Upward Bound Academy Program Assistant

Kansas City Kansas Community College.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 23,419; Part time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Kansas City, MO, is seeking an Upward Bound Academy Program Assistant to provide programmatic support. Responsibilities include mentoring students, organizing events, and ensuring student confidentiality. Candidates should possess strong communication and leadership skills, a high school diploma, and a passion for youth development. This grant-funded role requires working 29 hours a week during the summer program from June 1 to July 23, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in youth programming or education is preferred.
• Must be First Aid and CPR certified.
• Ability to work variable hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide programmatic support and organize events.
• Serve as a role model and mentor for students.
• Plan and facilitate a college prep course.
• Maintain participant confidentiality.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Associate degree (preferred)

Job description

Upward Bound Academy Program Assistant (Multiple Positions)

Job Classification

• Pay grade level: N/A
• Compensation: $17.00 per hour, contingent upon grant funding
• Employee category: Staff
• Department: Student Services
• Reports to: Program Director
• FLSA status: Non-Exempt
• Job Code: SA098PTTUBA
• Location: Primarily Main Campus, TEC, or PCC; any location assigned by the appropriate administrator

Summary

The Upward Bound Academy Program Assistant provides essential programmatic support, working closely with program staff to organize and schedule events, college visits, and cultural or educational activities that align with the program’s goals. The role also involves enforcing the policies and procedures of the Upward Bound Academy to ensure a positive and supportive environment for all participants.

Position Description

Role Model & Mentorship

• Serve as a positive role model and mentor for Upward Bound Academy student scholars, promoting education, academic success, and personal development through healthy, respectful relationships.
• Act as a representative of KCKCC and national TRIO programs, ensuring students’ physical and emotional well‑being while adhering to all policies and procedures.

Program Adherence & Discipline

• Enforce the Upward Bound Code of Conduct and disciplinary policies, consistently supporting and role‑modeling program rules and guidelines.
• Respond promptly to student issues, conflicts, or crises, documenting violations and reporting as needed.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with staff, maintaining open communication and providing support to students and fellow team members.
• Participate in staff and supervision meetings to address student and program needs.

Activity & Event Planning

• Plan and facilitate a week‑long college prep course (e.g., college transition, writing, or personal finance), incorporating engaging activities.
• Supervise students during recreational activities, ensuring safety and appropriate participation in scheduled events.
• Serve as a chaperone for College Visit trips and manage logistical details.

Student Support & Confidentiality

• Maintain participant confidentiality and advocate for student needs, supporting the overall program goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Health & Safety Awareness

• First aid and CPR certified, with strong health and safety awareness to ensure a safe environment for students.

Communication & Leadership

• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills to guide, motivate, and engage students effectively.

Teamwork & Adaptability

• Team‑oriented, with the ability to collaborate, adapt to changes, and address challenges creatively in dynamic environments.

Organizational & Critical Thinking Skills

• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem‑solving abilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be available to work June 1, 2026, through July 23, 2026.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree.
• Teaching experience or youth programming experience.
• Summer day or resident camp experience.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and occasionally push or lift items. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Schedule

The Upward Bound Academy Program Assistant will work 29 hours per week, Monday – Thursday. The Seasonal Summer Program runs from June 1, 2026, through July 23, 2026. Must be able to work a variable schedule/hour to meet operational needs. May require evening and weekend hours.

This is a grant‑funded position through August 31, 2027, contingent upon continued funding from the Upward Bound Program through the Department of Education.

To Apply

• Visit www.kckcc.edu and click on CAREERS for a list of available positions. Read the job announcement carefully noting the initial screening date, minimum qualifications, and required information. Note that information contained in your application materials will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Make sure you complete/submit all the documents listed as required.
• If the position lists a required transcript (during the application process) unofficial transcripts may be submitted. However, please note that upon selection for hire, you will be required to submit official transcripts.
• Ensure that your transcripts show that a degree was awarded or conferred if you are stating that it is your highest level of education completed. If you certify your level of education and it cannot be verified from your transcript(s), your application may not be referred to the selection committee.
• Foreign degrees are acceptable provided they have been translated and/or shown to have equivalency to a United States: Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate level degree.
• Documentation verifying completion of a degree, course work within a discipline, or other educational criteria should be electronically attached (uploaded) to your application.
• Three (3) professional references with phone number and email addresses are required.
• A college selection committee is responsible for application review and interviews. The final candidate(s) selected to be hired will be made by the hiring manager.
• Successful completion of a background check on all persons recommended for employment is required. Individual hiring departments may elect to administer pre‑employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions as part of the applicant selection/hiring process.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor. This job description may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.

KCKCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer