This position has been budgeted for $29.86 per hour and is non-negotiable. 

The Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment (CEPA) is responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting college and career preparedness through programming, partnerships, resources, and high-quality career education programs. These programs will support every student's access to exciting and engaging educational options that will prepare them for future college and career opportunities.

The work is centered on the following three goals:

• College Preparedness Programs - Implementing high-quality programs and college & career advising systems to ensure that high school graduates are prepared to complete a college certificate or degree.
• Career Education - Ensuring career education programs are rigorous and are effectively preparing students to succeed in college and a high-wage/high-demand career; and

Work-Based Learning and Industry Partnership Programs - Exposing students to a continuum of work-based learning experiences, including career exploration activities, employability skills training, and paid career-focused internships, that prepare students to make
informed college and career choices.

Avenues for Success (AFS) is a comprehensive college and career, persistence and completion program that is dedicated to serve first-generation, low-income students from Hoover High School in San Diego, CA. Funded by the Price Philanthropies Foundation, the AFS program provides student advising, college and career exposure, community service opportunities, and college persistence and completion support
to assist Hoover High School students and alumni as they set education and career goals, identify viable pathways to employment, navigate the college enrollment, completion, and financial aid process, persist from college to graduation, and connect with resources to succeed. Parents and guardians are an integral partner in their students' lives and receive ongoing support from Avenues for Success staff to help their
students realize their future self and set goals to achieve their aspirations. Program services include career exploration and exposure, college visits and planning, college and financial aid application support, enrichment activities, community service opportunities, a parent academy, and educational workshops for students and families.

Under the leadership of the Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment Directors, the Grade Level Coordinator will work in person, directly with students to provide guidance, support, and resources to help them make informed decisions about their post-secondary education and future career paths. The grade level coordinator will collaborate with students, families, community partners, teachers, and administrators to ensure each student's individual needs are met, empowering them to achieve their academic, postsecondary, and professional goals. This role requires exceptional interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of college and career readiness, a commitment to social justice and culturally rooted practices, and a dedication to student success.

Postsecondary Advising - 60%

• Provide individual and group college and career advising to students at the grade level assigned to assist them in exploring
  their interests, strengths, aspirations, and goals, discuss college and career options, academic planning, and post-secondary application processes.
• Assist students in developing personalized academic and career plans based on their interests, aptitudes, and academic performance.
• Assist students with college application processes, including researching institutions, completing applications, writing essays, and preparing for interviews.
• Provide guidance on financial aid and scholarship opportunities, assisting students in navigating the financial aid application process.
• Support students in identifying potential careers and pathways by conducting assessments, organizing career exploration activities, and facilitating informational interviews and job shadowing opportunities.

Community and School Engagement - 15%

• Collaborate with community organizations, employers, and professionals to serve as a resource for creating internships, job shadowing, and other work-based learning opportunities for students.
• Serves as a resource to Hoover High School, Hoover Community Collaborative (HCC) partners, and other organizations partnered with Hoover High School regarding questions, concerns and issues related to Avenues for Success.
• Plan community service projects.
• Support employer engagement through events such as capstone projects, industry visits, career panels, networking events, job fairs, etc.
• Collaborate with Hoover administration, counseling team, and teachers to support AFS Scholars and Hoover students with:
  • Integrating college and career readiness practices and initiatives into the curriculum.
  • Developing strategies for college and career exploration within the classroom Understanding grade level academic requirements such as A-G and HS graduation. Connecting to Hoover Academy academic to career pathways.
  • Providing community-based leadership opportunities. Sharing postsecondary scholarship opportunities.
  • Promoting college and career specific family engagement opportunities.
  • Delivering college and career presentations.
  • Referring students to appropriate resources.

Program Planning and Coordination - 15%

• Coordinate college and career workshops, classroom presentations, field trips, and program events including but not limited to participant recognition ceremonies, conferences, assemblies, program orientations, etc. for students and families.
• Create and deliver age-relevant, engaging, hands-on workshops and training that expose students and families to topics on general and STEM career pathways, including and not limited to identifying strengths, writing resumes/cover letters, Internship & job search strategies, effective interviewing, networking, and more.
• Explore Student Life Opportunities: personal development, community service, strengths and dream exploration, meaningful summer experiences, social-emotional supports, cultural competency, and awareness.
• Plan and support students’ capstone projects.
• Support the development of student leadership by assisting with a student-run college and career club as well as other student leadership opportunities.
• Work with other grade-level coordinators to support the development and coordination of summer enrichment programs that focus on career exploration and college preparation.
• Develop programming which allows students to cultivate relationships with local community partners and prospective employers that bridge students’ career interests and local sector needs.

Professional Skills, Development, and Behavior - 5%

• Attend and participate in staff training, meetings, and program activities.
• Serve as a role model, resource, and mentor for program participants, always maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Foster an environment that is affirming and welcoming to diverse students, parents, and staff.
• Stay updated on current trends, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities in higher education institutions, vocational schools, and other post-secondary options.
• Build relationships with colleges, universities, vocational schools, and other post-secondary institutions to stay updated on admission requirements, scholarships, and transfer opportunities.
• Stay current with the latest research, best practices, and resources in college and career counseling, attending required professional development workshops and conferences.
• Adhere to all applicable San Diego State University and San Diego Unified school district policies and regulations.

Research and Evaluation - 5%

Conduct research and evaluation activities per CEPA's Research and Evaluation department, includes but not limited to the following:

● Monitor and evaluate students’ progression towards program completion requirements.
● Maintain accurate data records using the program's data system and reporting.
● Evaluate program activity attendance and engagement.
● Assist with any surveys, interviews, and other research methods in collecting student and
community voice.
● Contribute to the successful completion of college and career outcomes re: college applications, career connections, etc.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of career readiness and college preparation programs and best practices.
• Knowledge and understanding of student advising programs.
• Knowledge & understanding of the policies and procedures of institutions of postsecondary education regarding admissions, special admissions, and retention of students including general education requirements.
• Knowledge of college, career and STEM-related program planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation.
• Knowledgeable in adolescent and college development.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to relate well to others within the school and university environments.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, effectively, and with sensitivity with students, supervisees, and co-workers.
• Ability to create program outreach/marketing materials.
• Ability to interact effectively with co-workers.
• Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.
• Ability to relate well to others within the project environment.
• Ability to display motivation and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to display organization, meet deadlines, display detail orientation, possess good judgment and common sense.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to diverse communities.
• Ability to present to small and large groups of diverse youth, parents, and school staff.

Education & Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in related field. Specialized experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• One-year of student services work experience or related field.

Preferred Qualfications & Special Skills

• Majors in Social Services, Human Services, Education, Psychology preferred.
• Experience working with youth ages 14-19.
• Bilingual (Spanish, English, or Vietnamese, Somali, or Creole)

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer/Title IX employer.