This year, Stark Education Partnership is the host site for three AmeriCorps¹ College and Career Guides – placed in Alliance, Canton, and Massillon high schools. The program puts recent college graduates into urban schools as "near-peers" to help students prepare for a successful future beyond high school. Since becoming part of AmeriCorps' College and Career Guides program twelve years ago, SEP's guides have assisted over 13,000 Stark County students.

The three guides – Maria McDermitt, Alysha Mitzel, and KatiLynn Miller – began their service on August 1, 2022, under the supervision of Jay Moody, SEP Innovative Projects Strategist. "Our guides have been working closely together, and we are thrilled with their services. In alignment with the new vision of the partnership, we are starting to promote more of the college and career opportunities found here in Stark County," said Moody. The guides work with school counselors and teachers to support students in matching their skills and interests to successful and satisfying career pathways. They help students identify an area of interest; explore career and educational options; support students in completing the FAFSA; and assist with college applications.

Alliance Counselor, Amber Patti, gave high praise for the work by guide Maria McDermitt: "Our AmeriCorps College/Career Guide makes an incredibly positive impact in our district. She has streamlined and improved the efficiency of our college application and FAFSA process. She works tirelessly to ensure our students have access to local employers, job opportunities, and mentorship programs. Our students know her by name and know how to access her help. We are so grateful for Maria, SEP, and AmeriCorps for their continued help and support."

McKinley Counselor, Lauren Bryan, speaks of the impact Alysha Mitzel is making: "Alysha is an asset to the building and a positive influence on our student culture. Our students connect with Ms. Mitzel. Daily, you see a steady stream of students walking through our Media Center in pursuit of Ms. Mitzel and college/career information. She's made herself accessible to students and they have grown to respect the amount of knowledge she has to impart."

Washington Counselor, Jamie Marceric, wants to continue the program indefinitely: "Americorps College/Career Guide [KatiLynn Miller] is a blessing from above. Having a person in this role for our office creates another resource for our students and families. It also increases productivity and effectiveness. I hope we can have a person fill this role in our office for many years to come."

Maria McDermitt – Alliance High School

Maria is an Alliance High School graduate. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Mount Union and is currently enrolled in a graduate program for School Counseling at Malone University.

Alysha Mitzel – McKinley Senior High School

Alysha graduated from Alliance High School. She has a Human Development and Family Science degree from The University of Mount Union and is currently enrolled in Kent State University’s Masters of School Counseling.

KatiLynn Miller – Washington High School

Graduated from Manchester High School. She attended Kent State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education. She is currently enrolled at Malone for her master's in school counseling.