Program Advisor - TRIO Upward Bound Programs

Position Title: Program Advisor – TRIO Upward Bound (Mount Union & Steelton-Highspire School Districts)

The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity is seeking a Program Advisor to support the Upward Bound federally‑funded program that helps high‑school students from low‑income families prepare for postsecondary education.

• Student recruitment and programming for grant‑determined school‑district population, parent/student events, and community stakeholders.
• Advising, tutoring, or referring program participants on student services including high‑school course selection, college readiness, financial aid, health & wellness, career services, academic advising, student leadership, and diversity and inclusion.
• Development and implementation of academic‑year and summer residential programming in compliance with federal guidelines and maintaining effective working relationships with school districts, community partners, and university offices.
• Understanding and articulating unit policies and federal grant guidelines in oral and written communication.

• Assist non‑senior students to complete rigorous coursework and progress to the next grade level each year.
• Assist senior students to graduate from high school on time.
• Assist senior students to matriculate to postsecondary education for the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
• Assist with tracking the postsecondary progress of students served for six years after high‑school graduation.

• Collaborate with school‑district personnel to support participants with scheduling courses and providing academic counseling and support services for a rigorous curriculum.
• Review and monitor participants’ academic progress to guide appropriate activities focused on postsecondary goals integrated with a salient career focus.
• Assist participants with applying to postsecondary education and navigating enrollment.
• Provide information about financial aid and assist participants with applying for aid and interpreting financial aid packages.
• Coordinate and chaperone postsecondary campus tours and career‑focused field trips.
• Develop and maintain a professional network of postsecondary institutions and community agencies.
• Experience in providing direct college‑preparation services to 9th‑12th‑grade students and working with low‑income, first‑generation high school students from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of and experience with federally funded TRIO programs is preferred.

• Outstanding interpersonal verbal and written communication.
• Effective analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Minimum requirements:

Bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check.
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form.
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• Valid driver’s license and motor‑vehicle records check.

Term appointment funded for one year from the start date, with an excellent opportunity for renewal. Salary range: $44,628.00 – $64,668.00.

Full‑time employees receive a competitive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

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.