About Compass
The Compass Scholar Program invests in rural high school students across the American Heartland, empowering them to overcome barriers to higher education and thrive as leaders in their communities. Through mentorship, guidance, and leadership development, Compass equips Scholars with the support they need to succeed in high school and beyond.

About the Role
Cohort Leads are the anchors for each class of Compass Scholars. They deliver Compass’s curriculum, guide students through key milestones, and provide a steady presence of encouragement and accountability. This is a unique leadership opportunity for college students or recent graduates to directly shape the trajectory of rural high school students’ lives.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate six group meetings (timing based on school availability) with your Scholar cohort across the semester.

• Deliver Compass’s structured curriculum for your assigned class (e.g., college readiness, leadership, personal development).

• Provide encouragement, guidance, and accountability for Scholars.

• Organize talent for various panels (career and college panels)

• Schedule student check-ins as you see fit

• Schedule mentor check-ins as you see fit

• Holding Office Hours

  • At least two open office hours for Scholars over the course of the semester

  • As you see fit, holding extra office hours for students to complete important curriculum (e.g. college applications, FAFSA, Compass Capstone, Service Projects)

• Collaborate with Compass staff and other Cohort Leads to ensure program consistency.

• Communicate Scholar progress, needs, and outcomes to the Chapter Director.
  
  

Requirements

• Current college student or graduate

• Experience with mentoring, tutoring, or youth leadership

• Technological proficiency with web-based meeting platforms and Google suite

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff

• Reliable and able to attend required meetings and events
  
  

Preferences

• Ability to travel on site to respective chapter

• Organizational or event-planning skills

• Public speaking or facilitation experience

• Familiarity with college application/financial aid processes

• Empathy, patience, and a passion for supporting student success
  
  

Commitment & Support

• ~12 hours/month (some heavier, some lighter weeks)

• 1–2 semesters, with goal of rehiring for future terms

• Orientation and regular check-ins provided

• Ongoing support from Compass staff and peer leaders
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• $750 stipend for a full completed semester

In addition to the stipend, Cohort Leads gain the following…

• Impact: Directly guide a full class of Compass Scholars through critical milestones in high school, from personal development to college readiness

• Leadership Development: Hands-on experience in facilitation, group management, and youth mentorship—skills highly transferable to any profession

• Professional Growth: Strengthen your résumé and graduate school or career applications with concrete leadership and service experience

• Community: Join a supportive network of educators, mentors, and young leaders committed to rural equity and student success.

Location

• Farmington, Arkansas (on-site, 1-2x/month)

• County Line, Arkansas (possible on-site, 1–2x/month)

• Kimball, Nebraska (remote)

Personal Reward: The worthwhile fulfillment of walking alongside a young person as they take their next steps toward the future