Upward Bound Program Advisor

Penn State College of Education

. Organize, develop, and implement social, educational, and service-learning programs and activities for Upward Bound participants .

Posted 10/2/2026full-timeAltoona • Pennsylvania • United StatesJunior💰 $44,628 - $64,668 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and implementing educational programs for high school students, with a focus on college readiness and financial aid services. Maintains strong relationships with school districts and community partners while ensuring compliance with federal grant guidelines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's DegreeExperience With TRIO ProgramsCollege Preparation ServicesInterpersonal SkillsVerbal And Written Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Academic AdvisingFinancial Aid AssistanceProgram DevelopmentStudent RecruitmentData Tracking

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsOrganizational SkillsAttention To DetailAbility To Handle Multiple Tasks

Certifications & Qualifications

PA State Police Criminal Background CheckPA Child Abuse History Clearance FormFederal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background CheckValid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Postsecondary EducationDiversity And InclusionCommunity EngagementHigh School Course SelectionFirst-Generation Students

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Organize, develop, and implement social, educational, and service-learning programs and activities for Upward Bound participants
Recruit students and coordinate programming for grant-determined school district populations, parent/student events, and community stakeholders
Advise, tutor, or refer participants regarding high school course selection, college readiness, financial aid, health and wellness, career services, academic advising, student leadership, and diversity and inclusion
Develop and implement academic-year and summer residential programming in compliance with federal grant guidelines
Maintain effective working relationships with school districts, community partners, campus offices, and University-wide offices
Serve as Penn State's on-site program liaison/contact with school district personnel
Communicate unit policies and federal grant guidelines orally and in writing
Help non-senior students complete rigorous coursework and advance to the next grade level
Help senior students graduate from high school on time and matriculate to postsecondary education
Track the postsecondary progress of students served for six years after high school graduation
Collaborate with school district personnel on course scheduling, academic counseling, and support services
Review and monitor participants' academic progress and implement grade-level-appropriate activities aligned with postsecondary and career goals
Assist participants with postsecondary applications and enrollment
Provide financial-aid information, assist with aid applications, and interpret financial-aid packages
Coordinate and chaperone postsecondary campus tours and career-focused field trips
Develop and maintain professional relationships with postsecondary institutions and community agencies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience providing direct college preparation services to 9th- through 12th-grade students
Experience working with low-income, first-generation high school students from diverse backgrounds
Knowledge of and experience with federally funded TRIO programs preferred
Outstanding interpersonal skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Effective analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
Accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Must work one Saturday per month from September through May
Significant summer obligations in June and July
Weekend and evening work frequently required
PA State Police Criminal Background Check
PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form
Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
Valid driver's license and successful motor vehicle records check
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Robust retirement plans
Paid holidays
Vacation time
Sick time
75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children
Hybrid work arrangement (approval not guaranteed)