Michigan's AmeriCorps Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer of the Month Spotlight – July 2026: Abby Wisniewski, MSUCAC

Abby Wisniewski is a second-year, full-time AmeriCorps Volunteer serving with the MSU College Advising Corps (MSUCAC). MSUCAC places recent graduates in Michigan high schools as full-time college advisers, fostering a college-going culture and improving post-secondary outcomes. These near-peer College Advisers assist high school students and their families with college searches, essay writing, SAT/ACT prep, college applications, FAFSA completion, scholarship searches, college visits, and successfully transitioning to post-secondary education, including four-year or two-year institutions and trade or technical schools. 

Wisniewski graduated from Michigan State University in 2024 with a degree in Professional and Public Writing.  After graduating, Wisniewski wanted an opportunity to use her degree to gain more professional skills while also serving her home community. She decided to apply for an AmeriCorps Volunteer position with MSUCAC at Holton High School, the same school she once attended as a student.

Coming back to her alma mater, Wisniewski brings a strong sense of purpose and connection to her work, and students see her as someone who truly understands their experience. She meets one-on-one with students to guide them through the college-going process, helping them explore their options, complete applications, and understand financial aid offers. She also leads classroom presentations, hosts workshops, and engages families so students feel supported both in and out of school. Wisniewski has a talent for making college feel exciting and possible. Her creative bulletin boards and displays help build a college-going culture throughout the school and spark curiosity among students who may not have considered college before.

Wisniewski’s service directly addresses barriers to higher education, especially for low-income and first-generation students. She breaks down complex processes into clear, manageable steps and ensures that students and families have access to the information they need. More importantly, she builds confidence. Students walk away from their conversations with Wisniewski feeling more prepared and more certain that college is within reach.

Ryan Hoppenworth, Associate Program Coordinator remarks that Wisniewksi “truly represents the spirit of AmeriCorps through her dedication, positivity, and commitment to service. She leads with care, shows up consistently, and makes a lasting impact on everyone she works with. She is a standout member of MSUCAC.” Hoppenworth continues, “What truly sets Abby apart is how she supports the people around her. In her second year of service, she has become a trusted mentor for first-year advisers in the program. She is always willing to share ideas, offer guidance, and help others problem-solve. She does this while continuing to show up fully for her own students every day. Her leadership is thoughtful and genuine, and it has made a meaningful impact on both her peers and the overall strength of the program.”

Following her service, Wisniewski will attend Colorado State University to pursue a Master of Arts in English with a specialization in Writing, Rhetoric, and Social Change, where she will also serve as a graduate teaching assistant.

For more information about the+ MSU College Advising Corps, and other Michigan’s AmeriCorps programs making a positive impact in communities across Michigan. For more information about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov.