Program Assistant: College LAUNCH for Leadership Program

Job Classification

• Federal Work Study

Job Description

• Assists departments and organizations in providing excellent customer service.
• Interest and/or connection to department
• Must possess good oral and written communication skills.,
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Provide customer service in person and over the phone.
• Requires creativity and ability to work independently.

Learning Outcomes

• Constructively receive and apply professional feedback
• Demonstrate professional communication skills through writing or editing.
• Develop an understanding of professional cultures and expectations
• Develop cognitive and interpersonal skills that are measurable and transferable
• Function as a part of a multidisciplinary team

Additional Information from Department

College LAUNCH Work-Study Job Description
Job Title: Program Assistant: College LAUNCH for Leadership Program
Program Description: College LAUNCH is a free, nine-month program for high school juniors. Students that participate in the program meet one Saturday a month from September to May to participate in Summits on topics focused in college-prep, social justice, and leadership development. By participating in LAUNCH, students gain valuable experiences, including mentorship opportunities and guided career exploration, support from a network of accomplished alumni, exposure to university professors, students, and admissions counselors, experience working on a Community Research and Action Project that looks great on college resumes, and enhanced preparation for the college application process.

Essential Functions:
Under the supervision of the LAUNCH Manager, the Work-Study Program Assistant will contribute to the successful implementation of the College LAUNCH program by performing the following essential functions:

Communication and Outreach (via phone calls and emails): Contact students and parents regarding missing forms and assignments; schedule reminders for Scholars about upcoming assignments and events; manage Google Classroom and Remind communications to Scholars and parents; assist with reaching out to program alumni to encourage reinvestment through leading sessions, mentoring, and supporting fundraising and recruitment efforts.

Program Support (on-campus and via email): Assist with the review of Scholar journal entries and provide constructive feedback; review Scholar journals and report cards and proactively communicate any students of concern to the LAUNCH Manager; update and maintain program spreadsheets and trackers for attendance and forms; assist with on-campus events for program alumni during the year; provide support for daily activities, functions, and special events as needed.

Session Leadership and Facilitation (on-campus or virtual presentations): Lead one to two small Saturday Summit Sessions throughout the academic year, contributing to the delivery of program content.

Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Support (via email and Remind): Assist with YPAR projects by overseeing student groups, facilitating group collaboration as needed, and helping the LAUNCH team connect groups with community partners when possible.

Administrative Tasks (via email, phone, Remind): Merge Slate records as needed throughout the program year.

Professional Communication(via email and phone): Demonstrate professional communication in all written and verbal interactions with students, parents, alumni, university personnel, and community partners.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated good oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines independently.
Proficiency in using Google Suite applications (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Classroom).
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
A proactive and self-motivated approach to tasks
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Interest in working with high school students and promoting college access and leadership development.
Must be available for weekly meetings with the LAUNCH Manager (30 minutes to 1 hour).
Must be available to attend 1-3 Saturday program events throughout the academic year (schedule communicated in advance).

Learning Outcomes for the Student Role:
Upon completion of this work-study position, the student will be able to:
Demonstrate professional communication skills through the creation and editing of written materials and effective verbal interactions with our high school students.
Develop mentoring skills by providing guidance and support to high school students in the College LAUNCH program.
Develop advising skills through the review of student journals and report cards, identifying areas of progress and potential concern.
Enhance organizational and time management skills by managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining accurate records.
Gain experience in program administration and support within a pre-college outreach initiative.
Improve facilitation and leadership skills by leading small group sessions for high school students.
Develop an understanding of college access, social justice, and leadership development programming.
Gain practical experience in supporting small student community service projects.

Start Date: August 2025
Work Schedule: Approximately 10-15 hours per week. Much of the work can be completed asynchronously via your laptop with adherence to the given deadlines. Availability is required for weekly meetings with the LAUNCH Manager and 1-3 Saturday program events throughout the year.
Compensation: $10.00 per hour.