Upward Bound Program Advisor – Student Advocacy Specialist

Penn State College of Education

Program Advisor facilitating educational and social learning programs for Upward Bound students in Clairton City and McKeesport Area School Districts. Responsible for student recruitment and advising on college readiness and course selection.

Posted 7/21/2026full-timeClairton • Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesEntry Level💰 $44,628 - $64,668 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and implementing educational programs and services for high school students, with a focus on college readiness and compliance with federal guidelines. Strong ability to build relationships with school districts and community partners while managing multiple tasks effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's Degree1+ Years Relevant ExperienceDirect College Preparation ServicesKnowledge of TRIO ProgramsEffective Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program DevelopmentStudent RecruitmentAcademic AdvisingTutoringCompliance with Federal Guidelines

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingMultitaskingDeadline Management

Industry Keywords

Upward Bound ProgramsEducational ProgramsService-LearningCollege ReadinessHigh School Course Selection

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

assists in organizing, developing, and implementing social, educational, and service-learning programs/activities for Upward Bound Programs’ participants
serves as the Penn State on-site program liaison/contact with school district personnel
responsible for student recruitment and programming for grant-determined school district population
advising, tutoring, or referring program participants on various student services including high school course selection, college readiness, financial aid, health and wellness, career services
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

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Demonstrated experience in providing direct college preparation services to 9th- through 12th-grade students
Knowledge of and experience with federally funded TRIO programs is preferred.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Understanding and articulating unit policies and federal grant guidelines in oral and written communication

Benefits

Comp & perks

comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
robust retirement plans
substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children