The mission and purpose of Upward Bound is to “generate in program participants the skill and motivation necessary to complete a program of secondary education and to enter and succeed in a program of postsecondary education.”   

Upward Bound draws it students from three public high schools within the Rochester city limits of Olmsted County in southeastern Minnesota.  The target high schools are Mayo, Century, and John Marshall.  The Program is designed to develop the learning potential of high school students from limited-income families and/or where neither parent has completed a four-year college degree.

Outcome objectives guide the best practices of this Program.  A group of knowledgeable and experienced personnel, who are committed to the values of Upward Bound, provide services and activities to students in individual, small, and large group settings.  These include; tutoring, career work/study opportunities, campus visits, ACT prep, Ready… Set…Go! college-readiness curriculum, leadership initiatives, technology access and training, and a campus-based, six-week interdisciplinary summer program.

The purpose of the Program is to improve our students’ academic success, retention, high school graduation, enrollment and completion in post-secondary institutions; also, increase interest in math and science courses and careers, and improve parental participation.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a Supplemental Instruction (SI) curriculum component, for low income students with lower GPAs; and/or for students who have not passed their Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments  (MCA or MCAII)
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of higher risk students to receive SI
• Assist in the administration of student assessments
• Provide advocacy for UB student issues within the school & community
• Research and refine current SI model
• Conduct classroom presentations, attend schools open houses, and community events as outreach
• Meet with target area parents to build their trust level in support of their student to be successful in the program and to complete their secondary education
• Assist with tutor coordination – training, handbooks, etc.
• Maintain accurate and current confidential records on participants
• Assist with the summer program and supervise students as needed
• Serve as an advisor for UB Student Leadership Council
• Serve as editor of a quarterly UB newsletter
• Seek small grant opportunities and/or in-kind donations for student incentives
• Participate as part of a team with other program staff

Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in education, youth development, Human Services, or related field
• Experience working with youth, young adults, and/or disadvantaged and under-represented populations
• Organizational and communication skills
• Experience in curriculum development, tutoring, and/or teaching preferable
• Computer competence – Microsoft package
• Small and large group facilitation skills
• Problem-solving capacity
• Desire to learn and be a part of a team
• Must have valid MN driver’s license and good driving record

Contact:

Suzanne Nordsving                  

507.280.2931