1

Upward Bound Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ... Upward Bound Program (ed.gov) The Assistant Director reports to the UBP Director and is responsible ...

Specialist, TRIO/Veterans Upward Bound The Specialist, TRIO/Veterans Upward Bound works directly ... Provide TRIO VUB Program services remotely (as necessary). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * A ...

Program Advisor

Stevens Point, WI · On-site

$43K - $47K/yr

The Upward Bound Program Advisor oversees public relations and general marketing operations of the Upward Bound Program as well as managing new student recruitment. The Upward Bound Program Advisor ...

This is a temporary six-week summer teaching position for high school students in the Upward Bound Program. It is a high school college-prepprogram and part of theFederal TRIO GrantProgramsfunded by ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Upward Bound Program information

See salary details

$29K

$39.7K

$56K

How much do upward bound program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for upward bound program in the United States is $39,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $39,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Upward Bound Program vs Academic Advisor?

AspectUpward Bound ProgramAcademic Advisor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer college experienceBachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related field
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, community centers, schoolsSchools, colleges, universities, student services offices
Employer & IndustryFederal programs, educational nonprofits, government agenciesEducational institutions, colleges, universities
Primary FocusSupporting low-income, first-generation students to prepare for collegeGuiding students academically, planning course schedules, providing career advice

While both roles are involved in education and student support, the Upward Bound Program focuses on college preparation for underserved students, often working in community and school settings. Academic Advisors primarily assist students within educational institutions to achieve academic success and plan their educational paths.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Upward Bound Program Coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Upward Bound Program Coordinator, you need a background in education, counseling, or social work, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and experience working with high school students. Familiarity with educational software, data management systems, and federal TRIO program regulations is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and organizational abilities help in building rapport with students and managing multiple program components. These skills ensure effective student support, compliance with program guidelines, and positive outcomes for participants.

What is the Upward Bound Program?

The Upward Bound Program is a federally funded initiative designed to help high school students from low-income families and those who would be the first in their families to attend college. The program provides academic support, counseling, tutoring, and college preparation services to help participants graduate from high school and succeed in postsecondary education. Upward Bound offers students opportunities such as summer programs, mentoring, and assistance with college applications and financial aid. It aims to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and graduate from colleges and universities.

What are some typical responsibilities of an Upward Bound Program staff member, and how do they support students' academic success?

As an Upward Bound Program staff member, you can expect to work directly with high school students, providing academic tutoring, college preparation workshops, and mentoring. Staff often coordinate enrichment activities, assist with college applications and financial aid processes, and help organize summer or after-school programs. A significant part of the role involves building supportive relationships with students and collaborating with schools, families, and other community organizations to remove barriers to higher education. These responsibilities are designed to help students not only achieve academic success but also develop the confidence and skills needed for college and beyond.
More about Upward Bound Program jobs
What cities are hiring for Upward Bound Program jobs? Cities with the most Upward Bound Program job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Upward Bound Program jobs? The most popular types of Upward Bound Program jobs are:
What states have the most Upward Bound Program jobs? States with the most job openings for Upward Bound Program jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Upward Bound Program jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Upward Bound Program jobs are:
Assistant Director - TRIO Upward Bound Programs East

Assistant Director - TRIO Upward Bound Programs East

The Pennsylvania State University

Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


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, seeNotice 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

Penn State's Upward Bound Programs (UBP) in the Office of Educational Equity is inviting applications for the position of Assistant Director - East. Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.

UBP Serves: High school students in the Hazleton, Mifflin County, Mount Union, Newport, Reading, and Steelton-Highspire School Districts who are 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. Upward Bound Program (ed.gov)

The Assistant Director reports to the UBP Director and is responsible for the planning, coordination, assessment, and supervision of significant components of Upward Bound Programs including the academic programming for weekend academies and the residential component of the six-week summer academy. In addition, the Assistant Director has oversight responsibility for the UBP full-time staff working in the Hazleton and Reading School Districts. The Assistant Director is expected to be living in or move to the Reading/Hazleton area. In addition, the Assistant Director will visit the schools weekly and work with students and UBP staff in the Hazleton and Reading School Districts.

The successful candidate works within a loosely structured framework consisting of several unique but interrelated programs with defined outcome objectives; considerable latitude is given in terms of how defined outcomes are met. Although the UBP Director sets priorities, the ideal candidate must be able to work independently and make critical decisions related to the scope of duties and responsibilities. The Assistant Director is responsible for establishing positive rapport and good lines of communication with program staff, university staff and faculty, target schoolteachers and administrators, parents, and members of the local community. This position will also take a leadership role in all areas of program assessment and evaluation including facilitating the collection of outcome results for several federal annual performance reports.

Competencies critical to success include:

  • Outstanding interpersonal verbal and written communications

  • Effective analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills

  • Evidence of effective personnel management and leadership

  • History of successful grant writing

  • Accuracy and attention to detail

  • The ability to handle multiple complex tasks and meet deadlines

Under the supervision of the UBP Director, the ideal candidate will have experience applicable to the following areas of responsibility covered by this position:

  • Hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating UBP staff

  • Developing and administering policy and procedures and directing strategic planning for Upward Bound Programs

  • Formulating and administering the budget for grant projects

  • Maintaining budget documentation independent of the University's against which managed budgets can be reconciled and upheld through an audit

  • Ensuring managed federal projects operate in compliance with all governing legislation and regulations including: The Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008; The Code of Federal Regulations Title 34 Part 645; The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, 99, and the Office of Management and Budget OMB Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200

  • Coordinating with Penn State's Office of Sponsored Programs to prepare and submit competitive grant proposals for current and prospective funded projects

  • Preparation and submission of annual performance reports to the U.S. Department of Education

  • Ensuring proper collection and maintenance of documentation to verify participant eligibility and verify reported project outcomes that can be upheld through an audit

Education and Experience:

Minimally requires a Master's Degree and six (6) years of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

We are seeking someone with experience planning, coordinating, and supervising instructional services and developing curriculum at the high school or college level; qualitative & quantitative evaluation; UB or similar equity program; with Excel, database and social media platforms; and communicating/collaborating with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and ages.

Experience working with federally funded TRIO Programs is preferred but not required.

Schedule or Travel Requirements:

  • Must work one Saturday per month from September through May

  • Significant summer obligations in June and July

  • Weekend and evening work frequently required

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.

Additional Information:

Applicants should expect that while some remote work is possible, their presence will be required in University Park on a regular basis.

Application instructions:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to apply. Candidates who do not submit a cover letter will not be considered.

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 belongingthat supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages theeducational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of thecommunity thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and anessential element of the university's teaching, research, and servicemission.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree 6+ 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 $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

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


Pennsylvania State University logo

About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

Social media