Gear Up Program Support Specialist – Part Time Position Available In Jackson, North Carolina

Gear Up Program Support Specialist – Part Time 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 447 College Dr, Sylva, NC 28779 Reports to : College and Career Access Coordinator (CCAC)

Purpose :

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally funded discretionary grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The GEAR UP college access initiative’s national objectives are to: Increase academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education. Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education. Increase GEAR UP students’ and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing. To achieve these objectives, GEAR UP provides a variety of interventions to students and their families in grades six through year one of postsecondary education. Services include and are not limited to college visits, summer programs, career exploration, mentoring, job shadowing, tutoring, college advising, and financial aid workshops. Professional development is offered to school and district staff to share best practices and assist in creating and strengthening a college-going culture for the target schools and their communities. The GEAR UP Support Specialist is a part-time position. The GEAR UP Program Support Specialist will work collaboratively with and in support of a fulltime Gear Up Coordinator as well as Appalachian State, Southwestern Community College, and local school district staff to fulfill the academic obligations communicated in the approved grant award.

Employment Term:

12-month, non-exempt. This position is grant limited and employment beyond 9/2027 is contingent upon grant renewal and its conditions Primary Duties and Responsibilities Support the College & Career Access Coordinator in administering the GEAR UP and On Ramp grants designated for Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties as well as Cherokee Central Schools. Assist with the implementation and coordination of comprehensive pre-college programs for middle and high school students that include, but are not limited to, career exploration, academic planning and preparation, college visits, mentoring, and financial planning. Assist with the planning resources for students, teachers, educators, and counselors. Work in conjunction with the CCAC in assisting students at any stage of the career/college search, application, or financial aid processes. Work collaboratively with other district-based staff, school personnel, families, and the community at large, raising awareness of the benefits of a postsecondary education. Assist the CCAC in creating sustainable initiatives that create a systemically supportive environment encouraging postsecondary achievement and increasing the college-going success rate for all GEAR UP and On Ramp students. Assist the CCCAC in planning and implementing summer enrichment activities that include academic preparation, job-shadowing, college visits, etc., meeting the needs of the school district’s students. Attend regular meetings assigned with, but not limited to, institutes, and conferences; providing continuous feedback and recommendations. Liaise with central office, school administrators, and staff to collect paperwork and complete necessary monthly and quarterly financial reports with required supporting documentation. Assist with purchase orders. Enter service data into Gear Up’s Lyceum database and prepare reports as needed.

Minimum Qualifications :

Associate’s degree in related field or 1-year experience working with youth age and high school population Knowledge of the college-going process and education/financial aid opportunities Experience working with diverse populations Excellent communications skills (virtual, oral, and written) Excellent administration and organizational skills Strong interpersonal and networking skills Ability to serve as a positive role model for students Commitment to act as an educational advocate for all students Preferred Qualifications Background and experience working with youth and program services Awareness of Federal TRIO programs Awareness of the unique needs of Western North Carolina’s underrepresented communities Powered by

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