The ACE (Achieve College Education) Program Model

The ACE Program offers an opportunity for qualified candidates to earn Associate Degrees in Leadership Studies, Human Services, Law and Justice, or Early Childhood Education in their community from an accredited learning institution (Harcum College). Cohorts of about twenty students will work through the curriculum together on an accelerated schedule. The ACE program operates at several community-based sites in southeastern and central PA.

ACE Site Coordinator Position Description

This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the ACE program site, outreach and communications with prospective and current students, and communication and coordination with ACE program partners (I-LEAD, Inc., Harcum College). This individual will be responsible to host and attend community events to promote program.

Responsibilities to students:

Provide group and individualized educational counseling and retention services assisting prospective and current students in understanding the nature and benefits of the program, and the nature and benefits of higher education to the individual, the family, and the community.

Provide technical and social support designed to address barriers to program entry, progress, retention, and completion. Serve as a coach and resource for students, not a case manager.

Provide technical assistance and support to students participating in the program, including assisting students in using software, on-site computers, accessing the Internet, participating in peer study or support circles, or obtaining direct academic support from higher education partners to enhance mastery of course content.

· Assist students with financial aid: FAFSA, renewals, verification and loans

· First line advisor to students

· Liaison for students with Harcum

· Encourage students to utilize: Harcum websites, Harcum e-mail, hatch web accounts

· Check student’s attendance books nightly

· Help students complete Harcum application and FAFSA (financial aid)

· Work to ensure program quality, in partnership with I-LEAD, Inc. and Harcum College staff.

Responsibilities to I-LEAD, Inc.:

· Develop and implement a marketing plan for the site

· Marketing of ACE program and growing student body at site

· Host information sessions

· Speak to outside groups about the program

· Gather, update and share basic information regarding participating students including contact information, attendance information, and information regarding support services requirements.

· Manage student incentive budget and complete all required paperwork

· Participate in site coordinator meetings and other meetings as required by I-LEAD, Inc. and Harcum College.

Additional Responsibilities:

· Setup technology and classroom equipment

· Set up refreshments (if applicable)

· Ensure all site areas utilized by ACE program staff, faculty and students are clean, orderly and set up for students.

Qualifications:

· Associate or bachelor’s Degree

· Two years or more direct service work in challenged communities

· Understanding of and ability to navigate higher education and financial aid systems

· Ability to participate effectively in a collaboration of multiple organizations

· Ability to network and build effective relationships with community for recruitment purposes

· Self starter

· Knowledge of marketing strategies helpful

· Willingness to maintain a non-traditional, flexible work schedule

· Ability to travel to events and other related programs

About I-LEAD

With offices in Philadelphia, Valley Forge, and Reading, I-LEAD, Inc. is a tax-exempt Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation that has served since 1995 as a school for community leadership development. I-LEAD’s mission is to improve quality of life in Pennsylvania by helping citizens to strengthen their skills as community leaders. I-LEAD has been the lead training agency for such programs as Pennsylvania Weed and Seed, and Urban Genesis. Through its contract with Harcum, I-LEAD has provided Associate degree programs for over 500 students at thirteen community sites throughout Pennsylvania. Since the inception of the ACE Program in 2005, 135 students have successfully completed their associate degree, with many going on to (and graduating from) 4-year colleges.

About Harcum College

The program is accredited through the Middle States Accreditation Board, and financial aid is organized through Harcum College, located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Harcum was founded in 1915 by Edith Hatcher, a daughter of a prominent Virginia clergyman and educator. Since 1956, the Commonwealth has granted Harcum permission to confer the Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science degrees. In Edith’s words, Harcum educates students in the arts and occupational skills, respecting each student as an “individual with personal needs, interests, aptitudes, and aspirations.”

The Future

Our vision for the future would include a seamless track for high school graduates and GED students to matriculate as college students earning an associate degree with the potential to transfer to a four-year college. There will be opportunities for locally qualified individuals to be hired as adjunct faculty to teach core and general education courses. Graduates will be qualified for various leadership roles within business, government, the nonprofit sector, and within their families and communities. They will be able to accept better jobs with greater pay and opportunity for advancement. They will run for and be elected to local councils, boards, and other governmental offices. Communities will have a greater quality of life.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 25 per week

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Nights as needed
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Harrisburg, PA 17111: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Harrisburg, PA 17111