College Readiness Mentor

Housed at IU Indianapolis, the Upward Bound program is designed to bridge the gap between high school and college. We provide students with tutoring, individualized resources, academic advising, college tours, cultural experiences, and more. 

 Upward Bound is one of eight TRIO programs across the nation. As stated by the Department of Education, “The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs” 

The key function of this role is to build relationships and mentor Upward Bound high school students. In addition to messaging and meeting with students frequently, the College Readiness Mentor will work with Upward Bound staff in a dynamic environment to meet student needs. Each day can look different, but constants would include outreach to students and mentoring sessions.  

On Tuesday evenings, College Readiness Mentors will continue to build relationships with students and support their homework and study efforts. On the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month College Readiness Mentors will assist in leading Get Real Workshops. 

Lastly, College Readiness Mentors can be expected to assist in communicating program information to students, planning, and implementing programs, and contributing to student outreach inside and outside of the office. College Readiness Mentor career goals and interests can dictate additional projects throughout the year.

Roles and Responsibilities 

Below illustrates the vision for the position. Upward Bound is seeking self-motivated, energetic, proactive, caring, and creative individuals who are passionate about youth and their transition to college.  

Mentoring 

Build and foster relationships with Upward Bound high school students.  

Has a caseload of 10 to 15 students and meets with students at least twice each month  

Conducts student meetings in accordance with Academic Coordinator (AC) needs and recommendations 

Logs and tracks individual meetings.  

Serves as a resource, role model, and knowledge base for Upward Bound students 

Professional Development/ Other Responsibilities  

Participates in regular staff meetings and one on one staff meetings with Academic Coordinators.  

Supports Upward Bound program through additional tasks as needed   

Submit student and work schedules to Upward Bound staff prior to the start of each semester 

Partake in continued professional development trainings  

Maintain organization of and communication about work projects with Academic Coordinators 

Exude a willingness to learn 

Programming 

Attend monthly events and assist in their planning. These include but are not limited to: Academic Themed Saturdays (ATS) and Get Real Workshops 

Invite, encourage, and host Upward Bound students at IUPUI campus wide events once or twice per semester  

Aid in the development of programing such as workshops and cultural events 

Support with outreach and student engagement to cultivate a positive and productive program environment 

Qualifications and Education Requirements 

Maintain a college GPA of 2.8 or higher 

Completed at least one year of college 

Currently enrolled at IU Indianapolis and in good standing 

 Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs and Gmail calendaring. 

  Knowledge of Canva and Zoom 

Gained Skills 

Case Management – Students will help advise 10 to 20 students, giving them the opportunity to practice time management, organization, record keeping, collaboration, and more. 

Communication – Students will enhance their communication skills by building relationships with Upward Bound students and staff. Individuals in this position will improve their active listening skills, empathy and understanding by interacting with students who may need social and academic support.  

Community Contributor – Students will gain knowledge about other cultures through interacting with members of the community members, schools, and families of UB (Upward Bound) Scholars.  

Advertising – Students will assist in social media campaigns, poster creations and marketing of Upward Bound to High School students.  

Leadership – Students will advocate for not only students but themselves in what they need to create a productive and prospering Upward Bound community.