Upward Bound Success Coach

Muskegon Community College; Muskegon Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Muskegon Community College is seeking a dedicated Upward Bound mentor/coordinator to guide high school students toward post‑secondary success. You will mentor participants, work closely with their families, and help design programs that improve college readiness and academic achievement.

The role emphasizes partnership with TRIO/Upward Bound, delivering workshops, tracking progress, and connecting families with resources to ensure student persistence and success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required; Master’s preferred in guidance and counseling, education, administration or related field.
• Two years related coaching, mentoring, or related education experience as a including the use of technology to accomplish job tasks.
• Experience with and commitment to the advancement of socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged individuals.
• Prefer previous experience with TRIO/Upward Bound Programs or work with disadvantaged student populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a successful team while accomplishing tasks and assignments without assistance, even while multi‑tasking.
• Highly motivated and solution oriented with a high degree of integrity, ethics and dedication to the mission of the College.
• Must be detailed‑oriented, well‑organized, and able to deal effectively with students, community members, and college staff at all levels and handle confidential information appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to people of all ages, races, and social‑economic backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide and develop project services that will be utilized at office and school sites.
• Develop, implement and conduct orientation workshops for participants.
• Organize, develop, and conduct financial aid and other workshops for participants.
• Interview students and prospective students and give advice regarding application process, program requirements, course requirements, etc.
• Monitor students’ attendance, behavior, grades, tests scores, and credits earned; implement improvement strategies and action plans.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student and project files.
• Assess family needs; make appropriate referrals and linkages for family support and prevention services.
• Keep a regular schedule of home visits with Upward Bound families to build trusting relationships with students and families.
• Design and implement, with the Director, after‑school and summer programming.
• Demonstrate personal support for individual students: e.g., phone calls, notes, personal contact during school vacations, etc.
• Devote 100% of scheduled time to Trio/Upward Bound project.
• Some weekend work for community service and overnight trips with students.
• Maintain a congenial, supportive and accepting approach when working with participants.
• Provide academic advising for students; resolve individual admission problems with students and staff.
• Participate in staff development and in‑service training meetings (TRIO meetings).
• Serve on college committees as appointed.
• Refer students to counselors, tutors, or external agencies as appropriate.
• Direct support staff or student assistants as assigned.
• Receive supervision from the Upward Bound Project Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Detail-oriented

Well-organized

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Ethics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field

Master’s degree preferred in guidance and counseling, education, administration or related field

Job description

Muskegon Community College is seeking a dedicated Upward Bound mentor/coordinator to guide high school students toward post‑secondary success. You will mentor participants, work closely with their families, and help design programs that improve college readiness and academic achievement.

The role emphasizes partnership with TRIO/Upward Bound, delivering workshops, tracking progress, and connecting families with resources to ensure student persistence and success.