Become An Advising Fellow

Join Our 2026-2027 Cohort — Applications Open January

Support and guide students year-round. Experience the impact of mentoring, academic advising, coaching, and program implementation. Grow as a leader and an advocate. Become an AmeriCorps Year-Round Program & Advising Fellow for Breakthrough now — it will be the most meaningful year of your life!

ABOUT BEING A PROGRAM & ADVISING FELLOW

Program & Advising Fellows (AmeriCorps Year-Round members) spend the year supporting students in middle school, high school, and post-secondary education through mentoring, academic support, coaching, and program implementation. No experience is needed as extensive training is provided.

  • Full-time AmeriCorps Program & Advising Fellows work 40-50 hours weekly
  • Work closely with assigned supervisor to provide individualized support to students
  • Provide academic support to students at the Breakthrough office or their campus
  • Assist in the development and implementation of programming
  • Cultivate and manage Breakthrough volunteers for your team and students
  • Mentor students on skills and strategies for postsecondary success
  • Act as a role model to Breakthrough students
  • 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

 

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a national service program in the United States where individuals serve communities in need through various organizations. Members commit to a term of service, receive benefits of living allowance and education awards, and contribute to projects addressing critical needs such as education, public health, and disaster relief. Learn more about the benefits of joining AmeriCorps from the AmeriCorps Central Texas webpage here.

How To Apply?

We will start accepting online applications for the 2026 – 2027 service term in January. The application process includes submitting an application, an initial interview, a video interview, and a team interview. Successful candidates typically receive a final offer within three weeks of applying. 

Living in Austin

If this is your first time in Austin, welcome! Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin offers a vibrant cultural scene with renowned events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and South by Southwest (SXSW). Beyond the music, you can explore the scenic Lady Bird Lake, perfect for kayaking or enjoying a sunset cruise

The city’s dynamic downtown, eclectic neighborhoods, and famous barbecue spots create a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Learn more at Visit Austin.

Testimonial: Yesenia Hernandez

The Breakthrough AmeriCorps community is one of the best support systems to confide in knowing that we are all working to achieve the same goal. Being apart of the Breakthrough Schoolwide PSAP team also guides you and sets you up for success in order to best support our students to build a brighter future.”

— Yesenia Hernandez, AmeriCorps Senior Leader at Breakthrough’s Schoolwide Postsecondary Advising Program (PSAP)

Testimonial: Morgan McCaul

Being a part of the Breakthrough AmeriCorps community means that each day I find myself surrounded by people who lift up others, as we all climb towards our goals. We lean in & support our students on their journey, as Breakthrough staff lean in & support us on ours. I work with students on the College & Career Success team, and my students inspire me with their curiosity, teach me with their perspectives, and always make me laugh!” 

— Morgan McCaul, AmeriCorps Senior Leader at Breakthrough’s College & Career Success Team (CCST)

Testimonial: Charmira Maxwell

Being part of the Breakthrough Americorps community means I am a part of a team that not only serves the community but uplifts you and helps you accomplish your goals. I really enjoy connecting with my students because while I help them they teach me so much.” 

— Charmira Maxwell, AmeriCorps Leader at Breakthrough’s College & Career Success Team (CCST)

Service Term Dates

Middle School and High School Teams: September 2, 2025 – August 7, 2026
College & Career Success and Schoolwide/PSAP Teams: September 2, 2025 – August 21, 2026

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM MEMBERS

Amaris Ochoa

Advising & Programming Leader

Zakiyyah Kareem

Kyanna Quintero

Advising & Programming Leader

Michael Griffith

Alec Sherwood

Advising & Programming Fellow

Zakiyyah Kareem

Celeste Montes De Oca

Advising & Programming Leader

leslie

Hannah Schochler

Advising & Programming Leader

Holly Wissmann

12- YEAR HIGH SCHOOL TEAM MEMBERS

Celeuca Muianga

Advising & Programming Leader

Michael Griffith

Jacobo Garza Jr.

Advising & Programming
Senior Leader

Zakiyyah Kareem

Ricardo Chavez Jr.

Advising & Programming
Senior Leader

Zakiyyah Kareem

Genesis Villalobos-Cayetano

Advising & Programming Leader

leslie

Jaqueline Martinez

Advising & Programming
Senior Leader

Zakiyyah Kareem

Yesenia Gomez

Advising & Programming
Senior Leader

Zakiyyah Kareem

Grace Vinson

Advising & Programming Fellow

leslie

Jesus Lopez

Advising & Programming
Leader

Holly Wissmann

Katelyn Salinas

Advising & Programming Fellow

Holly Wissmann

Julia Klipp

Advising & Programming
Leader

Michael Griffith

SCHOOLWIDE PSAP TEAM MEMBERS

Abigail Hernandez

Advising & Programming Leader

Michael Griffith

Jacoby Boyer

Advising & Programming Leader

Zakiyyah Kareem

Alyssa Childress

Advising & Programming Fellow

leslie

Yasaman Bahadori

Advising & Programming Fellow

Zakiyyah Kareem

Chelsey Rocha

Advising & Programming Fellow

leslie

Gregory Olvera-Aguilar

Advising & Programming Fellow

Holly Wissmann

BREAKTHROUGH INTERNSHIP NETWORK AND COLLEGE & CAREER SUCCESS TEAM MEMBERS

Averi Scott

Advising & Programming
Senior Leader

Michael Griffith

Gianni Zambrano Carriel

Advising & Programming Leader

Michael Griffith

Marjorie Monterroso

Advising & Programming Leader

Michael Griffith

Celeste Robertson

Advising & Programming
Lead

leslie

Hamza Bouderdaben

Advising & Programming Fellow

Zakiyyah Kareem

Ebony Saampy

Advising & Programming
Fellow

leslie

Lucas Robbins

Advising & Programming Fellow

Zakiyyah Kareem

Emma Greenwood

Advising & Programming
Fellow

Holly Wissmann

Trinity Dow

Advising & Programming Fellow

leslie