Higher Education Coordinator

Job Title: Higher Education Program Coordinator

Department: Teen and Young Adult Services

Reports to: Senior Manager of Higher Education

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/40 Hours

Classification: Essential

A Place Called Home is a dynamic, non-profit youth and community center in South Central Los Angeles. APCH provides educational programs, counseling, mentoring, music, dance and art classes, fitness and health and wellness opportunities. As youth participate in our programs, they discover interests and talents and develop a better sense of themselves and their place in the world around them. Our goal is to increase the likelihood that youth will stay in school, pursue Higher Education, attain viable jobs, and become active community members capable of making positive changes in the world in which they live.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Senior Manager of Higher Education, the Higher Education Program Coordinator coordinates a smooth transition for our middle-school aged members into high school via a weekly class focused on: understanding the A-G Requirements, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Dual Enrollment, International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, effective time-management skills, effective self-regulation strategies, and general understanding of what qualitative and quantitative attributes they should focus on developing if they wish to apply to colleges their senior year of high school. A successful candidate will succeed in fostering a college or technical career going culture among our middle school aged members via the teaching and modeling of four key skills: Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Communication. This staff also works closely with our Sr. Manager of Higher Education in implementing the first round of review of our APCH Shaheen Scholarship Scholars. The role of implementing the first round of review is critical in identifying and advancing qualified applicants to the subsequent stages of the scholarship selection process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Shaheen Scholarship Program:

• Review applications submitted by scholarship applicants to ensure that all required materials are included and meet the eligibility criteria.
• Assess the qualifications of applicants, including their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and any other relevant criteria set by the scholarship program.
• Create first draft program standing/award letters
• Collect and organize all scholar documents
• Create, in joint collaboration with Sr. Manager of Higher Ed., the annual Shaheen Scholarship Binder
• Assist Sr. Manager in creating APCH Shaheen Scholarship Reader Packets
• Assist in recruitment efforts for the APCH Shaheen Scholarship Program
• Ensure accurate and organized record-keeping of applicant information and assessments to facilitate the decision-making process.
• Create a database of Scholars in collaboration with Sr. Manager

Middle School Class: Bridge to the Future

• Develop a weekly class designed to provide middle-school-aged members with essential knowledge and skills to prepare them for success in high school and to foster a college or technical career-oriented culture
• Educate members on the A-G requirements, which are the subject requirements for college admission in California. Ensuring they comprehend the necessary coursework
• Introduce students to the concept of Honors, AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), and Dual Enrollment courses and the benefits of taking them in high school
• Teach effective time-management strategies to help students balance their academic commitments and extracurricular activities.
• Guide students on self-regulation techniques, such as setting goals, managing stress, and staying organized.
• Help students understand the qualities and skills they need to develop in order to produce a strong college application during their senior year of high school via TYAS 4 C’s; Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Creativity.

General Higher Education Program:

• Create informational flyers for our members regarding upcoming events or opportunities
• Working closely with Higher Education Program staff in developing the logistics for the annual Northern California College Trip
• Research and share additional outside scholarship opportunities to Higher Education Program Staff
• Serve as a mentor for members through group and one-on-one interaction
• Facilitate one writing workshop per semester for applicants of the Shaheen Scholarship Program.
• Assist with events such as College Announcement Day, Shaheen Luncheon, Interview Day
• Create newsletter per semester, highlighting Higher Education Program accomplishments/milestones

Administrative Duties

• Develop qualitative and quantitative program goals for high school/college readiness
• Stay abreast of college/vocational readiness best industry practices
• Responsible for tracking providing data to be included in monthly/annual department reports, grant reports, board reports and others as requested on Apricot
• Track member engagement and resources and provide monthly reports
• Assist with the supervision of members during program hours, special events and field trips
• Assist with planning and coordination of special departmental and agency events
• Execute assigned administrative duties in a timely manner
• Serve as a mentor and role model for members
• Attend all required program meetings
• Perform other tasks as assigned

• Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills
• Professionalism
• Customer Service
• Time Management
• Flexibility
• Mission-Driven
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) Preferred
• Dedicated to excellence
• Detail-Oriented
• Strong Organizational Skills Microsoft Office Skills

Education/Training/Experience

• One year experience working with teen and young adult population providing college guidance

• Associate Degree/Bachelor’s Degree in related field
• At least one year working in an office environment
• Experience in facilitation or instruction to youth
• Experience in college readiness/job readiness curriculum development and implementation among middle school population preferred

Physical and Mental Demands

• Able to work in a dynamic and high noise level environment typical of a youth center
• Walking, standing required on daily basis
• Sitting and use of hands/vision for computer work for extended periods of time
• Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Able to communicate and convey accurate information

Additional Information

• Able to work well with diverse populations of employees and clients
• Able to work some evenings and/or weekends for department and/or agency events
• Solution-oriented team player who both promotes and practices a growth mindset
• Provides exemplary customer service and welcoming hospitality

APCH COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

All new hires must provide proof of their first dose of the vaccine on the first day of employment, if not fully vaccinated, and will have 30 days from their date of hire to complete their COVID-19 vaccination and submit proof of completion to the organization’s HR department. All fully vaccinated staff are highly recommended to get their booster vaccine once eligible.

A Place Called Home provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including but not limited to pregnancy), gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation, military and veteran status, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship national origin, age, physical and/or mental disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, A Place Called Home complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

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