Program Coordinator, YSP - Youngstown

📋 Description

• • The Ohio State University seeks a dedicated and proactive Program Coordinator for its esteemed Young Scholars Program (YSP) in Youngstown, Ohio. This pivotal role is instrumental in fulfilling the YSP's mission to enhance access to higher education for academically talented, first-generation students facing significant financial need. As a Program Coordinator, you will be a key member of a collaborative team, working closely with the Program Director and fellow coordinators across nine major Ohio urban school districts.
• • Your primary responsibility will be to develop, plan, implement, and manage comprehensive initiatives designed to prepare middle and high school students for successful post-secondary education. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including pre-college recruitment, managing program admissions, facilitating engaging workshops, conducting school visits, guiding academic planning, and supporting the university admissions process.
• • This is a full-time position based in Youngstown, Ohio. The successful candidate must reside within daily commuting distance or be willing to relocate to the Youngstown area. You will be the primary point of contact for YSP students and their families within the Youngstown City School District and surrounding Youngstown Area Schools.
• • A significant aspect of your role involves direct student and family engagement. You will be responsible for educating YSP students and their families about colleges, the intricacies of the college admissions process, current trends, procedures, and specific testing requirements. Regular, meaningful interaction is crucial; you will meet with each YSP student in grades 8-12 at least twice a month, utilizing individual, group, classroom, or virtual advisement methods.
• • You will cultivate and nurture a supportive, long-term relationship with each YSP student, guiding them from their initial high school years through to college graduation. This includes creating personalized, detailed academic plans that align with Ohio State's admissions standards and assisting students in selecting appropriate courses to meet these plans.
• • Identifying and connecting students and families with relevant resources, referrals, and support services within the Youngstown community will be a key function. Furthermore, you will act as an advocate, representing and negotiating on behalf of YSP students and their parents in situations involving academic standing, probation, or potential expulsion.
• • Collaboration with the local school district is essential. You will foster strong connections with school administrators, counselors, and teachers to ensure students remain on track academically. You will also build and maintain relationships with local universities and other college access programs to broaden opportunities for YSP scholars.
• • Curriculum development and delivery are also part of this role. You will research, develop, and implement a curriculum for monthly cohort workshops tailored to prepare students for college and careers, appropriate for their designated grade level. This involves creating engaging and informative content that addresses the unique needs of first-generation, low-income students.
• • You will play a vital role in program development and implementation, helping to create and execute programs and events that align with YSP's overarching initiatives. This includes organizing and overseeing field trips, award ceremonies, and supporting special initiatives planned both within the designated school sites and at The Ohio State University campus.
• • Administrative duties are integral to the success of the program. You will maintain meticulous records, including detailed notes on all advisement meetings, and track, monitor, and evaluate the academic progress of each YSP student. This involves reviewing mid-term and semester grades, prescribing remedial actions when necessary, and collaborating with school personnel to ensure students maintain good academic standing. A robust filing and record-keeping system for each student is paramount.
• • Consistent and clear communication with participating scholars and their parents via email, phone, or postal mail is expected. You will also be responsible for developing and executing a strategic recruitment and marketing plan to identify and attract academically high-performing, underrepresented, first-generation college-bound students.
• • This involves coordinating visits to middle school classrooms, assemblies, and club meetings to promote YSP and raise awareness about college readiness. You will participate in in-person and virtual information sessions for YSP pre-college admissions, and potentially select, enlist, and train committee members for the annual YSP recruitment selection processes.
• • You will serve as a liaison between school administrators and The Ohio State University to facilitate recruitment, retention, and the college admission process. Establishing professional relationships with various stakeholders, including parents, students, and school district staff, is crucial for program success. Staying informed about local opportunities and resources that can benefit the YSP within the Youngstown district and community is also important.
• • This role may involve volunteering with the YSP-serving district as a college access and student success partner. Additionally, you will recruit, train, and oversee remote work-study student assistants, providing them with valuable work experience and opportunities to develop soft skills.
• • Proficiency in various technologies is required, including Carmen Zoom, Microsoft Office Suite, CANVA, the Embark application site, and Skype for Business. You will also manage social media platforms (Facebook/Meta, Instagram) for the YSP in Youngstown to support program updates, scholar recognition, and recruitment efforts.
• • You will oversee the budget and expenditures for city programs, ensuring responsible financial management. Assisting with drafting and submitting proposals to funding agencies and preparing for national, state, and district conferences will also be part of your responsibilities.
• • You will help collect and interpret key progress and outcome variables to assess the effectiveness of the Young Scholars Program and the services provided. Representing YSP to potential supporters and other interested parties in the targeted school district, as requested by YSP leadership, is also a key function. Attending all mandatory meetings and recommended professional development opportunities is expected.