Program Specialist for the First Star Academy

Program Specialist for the First Star Academy

Native American Center for Academic Excellence/ITEPP

553289

Close Date:  January 29th 2026

Temporary

 

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

 

(Job #553289) SSP II, Student Services Professional, Salary Range: $5,083-$7,228 Hiring Salary: $5,083. This is a temporary, full-time, benefited, exempt, 12-month pay plan. This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 14 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits.

 

Position Summary: The Program Specialist for the First Star Academy, Cal Poly Humboldt, supports the planning and delivery of academic and enrichment programming for high school students who have experienced the foster care system, with a strong emphasis on serving Native American students in Tribal placements. This role helps coordinate logistics, student engagement, and communication with caregivers, schools, and community partners. Working closely with the Academy Director, the Program Specialist ensures students have access to educational resources and consistent support throughout the year. The position requires strong organizational skills, cultural awareness, and a commitment to equity in education.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Program Implementation

• Assist in planning and facilitating the Summer and Saturday Academies in alignment with annual goals.
• Support delivery of academic, enrichment, and life skills activities, including scheduling, logistics, and materials preparation.
• Coordinate campus logistics (room reservations, transportation support, supplies, meals).
• Support student recruitment, onboarding, and retention activities, in collaboration with child welfare agencies and community partners.
• Serve as a point of contact for students during Academy sessions and help mediate peer concerns as needed.
• Support peer mentors by helping with scheduling, logistics, and check-ins.
• Create programming that aligns with cultural needs and supports of the program.
• Assist with organizing annual caregiver engagement events and student celebrations.
• Host annual training for caregivers to update them on the program, and provide information on resources for foster youth (i.e., coordinate workshops and presentations by community partners).
• Provide monthly updates to those involved with the students.
• Activities may require working evenings and weekends

 

Student Support and Case Management

• Support the collection and organization of students’ school records and program documentation.
• Track students’ educational progress and update records in coordination with the Academy Director.
• Maintain consistent communication with students and caregivers to ensure engagement and awareness of program events and student needs.
• Coordinate with schools and community partners to support student success and engagement.
• During the school year, track students’ educational progress to ensure they remain on track for high school graduation and work with social workers, schools, and community partners to