GEAR UP Academic Coach

Salary: $15.00 - $20.00 Hourly
Location : Lander
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number:
Department: Gear-Up
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Additional Information: This position description is not intended, and should not be construed, to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required.
Description
Position Summary
Make a lasting impact in your local community! As an Academic Coach for Central Wyoming College GEAR UP WY , you will empower 7th through 12th-grade students and their families in the Fremont County School District #1 and other assigned school district areas to prepare for postsecondary success, career exploration, and higher education.
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded initiative dedicated to opening doors for first-generation and college-bound youth.
Operating with limited supervision under the CWC GEAR UP WY Site Director, you will deliver hands-on mentoring, guide families through financial aid (FAFSA), deliver workshops, and partner directly with local school counselors and administrators.
Examples of Duties
Position Specifications

1. Academic-Year Alignment: Operates on an academic-year schedule following the local K-12 school district calendar.
2. Daily Hours: Primary duties occur during school hours, lunch periods, and/or after-school programming. Occasional evening, weekend, and regional travel requirements to facilitate campus visits, family and student workshops, and events.
3. Summer Schedule: Enjoy the majority of the summer off! Limited summer hours may be required for campus visits, special events, and "summer melt" student outreach, as assigned by the CWC GEAR UP WY Site Director.
4. Level of Supervision: Operates with limited direct supervision, exercising independent judgment while receiving ongoing guidance and oversight from the CWC GEAR UP WY Site Director and staff for CWC GEAR UP WY.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Schedule, facilitate, and carry out programs and activities designed to prepare students and families for college and career readiness through mentoring, advising, and group and/or one-on-one instruction.
2. Assist with preparing, adapting, and organizing curriculum for assigned regional schools and overall CWC GEAR UP WY program initiatives. Willingness to sub for other staff as requested by the CWC GEAR UP Program Manager.
3. Monitor student academic progress and guide students through academic planning and goal setting.
4. Assist students and families with college exploration, admissions, career planning, financial aid (FAFSA), ACT preparation, and scholarship opportunities.
5. Deliver targeted senior-year initiatives to ensure CWC GEAR UP WY high school seniors complete all necessary milestones (admissions, FAFSA, financial aid award review, housing, and orientation, etc.) for a smooth transition into post-secondary education.
6. Assist in implementing summer melt prevention strategies by maintaining active contact with graduating seniors throughout the summer.
7. Actively recruit eligible students for the CWC GEAR UP WY program.
8. Assist in creating and delivering engaging presentations and activities to students, families, local schools, and community organizations.
9. Work in direct partnership with school administrators, principals, counselors, teachers, etc.
10. Partner with CWC GEAR UP WY administrative staff to collect program data and maintain local school, regional, and community contacts.
11. Maintain strict confidentiality of student records, grant documentation, and attendance logs. Following all guidelines set forth by the CWC and GEAR UP WY.
12. Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and grant requirements; submit activity reports and assist with evaluation as requested.
13. Operate within the framework of the grant and Central Wyoming College policies, procedures, and safety practices.
14. Attend required CWC trainings, grant workshops, conferences, and professional development sessions to maintain expertise in grant objectives and college-readiness strategies.

Other Duties

1. Perform other assigned duties as needed to support program operations and objectives.

Typical Qualifications
Qualifications & Specifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Associate degree from a regionally accredited institution (preferred coursework in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology).

Experience:

• Experience working with students and families of various socioeconomic populations, backgrounds, and ethnicities.

Certifications & Licensure:

• Valid driver's license, successful background check upon hire, and CPR/First Aid and CWC Defensive Driving certifications (or ability to obtain upon hire). This position may require transporting students, parents/guardians, families, staff, and/or volunteers using a CWC vehicle; a good driving record is required.

Communication & Interpersonal:

• Proven ability to build rapport with diverse student and community populations; strong written and verbal communication skills.

Work Ethic & Personal Traits:

• Highly energetic and self-motivated with a strong work ethic and personal integrity; ability to work independently while supporting team goals.

Organization & Problem Solving:

• Project management skills with the ability to pay attention to detail, deadline management, and effective problem-solving abilities.

Records Management:

• Maintain strict confidentiality of student records, grant documentation, and attendance logs in compliance with all CWC and GEAR UP WY guidelines.

Computer & Software Proficiency:

• MS Office (Word, Excel), Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets), Zoom, and Data Entry.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Experience working with educationally disadvantaged or first-generation student populations.
• Experience creating, adapting, or delivering educational curriculum and workshop materials.
• Familiarity with Fremont County school operations and Central Wyoming College policies and practices.

Equivalency Statement:

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide comparable knowledge and abilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Environment:

• Primary work occurs in school and classroom settings. Occasional travel to CWC Campus or event locations locally and/or across the state. Work aligns with the school district calendars, with occasional evening, weekend, and travel requirements.

Physical Demands:

• Exerting up to 10-30 pounds of force occasionally when transporting program materials, event equipment, and supplies.

Equipment Used:

• Computers, phones, messaging applications, copiers, calculators, standard office/educational technology, and other assigned equipment. Use of the CWC vehicle for transporting students, parents/guardians, families, staff, and/or volunteers will be available as needed.

Reasonable Accommodation:

• Reasonable accommodation will be extended to qualified individuals with a legally recognized disability.

CWC is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call or email
This position is not eligible for benefits.