GEAR UP College Advisor

The Institute for Public School Initiatives (IPSI) is a center within the College of Education at The University of Texas  support of the mission of the college which is focused on addressing responding to pressing challenges in education and health, IPSI commits resources and services to preparing students to achieve their academic potential; helps students and families increase their college awareness, readiness, and success;

and provides educators and leadership with high-quality professional learning by designing and facilitating rigorous, engaging professional development content.

The university provides employees a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance (premiums covered 100% for full-time benefits-eligible employees), retirement plans, and paid leave, in addition to other programs and services.

There is one opening for this position. The College Advisor will be located in Lufkin, Texas. This is a one-year appointment that will be renewed each year, contingent on funding and performance. The expected end date is August 31, 2026.

To provide in-person direct services and support to UT GEAR UP cohort students to help them graduate from high school and achieve postsecondary success. The GEAR UP College Advisor will be responsible for advising students on college and career, assisting them with college and financial aid application processes, helping students complete required actions to enroll in postsecondary, easing students’ transition to high school and college, aiding in their persistence and high school graduation, and encouraging their career goals.

Function 1: Provide one-on-one grade-level specific college advising to cohort students and families; help students complete and submit summer program applications, college applications, scholarships, and financial aid applications; organize and assist with events and activities such as application workshops and scholarship/FAFSA drives; maintain case management system with individual student portfolios; monitor and support student engagement in their academic work and ensure they are on track to graduate from high school;

assist students with steps necessary to successfully enroll in postsecondary; encourage students’ participation in summer bridge programs leading up to their first year of post-secondary.

Function 2: Provide significant and substantive one-on-one in-person and virtual advising to students on: navigating campus resources to aid them in their academic and social transition to high school and college; choosing a postsecondary path appropriate to their personal goals; degree plans and current/planned course enrollment; seeking tutoring assistance on campus; identifying engaging summer learning, leadership, and internship opportunities; and monitoring and supporting their overall engagement.

Mentor a group of students and continue to provide counsel and support through the first year of post-secondary.

Function 3:
Support students’ transition to high school and postsecondary by collaborating with GEAR UP and district staff to help guide students through processes such as freshman orientation, course selection, constructing plans for achieving high school and post‑secondary goals, enhancing utilization of academic and student services offices, job shadowing/internships, and success seminars. Monitor GEAR UP awareness and support to all cohort students and parents.

Monitor and modify program implementation of activities, as needed, to meet program goals and objectives. Identify and provide appropriate resources for project activities and support their implementation.

Function 4:
Track student experiences and personal growth. Manage individual student caseloads via regular meetings with students on the following kinds of topics:
Current and planned course enrollment; student and family goals for the year; plans and opportunities for summer activities; involvement in extracurricular activities; balancing work and academics; career interests, skills, and abilities; and significant academic, behavioral or situational events.

Function 5:
Assist the Project Director and other UT Austin GEAR UP…