Program Specialist, College Coach

Program Specialist – College Coach

Position Summary

The Program Specialist – College Coach supports the planning, coordination, and implementation of programs and activities related to the Graduation Plus program, serving youth and young adults ages 14–24. This role focuses on college access and success, academic support, career readiness, and personal development to help participants achieve their educational and career goals.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development and Support

• Collaborate with the Graduation Plus team to enhance and expand existing college access, college success, life skills, and career development programs across Boys & Girls Clubs locations throughout the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Support the implementation of program initiatives designed to promote academic achievement, post-secondary enrollment, and career readiness.

Student Coaching and Academic Support

• Coordinate and administer pre- and post-program assessments for Graduation Plus participants.
• Monitor participants’ academic progress and provide ongoing support to help them achieve their educational goals.
• Mentor Graduation Plus college students and assist with program evaluation efforts.
• Collaborate with Graduation Plus staff to provide after-school tutoring and academic support for Graduation Plus and Community Learning Center (CLC) students.
• Assist students with homework completion, study skills, and academic goal setting.

College Access and Financial Aid Assistance

• Facilitate college access activities, including:
  • Assisting students with completing FAFSA applications.
  • Reviewing and editing college admission essays.
  • Supporting scholarship research and application completion.
• Integrate scholarship opportunities and Individual Development Account (IDA) programming into student support services to maximize post-secondary financial aid packages.
• Support participants in accessing programs such as the Stein Scholars Program and other available educational funding opportunities.

Student Engagement and Family Communication

• Maintain regular communication with students and families regarding attendance, academic progress, and program participation.
• Contact parents or guardians when students are absent from tutoring sessions or other required program activities.
• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that support student learning and growth.

Program Management and Reporting

• Conduct formal and informal assessments of assigned student cohorts.
• Utilize approved curricula and maintain required teacher-to-student ratios and program standards.
• Supervise students during program activities to ensure a safe, engaging, and productive learning environment.
• Foster students’ emotional, social, and educational development.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as requested.
• Meet all program deadlines and compliance requirements.
• Attend AmeriCorps meetings, trainings, and events as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

• Regularly required to sit and use hands to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Work is performed primarily in a school, club, or office setting.
• Noise levels are typically moderate.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Skills

• Passion for serving youth and young adults.
• Experience working with diverse youth populations.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to supporting educational achievement, college access, and career readiness initiatives. 
• High School Diploma Required 
• Enrolled in a post-secondary institution 
• Must be a member of the Grad Plus Collegians Program at BCGGM