Volunteer College Admissions Counselor

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Barrier Breakers(r) is looking for dedicated college counseling volunteers to join our team to help us as we serve pro bono high school students on Free and Reduced Lunch and from Title I schools for the 2024-2026 application process.

Barrier Breakers(r) is an impactful education nonprofit dedicated to transforming the futures of first-generation college students and other underrepresented students in higher education. Founded by Sydney Montgomery, a Princeton University and Harvard Law School alumna, our organization has become a beacon of hope and success in the education sector. With over a decade of expertise, Sydney has been recognized in Forbes' 30 Under 30 for her social impact, notably in guiding first-generation, minority, and immigrant students through the college and law school admissions process. Sydney is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

To date, we've assisted more than 7,000 applicants in securing over $490 million in scholarships, with over 85% being the first in their families to attend college or law school. Our mission is focused on

Our Commitment to Equity:

As a non-profit organization, we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality, personalized college counseling, regardless of their socioeconomic status. We partner with churches, college access organizations, other nonprofit organizations, and Title I schools to provide support to students either pro bono or at discounted institutional rates. Additionally, for every full-priced college counseling package purchased by a family with the ability to pay, we provide high-caliber guidance at no cost to a student on Free and Reduced Lunch. This initiative helps level the educational playing field and fosters greater opportunities for all.

Volunteer Role:

We are seeking dedicated volunteers to provide college counseling to students from Title I schools and those on Free and Reduced Lunch. Volunteers will work with students throughout the 2024-2026 college application process, committing to 15 hours over two years per student. You can choose to mentor between one and five students, tailoring your impact according to your capacity.

Volunteer Commitment and Training:

As a volunteer with Barrier Breakers(r), you will engage in a structured yet flexible program designed to maximize your impact:

• Training (2 hours): You will receive comprehensive training on the Barrier Breakers(r) curriculum, advising strategies, and core values, ensuring you are well-prepared to mentor students effectively.
• Junior Year (7.5 hours):
• Bi-monthly 30-minute meetings from September to May (2.5 hours total).
• Additional 2 hours allocated for list building and administrative tasks.
• Two 30-minute meetings per month during the summer (June-August), totaling 3 hours.
• Senior Year (5.5 hours):
• Bi-monthly 30-minute meetings in September and October (2 hours total).
• 2 hours dedicated to reviewing the first drafts of common application essays, activities lists, and resumes.
• 1.5 hours post-submission support for interviews, scholarships, and financial aid inquiries, spread over three meetings.

Support and Resources:

Barrier Breakers(r) provides a proven, structured curriculum that guides both students and volunteers through the college admissions process, including list building, career and major exploration, and academic advising. Students will use an online course platform with guided activities supplemented by bi-monthly check-ins with volunteers. Volunteers are not require d to edit all student essays. Comprehensive essay editing support is provided to pro bono students through our partner vendors.

Volunteer Profile:

We seek volunteers who:

• Are comfortable working one-on-one with students.
• Have relevant experience in college admissions.
• Can relate to the first-generation and/or minority student experience.
• Are adept at navigating the processes and methods established by Barrier Breakers(r).

Our Inclusive, Faith-Based Approach:

Barrier Breakers(r) is a Christian faith-based organization that integrates principles of mindfulness, wellness, spirituality, and mental health into the college application process. While you do not need to share this faith (or have any faith at all), you should be comfortable with our inclusive approach that welcomes students of all faiths, including Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, as well as those with no faith tradition. Our volunteers often form close, familial relationships with students, akin to a mentor or big brother/sister dynamic.