The Program Advisor assists in organizing, developing, and implementing social, educational, and service-learning activities for Upward Bound participants, serving as the on-site liaison with school district personnel. Responsibilities include student recruitment, advising on various student services, and developing academic year and summer programming in compliance with federal grant guidelines.
Requirements summary
A minimum of a bachelor's degree and one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination, is required, with demonstrated experience working effectively with high school students, especially those from low-income, first-generation backgrounds. Successful candidates must also pass required background checks and possess a valid driver's license as vehicle operation is part of the duties.
bachelor degreeProblem-SolvingOrganizational SkillsAnalytical SkillsInterpersonal CommunicationProgram ImplementationTutoringAcademic AdvisingAdvisingDiversity And InclusionStudent RecruitmentStakeholder RelationsStudent LeadershipCareer ServicesGrant ComplianceCollege ReadinessFinancial Aid Navigation
Job description
Application instructions
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. POSITION SPECIFICS TRIO Upward Bound Programs is seeking a Program Advisor for program operations in the Mount Union and Steelton-Highspire School Districts. At Penn State, the Upward Bound Program (UB) is located within The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. 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 their precollege performance and ultimately 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. Upward Bound Program (ed.gov) The Upward Bound Program Advisor assists in organizing, developing, and implementing social, educational, and service-learning programs/activities for Upward Bound Programs’ participants. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of working effectively with high school students in a team environment, will serve as the Penn State on-site program liaison/contact with school district personnel, and will be responsible for: Student recruitment and programming for grant-determined school district population, parent/student events, and community stakeholders Advising, tutoring, or referring program participants on various 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 develop 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 This individual will be responsible for providing services to students with a focus on meeting the following core objectives of the project: Assisting non-senior students to complete rigorous coursework and pass to the next grade level each year Assisting senior students to graduate from high school on time Assisting senior students to matriculate to postsecondary education for the fall semester immediately following high school graduation Assisting with tracking the postsecondary progress of students served for six years after high school graduation The ideal candidate will have experience in the following knowledge areas: Collaborating with school district personnel to assist participants with scheduling high school courses and providing 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 are essential Knowledge of and experience with federally funded
Benefits
Vacation
Paid Time Off
Holidays
Sick Time
Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Retirement Plans
Tuition Discount
TRIO programs is preferred
Competencies critical to success include: 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
Education and
Experience: 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.
This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to clearances. This is a term appointment funded for one year from the start date with an excellent opportunity for renewal. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required
Certifications: None BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW 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. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.
Market context
TRIO advisors are often in steady demand
In Pennsylvania, TRIO Upward Bound Program Advisor roles are often tied to colleges and outreach programs serving high school students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. These positions can be competitive because employers look for a bachelor’s degree, relevant experience, and proven ability to support students through academic and college-planning needs. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, and tailor your application to your student-support experience and readiness to pass required background checks.
