Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

MILEAP is seeking volunteers who are drawn to our mission to help us continue developing the program in two areas so that MILEAP can become sustainable. 

If you would like to learn more, please read below and contact Stephanie Creswell at 206.972.6921 or cresfamily1@gmail.com.

Family Advocate:

As a Family Advocate, you will be assigned to one student, preferably of the same sex, that you will guide through the college preparation, acceptance, and transition-to-college journey.  You will be instrumental in connecting the student to a professional College Planning Counselor, a Financial Aid Counselor, an ACT/SAT Test Preparation class/tutor, and Academic Tutors as needed (these services are provided by individuals/companies referred to as Third Party Vendors).  Specifically, your responsibilities will include:

  • Introductory meeting with the student and their parent(s) to describe the process

  • Work with MILEAP Director to identify the College Planning Counselor.

o   The Family Advocate facilitates the connection, monitors the student’s participation, and checks in periodically with College Counselor to ensure progress, identify any issues that need to be addressed.

  • In conjunction with the student, develop an extracurricular activity plan each year.  This includes

o   Selecting a minimum of one extracurricular activity per quarter during school year

o   Internship, employment, volunteering or other activities for the summer – min 20 hours per week

  • Introductory meeting with the student and her/his assigned High School Academic counselor.  Discuss the need for academic tutoring and look into options offered by MIHS or Bellevue College (if student participates in Running Start). 

  • If outside tutoring is needed, work with MILEAP Director to identify appropriate resource from MILEAP approved vendors

  • Regular progress meetings with the student, typically 2-3 meetings per month during junior year; likely to reduce to 1-2 per month during senior year

o   Monitor academic performance

o   Monitor participation with Third Party Vendor programs

o   Complete a student progress report after each meeting to send to student with copy to college counselor and MILEAP Director

  • Monthly check-ins with student during 1st year of college

  • Flexibility is needed in scheduling meetings as many students have a job in addition to extracurricular activities

  • Timely responses and communication to students is needed.  Sometimes psych/social issues arise.  Family Advocates shall work with the MILEAP Director as needed to assist with these issues & conversations.

  • Periodically, provide feedback/input to the MILEAP Director on the role of the Family Advocate and job description.

  • A one-year commitment is preferred.It is the hope that the Family Advocate will develop a strong connection with student and desire to continue working with student for the duration of curriculum (through 1st year of college).

Assisting MILEAP in Operations and Strategy:

Work closely with the Director of MILEAP around program operations and strategy:

  • Strategic development of the program

  • Fundraising strategies and planning

  • Developing relationships with third party vendors

  • Maintenance of the program files including student progress reports

  • Maintenance and updating of the MILEAP program materials, forms, and website

  • Serving as a member and Secretary of the MILEAP Board of Directors