Program Advisor - TRIO Upward Bound Programs

Job Description and Position Requirements

TRIO Upward Bound Programs is seeking a Program Advisor for program operations in the Mount Union and Steelton-Highspire School Districts. The Upward Bound Program (UB) is located within The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity at Penn State. Upward Bound is a federally-funded program that helps high‑school students gain academic skills and motivation to continue their education beyond high school.

The project provides opportunities for participants to succeed in pre‑college performance and in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low‑income families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of 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 and 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 as outlined in the grant and maintain effective working relationships with school districts, community partners, and campus and university‑wide offices.
• Understanding and articulating unit policies and federal grant guidelines in oral and written communication.

• Assist non‑senior students to complete rigorous coursework and pass 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.

• Collaborating with school district personnel to schedule high school courses and provide academic counseling and support services necessary to ensure completion of a rigorous curriculum.
• Reviewing and monitoring participants’ academic progress to guide implementation of grade‑level appropriate activities, focused on postsecondary goals integrated with a salient career focus.
• Assisting participants with applying to postsecondary education and navigating the enrollment process.
• Providing information about financial aid and assisting participants with applying for aid and interpreting financial aid packages.
• Coordinating and chaperoning postsecondary campus tours and career‑focused field trips.
• Developing and maintaining a network of professional relationships with postsecondary institutions and community agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in providing direct college preparation services to 9th through 12th grade students and in working with low‑income, first‑generation high school students from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of and experience with federally funded TRIO programs.

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

Minimally requires a bachelor’s degree, 1+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies, including a PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle; a valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will also be required.

This is a term appointment funded for one year from the start date with an excellent opportunity for renewal.

Salary range: $42,100.00 - $61,000.00

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.