VU GEAR UP Graduation Coach

Full Time Staff (Hybrid) Denmark, SC Posted 5 hours ago Website Voorhees University An Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer ABOUT VOORHEES UNIVERSITY In celebration of its 125th year of existence on April 7, 2022, Voorhees College was renamed Voorhees University to honor founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright. Voorhees University is a private, diverse, historically black, coeducational, liberal arts, baccalaureate degree-granting institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Located in rural Denmark, South Carolina, the University serves traditional and nontraditional students primarily from South Carolina and the southeastern region of the United States; however, seeks to expand our reach both nationally and internationally. The University offers each student a comprehensive general education experience coupled with professional education in the values-centered liberal arts environment that supports educational opportunities designed to help prepare students to function in a diverse and increasingly technological society. Accordingly, the University seeks to produce highly qualified graduates who coalesce intellect and faith in pursuit of life-long learning, healthy living, the betterment of society, and an abiding faith in God. PRESIDENTIAL CHARGE AND SCOPE OF APPOINTMENT In accordance with the University's mission, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, 10th President of Voorhees University has issued the charge and call to action articulated through the University's mantra: Begin. Believe. Become. that will advance Voorhees University to The Next Level of Excellence. President Hopkins believes and expects that Voorhees University will be nationally recognized as a premier, comprehensive liberal arts institution focused on student success, excellence and integrity. Through this charge, greater emphasis will be placed on high performing learners, highly accomplished faculty and staff, an involved community, and a supportive and dedicated alumni base. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION VOORHEES GEAR UP (VGU) Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs Partnership The Voorhees University GEAR UP Program (VGU) seeks to serve 5,361 cohort students (2,498 6th grade and 2,863 7th grade youth) attending 24 low-income Middle Schools in 10 SC districts. VGU is a seven year grant program, running from 10/1/21 through 9/30/28 and will link targeted schools with local and regional technical colleges, rural community businesses, agencies and organizations - to diversify learning options for low-income students, improve academic achievement in underserved schools, improve graduation rates and increase postsecondary education and career attainment. Voorhees GEAR UP is designed as a collaborative Task Force effort of school educators, parents, students, higher education partners and community leaders and includes three, comprehensive Levels of Service: LEVEL 1: Academic Preparation / Supports / Enrichment - includes educator professional learning in Improvement Science leading to a Micro-credential and Virtual Improvement Network; White Papers and an Annual Excellence Convening; STEM/STEAM activities; Advanced Placement; Dual Enrollment; VGU Academy for after school and summer enrichment; academic supports including reading and math interventions; mentoring and tutoring; enrichment summer camps; and family engagement utilizing parent institutes, workshops and information sessions. LEVEL 2: College Ready - includes NWEA MAP Assessment; Early College Activities; Data Management; district Graduation Coaches; GEAR UP Coordinators; Graduation Portfolios; Transition Support; College Savings Accounts and Scholarships; Survey Courses; College Resource Centers; Goal Plans; and College Ready activities for students/educators/families/communities; and LEVEL 3: Career Ready - includes partner participation in Exposing Students to Career Options; Career Awareness Seminars; Internships; Job Shadowing Opportunities; Trends in Industry Seminars; Career Ready Skills Training; College and Career Readiness Surveys in Grades 9 and 11; Career Seminars; Career Education Certifications; Educator Training and Certifications; Parent Information Meetings ; College and Career Ready Activities; and Tools for Success. Voorhees GEAR UP! will strive to achieve the following Goal, Required Objectives and Outcomes: GOAL: To prepare low-income students to pursue and succeed in postsecondary education & careers. Objective 1: To increase the academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education of participating students. Outcome 1.1: Improved academic proficiency. Outcome 1.2: Improved ACT / SAT scores. Outcome 1.3: Increased Dual Enrollment /Advanced Placement enrollment. Outcome 1.4: Increased knowledge of career aspirations. Objective 2: To increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education of participating students. Outcome 2.1: Increased Outcome 2.2: Increased Outcome 2.3: Decreased rate Outcome 2.4: Increased graduation among low- postsecondary among low- of postsecondary remediation. rates participation in enrollment career income income students. awareness activities. students. Objective 3: To increase educational expectations for participating students and increase student and family knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing. Outcome 3.1: Increased postsecondary application rate for low-income students. Outcome 3.2: Improved parent participation in college readiness activities. Outcome 3.3: Increased family expectation of postsecondary enrollment. A FORECAST Framework, Logic Model and Timeline will guide a quasi-experimental evaluation with equating that will meet WWC standards, answer research questions and measure results. Position: VU GEAR UP Graduation Coach Division: Academic Affairs Salary: $40,000 - $48,000 FLSA Classification: Salaried, Exempt Position Type/Duration: Full Time/Grant-funded Position Schedule: 37.5 Hours per Week (to include both virtual & in-person) RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: The GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Partnership is funded by the US Department of Education to increase the academic preparedness and college and career readiness of students in targeted K-12 schools and districts. Under supervision of the GEAR UP Director at the Voorhees Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation, and Innovation (EPI Center), the GEAR UP Graduation Coach will serve as an onsite, district resource to Voorhees GEAR UP partner schools while supporting the goals and objectives of the GEAR UP Program. The GEAR UP Graduation Coach will coordinate with GEAR UP staff, district administrators, school leadership, and families of student participants to provide college and career readiness services to a cohort of seventh grade students through their matriculation from high school with successful transition into their post-secondary pursuits. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS In partnership with Project Director and GEAR UP Coordinators, support and implement college and career readiness programming for targeted student participants at host school. Help monitor and track student participants in data management system through high school graduation and to their postsecondary pursuits. In collaboration with teachers and school staff, develop and implement college and career action plans for individual student participants with annual review of target goals. In collaboration with teachers and school staff, develop and monitor Graduation Portfolios to track student performance, outcomes, and GEAR UP participation. Collect data through interest surveys, assessments, and serve on Transition Teams. Provide personalized counseling to students and families and help cohort youth connect with curricular programs and interventions based on achievement data. Market and promote participation in college and career ready activities that ensure participants are prepared for postsecondary learning and high-demand careers. Support experiential learning and collaborate with partners to provide diverse enrichment. Other duties as assigned EDUCATION Bachelor's degree in education, business, human resources, technology, or related field PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS A minimum of three (3) years of experience in educational programming or counseling to include higher education and/or K-12 education Strong interpersonal skills to interact with professional educators effectively and professionally in both a collegiate learning community and K-12 setting Excellent organizational management skills with the ability to provide data analysis Demonstrated ability working directly with teachers and administrators Direct experience or knowledge of Federal and State grants and programming The ability to travel locally to a host school with some occasional evening and/or weekend hours Must possess a driver's license and have reliable transportation. APPLICATION INFORMATION Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please submit an employment application, cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position, resume, and relevant transcript to apply. To apply for this job please visit voorhees.edu.