersion Program), and they return one Saturday per month during the school year (Saturday Academies).

While on campus, the Scholars attend academic classes, participate in life skills workshops, and explore college life.

College Coaches play a critical role in the success of the two-week Summer Immersion Program, held on ISU's campus, from Saturday, May 30, 2026 to Saturday, June 13, 2026. The College Coach serves as a supportive and caring staff member, models appropriate and collegiate behavior, co-facilitates college prep or life skills workshops, tutors the Scholars and encourages successful learning practices. College Coaches are expected to work approximately 28-32 hours per week (this includes weekends) at the rate of $20 per hour.

Depending on your shift, this may include eating meals with the Scholars and/or supervising field trips. College Coaches do not reside on campus as housing is not provided.

All College Coaches are expected to attend a mandatory three-day paid training scheduled for:

* Wednesday, May 13, 2026

* Thursday, May 14, 2026

* Friday, May 15, 2026

College Coaches are also expected to attend the following:

* Saturday, May 16, 2026 Mandatory Scholar/Caregiver summer orientation

* Saturday, May 30, 2026 Scholar campus move-in

* Saturday, June 13, 2026 Scholar move-out/Awards ceremony

Job Responsibilities:

* Supervise Scholars during all Summer Immersion Program activities, including classroom, recreation, and off-campus activities, and meal and dorm times

* Provide academic support and tutoring to Scholars during classes and study halls

* Design and participate in select life skills workshops and team-building activities

* Ensure compliance with the Academy's and university's code of conduct

* Prepare for and actively participate in staff training, meetings, and supervisory conferences

* Model appropriate behavior for Scholars and others including, productive study habits, cleanliness, punctuality, language choice, and personal representation

* Maintain positive relationships with Academy staff, university staff, and the Scholars' caregivers and social workers

General Staff Rules & Policies:

* College Coaches are not permitted to have visitors in the dorms, cafeteria, or classes, unless pre-approved by the Academy Director

* The possession and/or use of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden during the Summer Immersion Program, while with the youth or in the dorms

* No smoking is allowed while with the youth, in the dorms, or in view of the youth

* Invitations to/Connections with Scholars on social media must maintain a high level of professionalism, congruent with University ethics policy and minors on campus policy

* No personal use of cell phone, or unrelated use of other electronic devices

Additional Information

Student employees are eligible to participate in the University's 403(b) Plan. More information can be found here.

Pay Rate

$20/hour

Required Qualifications

* Completed at least two years of undergraduate education, with at least a 2.5 GPA

* Ability to work as a team member with Academy staff, other College Coaches, and campus staff

* Responsible, ethical, friendly, enthusiastic, patient and willing to learn

* Strong organization and communication skills

* Ability to pass a Level 2 background check

Preferred Qualifications

* Previous experience in recreation, a camp setting or other work experience with youth in a group setting, preferred

* Preference given to students who have experienced foster care

Work Hours

College Coaches are expected to work approximately 28-32 hours per week (this includes weekends)

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

* Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

May 13, 2026

Special Instructions for Applicants

Priority application dead line is March 6, 2026 and the closing date is March 20, 2026.

Contact Information for Applicants

For more information:

Ms. Tameka Thompson, Academy Director

tfthom1

First Star ISU Academy

Dr. Deneca Avant, Executive Director

dwinfre

First Star Academy | Child Welfare | Illinois State

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been…