TRIO Upward Bound Project Advisor

Community College of Aurora • Aurora, CO

61d • $51,733

About The Position

The TRIO Upward Bound (UB) Program at the Community College of Aurora is a federally funded TRIO program that provides academic support and college preparation services to sixty (60) participants from Aurora Central High School, ranging from 9th to 12th grade. The program is designed to help students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds develop the academic skills, motivation, and confidence needed to successfully complete high school and transition to postsecondary education. Under the direction of the TRIO Upward Bound Director and in collaboration with the Concurrent Enrollment department, the Upward Bound Project Advisor will support the day-to-day operations of the program, including planning, implementing, and coordinating activities and services. The Advisor will work directly with students to promote academic achievement, personal growth, and college readiness. Key responsibilities include providing academic advising and support, individual and group counseling, and exposure to career and educational opportunities. The Advisor will also assist with developing and coordinating educational programming such as tutoring, Academic Saturday sessions, college and career exploration trips, and summer programs. Additional duties include maintaining accurate student data and records for institutional and federal reporting and collaborating with high school administrators and staff to identify and recruit eligible participants. This position is grant funded and contingent on funding from the Federal Government. In the event that funding is pulled for this grant, we may need to terminate this assignment earlier than originally planned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with at least two (2) years of experience working in higher education, high schools, community-based organizations or closely related professional setting.
• Minimum of one (1) - two (2) years of experience with federal TRIO programs, academic support programs, community-based programs or similar programs for diverse, low-income, first-generation college students
• Experience working with students from underrepresented student populations (first generation, low-income, students with disabilities) including budgeting and planning.
• Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers like those facing Project Participants
• Evening and weekend hours required.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills, including experience making public presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to support and advance CCA's commitment to equity and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree
• Proficiency in Spanish (primarily verbal).
• Experience with grant writing
• Experience providing case management services and advising students with the college admissions and financial aid application process

Responsibilities

• Provide academic and student support services to TRIO UB participants:
• Responsible for advising Upward Bound participants with academic tutoring, career exploration, completion of college and financial aid applications, post-secondary selection and registration.
• Meet with students regularly to provide individual academic, career, transfer, and financial aid guidance to program participants.
• Conduct interviews, complete, and regularly update customized service plans for program participants.
• Provide proactive, need based and strategic outreach to students to connect them to college and community resources for additional support.
• Monitor students' academic progress and provide success interventions as appropriate to support their persistence.
• Create and coordinate a tutoring program for Upward Bound Scholars
• Provide guidance for career planning and exploration through individual assessment and advising and through developing and offering group workshops.
• Provide guidance for financial literacy and financial aid/scholarship opportunities through individual advising and through developing and offering group workshops.
• Lead post-secondary education preparation activities for program participants:
• Disseminate college and program informational materials to all UB participants.
• Coordinate student participation in college fairs/open houses, information sessions, campus visits, and workshops.
• Assist in making direct referrals to other TRIO or student support programs.
• Create and implement educational programs to assist students in preparation for a post-secondary education.
• Student Record & Data Management:
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records.
• Document and record students' need for service, their academic need, and verification of their income, first generation status, and/or disability.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of students' need for service, case notes, student performance outcome, and data related to the Grant Objectives.
• Ensure guidelines regarding Upward Bound student eligibility are met.
• Evaluate and assess the Upward Bound Program.
• Prepare monthly and annual institutional and federal reports.
• Track statistics, gather data, and write reports.
• Support to TRIO UB team, faculty, and staff:
• Meet quarterly with ACHS counselors, teachers and students regularly to monitor the implementation of Upward Bound academic initiatives.
• Develop a relationship with partner high schools (ACHS) administration and staff to effectively execute the provisions of the Upward Bound program.
• Assist in the management of daily operations of the Upward Bound Program.
• Plan and execute periodic parent and family engagement meetings and events.
• Assist in the development and implement an effective process for identification, recruitment, and retention of program participants.
• Recruit and communicate with 60 students the expectations and considerations of the Upward Bound Program.
• Assist with completing the Annual Performance Report.
• Provide ongoing training and information to CCA faculty and staff.
• Collaborate effectively with partner high school's administrators and staff regarding UB program activities, courses, and services.
• Understand and adhere to partner high schools and Community College of Aurora policies and procedures.
• Co-Lead Upward Bound Summer Programming
• Coordinate and implement the Upward Bound summer component, including supervision of Tutor Mentors (summer staff).
• Co-lead summer programming for UB participants at Community College of Aurora (on-campus component) and off-site residential activities involving overnight travel.
• Plan and oversee enrichment, physical, and cultural activities such as field trips and special events, including managing travel logistics, hotel accommodations, and collection of participant paperwork with required approvals and signatures.
• Serve as the primary point of contact during all summer program activities and maintain clear, consistent communication with UB participants, parents/guardians, UB staff, and CCA personnel.

Benefits

• CCA offers an excellent benefit plan, including generous leave, holiday, and education benefits.
• Full time employees immediately upon hire earn 15 hours a month annual leave and 10 hours a month sick leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services