College Bound Opportunities · 23 hours ago
Program Associate
Highwood, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
New Grad, Entry Level
$40K/yr - $45K/yrCollege Bound Opportunities (CBO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping first-generation, underrepresented students access and complete college. The Program Associate plays a vital role in supporting Scholars during their high school and early college years by providing guidance on academics, college access, financial aid, and the transition to college and beyond.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary advisor for a portfolio of Scholars, with weekly check-ins at assigned partner high schools (currently six)
Build strong, trusting relationships through consistent 1:1 and group meetings focused on academics, wellness, college readiness, and goal-setting
Monitor Scholar progress, identify students who may be at risk, and coordinate timely interventions
Guide students through the college application process, including application requirements, timelines, and follow-up
Support students and families in completing FAFSA and CSS Profile applications, including account setup, documentation collection, and follow-through
Assist students in evaluating college options, planning campus visits, and weighing financial aid offers
Support scholarship identification and application processes
Continue advising a small cohort of Scholars into college
Support students in navigating campus resources such as tutoring, mental health services, and academic advising
Assist with course selection, time management, and adjustment to college life
Maintain regular check-ins throughout the academic year to support persistence and on-time graduation
Support prospective students through CBO’s application and selection process
Facilitate onboarding sessions and assist with intake data collection and baseline documentation
Coordinate senior seminar programming, college transition planning, and pre-college checklists
Serve as a liaison to assigned partner high schools, maintaining strong relationships with counselors and administrators
Support recruitment and referral efforts in collaboration with school partners
Represent CBO at school-based meetings and information sessions as needed
Co-facilitate workshops on college readiness topics such as FAFSA, scholarships, essay writing, and career exploration
Support parent and family engagement efforts, including session preparation, communication, and follow-up
Contribute to the development and facilitation of parent curriculum and meetings
Maintain and update Scholar-facing resources, templates, and materials
Document Scholar interactions, case notes, and outcomes using CBO’s student data platform
Assist with surveys and feedback collection at key program milestones
Contribute accurate data to internal dashboards, board reports, and development materials
Support mentor matching, onboarding, and ongoing relationship check-ins
Promote career readiness programming including resume support, mock interviews, internships, and job exploration
Assist Scholars with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and application materials
Support alumni and peer engagement initiatives
Participate in program innovation efforts, including new tools, onboarding systems, and curriculum enhancements
Contribute to reflection and planning processes, including Scholar storytelling and stakeholder feedback
Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and annual performance reviews
Qualification
Required
Experience working with students, youth, or families in education, nonprofit, or community-based settings
Strong relationship-building skills and ability to work across diverse backgrounds
High attention to detail and comfort managing multiple students and deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to work in school-based settings and attend occasional evening or weekend programs
Commitment to educational equity and CBO's mission
Preferred
Bachelor's degree required (education, social work, nonprofit management, or related field preferred)
Experience with data tracking systems or case management tools preferred
Benefits
Health insurance
Generous paid time off and holidays
Hybrid work environment with meaningful in-community engagement
Professional development opportunities
Supportive, mission-driven team culture
Company
College Bound Opportunities
College Bound Opportunities (CBO) mentors, empowers, and inspires low-income, first-generation Scholars to overcome barriers, graduate college and achieve success in life.
Founded in 2006
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase