Working/Functional Title
Upward Bound Program Coordinator
Position Summary
Michigan State University’s Upward Bound Program seeks a full-time Program Coordinator to support the academic achievement, college readiness, and postsecondary success of participating high school students. This year-round position coordinates academic-year and summer programming, provides individualized academic and college-planning support, maintains student records and program data, assists with recruitment and federal grant reporting, and collaborates with students, families, schools, and university partners.
The Program Coordinator also plays a key role in planning and implementing the six-week Summer Academy, including curriculum, staffing, student activities, college visits, transportation, and residential programming. The position requires a highly organized, student-centered professional who can manage multiple priorities, build strong relationships, and support the program in meeting U.S. Department of Education TRIO goals and performance objectives. Evening, weekend, travel, and summer residential responsibilities are required.
Upward Bound Program Coordinator is responsible for providing engaging, student-centered academic instruction to program participants during the six-week summer academy and weekly Monday sessions throughout the academic year. The program coordinator will develop the schedule for all academic and summer programming in conjunction with the Associate Director/Director of CAI. The coordinator will support students' academic growth, college readiness, civic engagement, and personal development through interactive learning, project-based instruction, and culturally responsive teaching practices. This position requires a level of independence to respond to requests from the Project Director, university personnel, school administrators, community partners, students, and parents within defined grant regulations, guidelines, and procedures.
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from 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. https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-higher-education/federal-trio-programs/upward-bound-program-84047a
Summer Six-Week Academy (Mid-June to Early August)
- Assist in the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary curriculum aligned with student needs
- Develop needs assessments, pre-tests, and post-tests to measure student learning and growth.
- Provide engaging classroom instruction in assigned academic subject areas.
- Incorporate project-based learning, teamwork, and direct educational activities.
- Integrate multicultural perspectives and culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Assess students’ academic needs and provide individualized support and tutoring.
- Participate in study tables and academic support sessions.
- Create a classroom environment that promotes collaboration and academic improvement.
- Monitor and track student progress and communicate with program staff.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance and student progress.
- Collaborate with Upward Bound staff to ensure program goals and objectives are achieved.
Academic Year Monday Sessions (September – Late May)
- Plan and implement engaging Monday session classes.
- Provide instruction focused on college readiness skills.
- Assist students with current high school coursework and assignments.
- Provide academic mentoring and support.
- Create student-centered learning experiences.
- Foster a supportive learning environment.
- Collaborate with program staff to support student success.
Essential Year-round Job Duties:
- Provides daily oversight of Upward Bound activities, including weekly workshops.
- Assists with the coordination and supervision of Upward Bound staff (including temporary and student employees) and conducts performance evaluations of staff.
- Coordinates and supervises college visits and educational field trips.
- Engages in outreach efforts by preparing written communication, flyers, and newsletters, and manages social media to disseminate program information/services to key stakeholders (i.e., students, families, and partners, etc.).
- Collaborates on the recruitment and selection of participants who meet the federally required number to serve and eligibility criteria.
- Participates in program/organizational/departmental planning sessions, trainings, and staff meetings.
- Maintains program partnerships and suggests new opportunities for collaboration.
- Assists with the completion and submission of all program reports.
- Enters new student data into database and ensures all provided services and activities are documented in the database.
- Assists with interviewing and selection of core staff for the Upward Bound Project and onboarding.
- Leads the interview process for Upward Bound support staff, such as academic and summer part-time temporary staff.
- Maintains a case load of 60+ students as necessary to provide academic and post-secondary guidance of high school seniors.
- Assist high school seniors with guidance and follow-up regarding post-secondary matriculation (i.e., FAFSA, scholarship essays, applications, and college transition).
- Provides curriculum recommendations for the Upward Bound Project.
- Collaborate with school counselors/college advisors to review and evaluate high school transcripts.
- Provides recommendations for appropriate coursework, academic goals, and post-secondary activities.
- Supports students in developing academic and career goals for post-secondary education.
- Develops and delivers presentations, workshops, and other activities on preparing for post-secondary education (i.e., career awareness, college admissions, etc.).
- Maintains accurate and confidential student records and confirms audit-ready files.
- Assists with planning and overseeing the summer component of the program and partnerships.
- Assists with project evaluations and prepares/reviews monthly reconciliations for accuracy.
- Ensures compliance with the Department of Education grant goals, regulations, and performance objectives.
- Ensure program staff maintains contact with project participants.
- Assists with developing and managing budget for program events and activities.
- Assists with preparing project materials as needed.
- Coordinates logistics for various projects (i.e., meals, transportation, field trips, etc.).
- Facilitates parent/guardian meetings as scheduled to disseminate program updates and college information.
- Maintains the highest level of ethical and professional conduct and confidentiality of program participants.
- Stays on or near the Michigan State University campus during the Summer Academy.
- Stays during the residential week on campus in MSU dorms with the UB students.
- Attends relevant professional development conferences, meetings, trainings workshops and seminars as needed and assigned by the Project Director.
- Works early mornings, evenings and/or weekends as required.
- Travels to target high schools and make home visits as needed and transports students during field trips as necessary.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Degree from an accredited university in education, education administration, educational leadership, higher education, counseling, social work, human services, or related field.
Desired Degree
Masters
Minimum Requirements
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Master's degree required from an accredited university in education, education administration, educational leadership, higher education, counseling, social work, human services, or related field.
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Experience working with youth on campus.
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Youth compliance knowledge.
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Experience working with high school students.
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Teaching or tutoring experience.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
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Commitment to educational equity and student success.
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Previous TRIO program experience (minimum 1-3 years).
Desired Qualifications
- State and federal grant writing experience preferred.
Required Application Materials
CV or resume, cover letter(highlighting TRIO experience), three professional references.
Special Instructions
Work Schedule
Summer Academy: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM, can be extended on trip days.
Courses scheduled in 60-90 minute blocks.
Academic Year are evenings (currently) Monday Sessions: 3:30 PM-6 PM.
Hours vary based on assignments and program needs, weekends and evenings as needed.
Website
https://ocai.engage.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
