Program Advisor at Reading High School - TRIO Upward Bound Programs

Program Advisor – Upward Bound Programs (UBP)

Upward Bound Programs (UBP) at Penn State Berks is a federally funded TRIO program supporting high‑school students at Reading High School to enhance academic skills and motivation. We are seeking a Program Advisor to work with approximately 100 students attending Reading High School. Office space at Penn State Berks will be provided and shared with an additional UBP program advisor.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

A Program Advisor will organize, develop, and implement social, educational, and service‑learning programs and activities for participants. Responsibilities include student recruitment and programming for the grant‑determined school‑district population, parent/student events, and community stakeholder engagement. The advisor will also provide counseling, tutoring, and referrals to support high school course selection, college readiness, financial aid, health and wellness, career services, academic advising, student leadership, diversity and inclusion, and will develop and implement academic‑year and summer residential programming in compliance with federal guidelines.

Additionally the advisor will maintain effective working relationships with school districts, community partners, and campus and university‑wide offices.

This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours, overnight travel for UBP meetings, retreats, and conferences, and residence in a residence hall during the annual UBP Summer Academy.

• Understand and articulate unit policies and federal grant guidelines in oral and written communication
• Demonstrated experience in providing direct college preparation services to 9th‑through 12th‑grade students
• Experience working with low‑income, first‑generation high school students from different backgrounds

• Bachelor’s degree in counselor education, college student personnel, psychology, social work, education, higher education administration, or a STEM field
• Knowledge and experience with federally funded TRIO programs
• Familiarity with second language learners as many of our students are bilingual

Bachelor’s degree and 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. No required certifications.

This position requires PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. A valid driver’s license and motor vehicle record check are required.

Salary range: $42,100.00 - $61,000.00. Penn State offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a 75% tuition discount for eligible employees and dependents.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865‑1473.