Posted Sep 28, 2025

Upward Bound Program Advisor – Student Advocacy Specialist for Clairton & McKeesport High Schools

Join the Penn State Team as an Upward Bound Program Advisor!

We are excited to announce an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated and compassionate individual to join our team as an Upward Bound Program Advisor – Student Advocacy Specialist at Penn State's Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. This position is based in the Clairton City and McKeesport Area School Districts and offers a unique chance to make a positive impact on the lives of high school students from low-income families. As an integral part of our Upward Bound Clairton/McKeesport (UBCM) program, you will play a vital role in helping students gain academic skills and motivation to pursue their education beyond high school.

About Penn State and the Upward Bound Program

Penn State is a renowned institution with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our Upward Bound program is a federally-funded initiative that aims to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. The program serves high school students from low-income families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree, providing them with opportunities to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Upward Bound Program Advisor – Student Advocacy Specialist to join our team. As a Program Advisor, you will be responsible for organizing, developing, and implementing social, educational, and service-learning programs/activities for Upward Bound program participants. You will serve as the Penn State on-site program liaison/contact with school district personnel and work closely with students, parents, and community stakeholders to achieve the program's objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

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.
Building and maintaining 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.

Requirements and Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

A Master's degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., education, counseling, social work).
At least 1 year of related experience working with high school students, preferably in a TRIO program or similar educational setting.
Demonstrated experience in providing direct college preparation services to 9th- through 12th-grade students and working with low-income, first-generation high school students from diverse backgrounds.
Outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent verbal and written communications, and effective analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with federally-funded TRIO programs.
Knowledge of and experience with college readiness, financial aid, and academic advising.
Familiarity with school district personnel and community partners in the Clairton City and McKeesport Area School Districts.

Skills and Competencies

To succeed in this role, you will need to possess:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
The ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including high school students, parents, and community stakeholders.
A high level of organizational and time management skills.
The ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

As a Penn State employee, you will have access to:

Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
A competitive salary and benefits package.
A dynamic and supportive work environment.
Opportunities for career advancement and growth.

Work Environment and Company Culture

At Penn State, we value:

Inclusive excellence and diversity.
Integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community.
A culture of service and engagement.
Collaboration and teamwork.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $42,100.00 - $61,000.00, depending on experience. As a Penn State employee, you will also be eligible for:

A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off.
Opportunities for professional development and training.
A flexible, hybrid remote work arrangement.

Schedule and Travel Requirements

This position requires:

One Saturday per month from September through May.
Significant summer obligations in June and July.
Weekend and evening work, as needed.

Background Check and Clearances