College Coach- First Star ISU Academy

Title: College Coach- First Star ISU Academy
Employee Classification: Student Help Regular
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: School of Social Work

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 ISUs 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 Academys and universitys 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 Universitys 403(b) Plan. More information can be foundhere.

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


First Star ISU Academy

Dr. Deneca Avant Executive Director

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 received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986 Public Law 99-603 requires all new employees to file an I-9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University as your employer is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages withholding and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system please call Human Resources at .