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Upward Bound Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Upward Bound information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$13

$20

How much do upward bound jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for upward bound in Virginia is $13.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.92 and $13.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Upward Bound?

Upward Bound is a federally funded educational program in the United States designed to help high school students from low-income families or those in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The program provides academic support, tutoring, college preparation, and enrichment activities to help students succeed in high school and pursue higher education. Upward Bound typically offers services such as summer programs, mentoring, and assistance with college applications and financial aid. Its goal is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions.

What are Upward Bound jobs?

Upward bound jobs include administrative positions, such as an Upward Bound program director or program coordinator, as well as educational support staff, such as tutors. Your duties for these different positions vary, but the general responsibilities overlap. Specifically, you focus on ensuring the proper distribution of funds, services, and resources of the program to students. As a tutor, you may help students with different academic areas or provide help in preparing for college entrance exams or applications. Coordinators help ensure even distribution of staff and resources and monitor students’ academic progress, while directors oversee programming and outreach strategies.

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 or counseling, experience working with high school students, and a bachelor’s degree or higher. Familiarity with student information systems, federal TRIO program requirements, and data tracking tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and organizational abilities help foster supportive relationships and manage program logistics. These skills are essential to effectively guide first-generation or low-income students toward academic success and college readiness.

What are some common challenges faced by Upward Bound staff when supporting first-generation college-bound students?

Upward Bound staff often encounter challenges such as addressing students’ academic gaps, building trust with families unfamiliar with the college process, and helping students balance program participation with other responsibilities. Staff must be adaptable, resourceful, and culturally sensitive to effectively support students’ unique needs. Collaboration with schools, families, and other support services is essential to help students overcome obstacles and achieve their educational goals.

What is the difference between Upward Bound vs Academic Advisor?

AspectUpward BoundAcademic Advisor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related field
Work EnvironmentNon-profit programs, schools, community centersSchools, colleges, universities, or educational institutions
Employer & IndustryFederal TRIO programs, educational nonprofitsEducational institutions, colleges, universities
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on supporting low-income, first-generation studentsProvides academic guidance and support to students

Upward Bound primarily supports low-income, first-generation high school students through mentoring and educational programs, often within community or school settings. Academic Advisors work directly with students to plan academic paths, select courses, and support college readiness within educational institutions. While both roles involve student support, Upward Bound emphasizes outreach and program coordination, whereas Academic Advisors focus on individual academic planning and counseling.

What are the most commonly searched types of Upward Bound jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Upward Bound jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Upward Bound jobs in Virginia?

For Upward Bound jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Upward Bound jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Upward Bound jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Upward Bound job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,889 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Upward Bound Program Education Support Specialist

Southwest Virginia Community College

Richmond, VA • On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Summary
Working Title
Upward Bound Program Education Support Specialist
Role Title
Education Support Spec III
Role Code
29144-SW
FLSA
Nonexempt
Pay Band
04
Position Number
294R0003
Agency
Southwest Virginia Community College
Division
Southwest Virginia Community College (Div)
Work Location
Tazewell - 185
Hiring Range
$45,739 to $50,000
Emergency/Essential Personnel
No
EEO Category
6-Administrative Support
Full Time or Part Time
Full Time
Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs-
No
Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference?
No
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 7:45a to 4:30p with some evenings and weekends required
Sensitive Position
No
Job Description
Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) offers career-training programs in numerous technical, industrial and medical fields at a reasonable cost, going so far as to even waive tuition for certain eligible students. Located in Richlands, Virginia, SWCC offers associate's degrees in such fields as business, education, general studies, liberal arts and science. These degrees are primarily intended for students who wish to transfer to a four-year university. SWCC also has associate degrees that feature programs intended to lead directly to a career in fields such as Nursing, Radiography and Administration of Justice.
The Southwest Virginia Community College Upward Bound Program is seeking an Education Support Specialist to provide a comprehensive structure for Upward Bound students to be successful in high school, chose a career path, and successfully enroll in college and graduate with a post-secondary degree. The instructor will assist with and/or oversee:
  • Upward Bound weekly meeting in target schools.
  • Assist participants in all three Upward Bound grants with completing the six grant objectives set forth by the United States Department of Education.
  • Recruitment and in-take of program participants
  • Providing appropriate educational activities to students such as information about specific courses and course sequences to high school students, FAFSA completion, tutoring, mentoring, and college/career selection as outlined in the Upward Bound grants.
  • Coordinate special events for program participants, such as the Upward Bound Senior Seminar, Financial Aid Seminar, and SAT Prep Day.
  • Assist with the coordination and implementation of the ASPIRE Summer Discovery Program or other summer courses.
  • Aid participants with college and scholarship applications and essays.
  • Obtain and maintain student academic records from target schools in compliance with FERPA regulations.
  • Assist with the completion of the program APR (Annual Performance Report).
  • Coordinate and attend various aspects of student activities, field trips, and college visits.
  • Transport program participants during program activities using college motor pool or rental vehicles.
  • Work independently and collaboratively with the Upward Bound Director and instructors to provide services to participants.
  • May be required to perform other duties as assigned by the program director.

This is a grant-funded position with the US Department of Education. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon funding availability and the needs of the College. Position is not eligible for severance benefits under state policy.
A one-year probationary period is required for both new hires and transfers.

Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in counseling, education, or other related field.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel to multiple sites using a personal or college owned vehicle.
  • Willingness to transport students in college owned or rental vehicles on educational and cultural field trips.
  • Excellent written communication skills, as demonstrated in applicant's application, resume and cover letter.
  • Knowledge of college access and financial aid processes (e.g., FAFSA, scholarship applications, college admissions).

Additional Considerations
  • Master's degree in counseling, education, or other related field.
  • Experience working with high school or college aged students in an educational setting.
  • Experience working with the target population (disadvantaged youth) low-income/first generation or a personal background to the target demographic.
  • Familiarity with Upward Bound program objectives and the U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant requirements.

Operation of a State Vehicle
Yes
Supervises Employees
No
Required Travel
Travel is required.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
CLS_4661P
Recruitment Type
General Public - G
Number of Vacancies
1
Position End Date (if temporary)
Job Open Date
08/18/2026
Job Close Date
09/01/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Agency Website
www.sw.edu
Contact Name
Human Resources
Email
human.resources@sw.edu
Phone Number
276.964.7339
Special Instructions to Applicants
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth's Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155
To be considered for this position, you must complete the full state application. Please visit www.jobs.vccs.edu to apply.
Additional Information
For more information, please see the Opportunity Profile.
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate's offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth's Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/100004