Mentor (Multiple Locations)

Are you passionate about working with youth? Are you looking for a fun and engaging summer position? Join us as residential staff this summer at one of our fourteen campuses!

What is Summer Springboard?

Our mission at Summer Springboard is to help students increase their self-awareness so they can make decisions about college selection, academic majors, and career planning that reflect their personal vision for success. Our innovative pre-college summer programs, offered at some of the nation's leading colleges and universities, combine the benefits of an academically challenging summer experience with tools and frameworks for personal leadership development and self-discovery.

We are seeking Mentors to join our programs.

Mentors are an integral part of the Summer Springboard team. We are seeking energetic, fun, and engaging individuals to inspire our teens to become the best version of themselves. Mentors will report to and be under the direct supervision of the Campus Director and Assistant Campus Director.

Who is a Great Mentor?

1. Mediator:Mediating conflict and maintaining a positive group dynamic.

2. Model: Be a role model to your students. Possess a good attitude.

3. Caretaker: Take care of the physical and mental health of your student.

4. Listener: Be an active, empathetic listener.

5. Facilitator: Facilitate meaningful discussion and reflection. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate individual conversation and engage with students.

6. Teammate: Offer proactive assistance to your teammembers, for the good of the overall program.

Position Responsibilities

Mentors will supervise students in a university residence hall setting and help guide students through campus life. Mentors will design, execute, and plan a variety of activities, either social or co-curricular in nature.

Completing nightly check-ins, monitoring curfew, and helping students adapt to dorm life are just some of the aspects. Mentors will help facilitate or lead activity groups, athletics, projects, discussions, or workshops during the program. On weekends, Mentors will accompany and be responsible for students while out and about on excursions such as museums, local sports team games, or tourist attractions. Mentors should be highly accessible in the residence hall and around campus, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.

Mentor Training:

● Participate in one virtual training with Summer Springboard HQ staff and Campus Director.

● Complete online pre-program training via a designated platform

● Attend four days of in-person training on campus prior to the start of the first camp session.

● Read and prepare questions on all the resources provided by Summer Springboard.

Plan for and prepare for the program:

● Read through and complete all staff forms and paperwork in a timely manner.

● Participate in an introductory virtual call with your Campus Director or Program Director.

● Become familiar and comfortable with the program schedules, structure, resources, staff responsibilities, and Summer Springboard’s 5-Point Safety Plan and other emergency and health procedures and policies prior to your arrival to campus.

● Plan arrival/departure travel to/from your designated campus (SSB provides support with a $400 travel stipend at the end of the program included in your final paycheck, it is your responsibility to arrive on campus).

Work to uphold positive group dynamic:

● Live alongside students; Mentors will have responsibility for students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while programs are in session (except for designated evenings off).

● Protect the health and safety of students at all times.

● Facilitate or co-facilitate team building and reflection activities, as well as parts of the Summer

Springboard curriculum.

● Work as part of a team to create a successful, safe, and fun learning environment for students.

● Enforce the rules and policies of Summer Springboard and those of the host university’s residence life department, dining services, and campus safety.

● Mentor and counsel students through personal growth experiences and discussions.

● Meet regularly with the supervisor and residential staff.

● Provide constructive feedback for further program and curriculum development.

● Hold students accountable for their behaviors and be comfortable enforcing policy.

● Confront and respond appropriately to any violation of Summer Springboard rules.

● Use common sense and good judgment when interacting with students, staff, and University partners!

A “Day In The Life”—Student Compared to Staff

On the left is the general breakdown of how a student’s weekday is structured, and on the right is a general overview of what a Mentor’s “typical*” weekday might look like in conjunction with that:

WEEKDAYS:

8:00AM: Breakfast with the staff and students in the dining hall.

9:00AM-Noon: Free time OR time spent assisting a course instructor with various tasks, preparing for an evening activity or excursion, attending the daily staff meeting with Campus Director and Mentors, etc., when applicable.

Noon: Lunch with the staff and students in the dining hall.

1:30PM-3:00PM: Attending or facilitating a social/recreational activity for the students OR accompanying students with their instructor on a pre-arranged academic excursion.

3:30PM-5:00PM: Free time OR assisting leading elective.

5:00PM-6:00PM: Free time in the vicinity of students.

6:00PM: Commuter students depart ; Dinner with the staff and students in the dining hall or off-campus location.

7:00PM-8:00PM: Attending or facilitating a nightly evening social or recreational activity for the students.

*If it is your evening off, this does not apply to you!*

8:00PM-10:00PM: Free time OR time spent engaging with students.

*If it is your evening off, this does not apply to you!*

10:30PM: Checking all the rooms on your floor to make sure the residents are present.

*If it is your evening off, this does not apply to you!*

WEEKENDS (All Day):

Accompanying students with the rest of the staff for all weekend trips, activities, and excursions.

IN BETWEEN SESSIONS

Mentors may be needed to assist with airport transfers and supervise any students staying for two sessions.

*This is a fair representation, but “typical” is in quotes above because plans adjust from time to time, and you would be called upon for help and support as necessary where and when needed.*

Required Qualifications:

● Currently matriculated or completed a bachelor's degree

● Student or college campus residential life experience; familiarity with the specific campus or location

● A minimum of two years experience in a classroom, camp, or educational setting

● CPR Adult & Child + First Aid Certification (valid certification prior to the first program start date); Note: Summer Springboard does not accept online CPR/First Aid certifications. Certifications must be attained prior to the staff’s contract start date and will be at the expense of the candidate.

● A genuine passion for working with high school-aged students (typically 14-18 years old) and helping them learn, grow, and have a fun positive experience.

● Strong culture and relationship builder who actively engages and builds relationships with families, staff, and students

● The ability to communicate directly and sensitively with students, parents, and staff

● Calm under pressure and ability to manage stress and balance others

● Energetic and possess stamina and endurance: program days are intense and full!

● Professional demeanor and strong work ethic

● Ability to work independently, lead, support, and encourage youth

Preferred Skills/Experience

● Experience with the university campus or immediate surrounding area/city where you will work.

● Prior experience as an RA/Mentor, Camp Counselor, or similar type experience that entailed withdrawing students out of their comfort zone and engaging with them to build a community and establish friendships.

● Knowledge of one subject matter being offered on campus where you will work. Those can be found on our website.

● Middle School counseling and/or tutoring experience.

● Good problem-solving and mediation skills; empathy and listening skills;

● Great team player!

● A degree is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

● $650 per week; $250 for pre-program training (online + in-person); $400 travel stipend at the end of the summer programs.

● Housing and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided at the designated campus during Pre-program Training and the duration of program sessions.

*Summer Springboard does not provide housing or meals for staff arriving prior to Pre-program Training or departing late.

● Professional development and networking opportunities. Our course instructors are notable individuals with years of experience at reputable companies, organizations, and/or educational institutions. You will have the ability to network with them.

● The ability to make an impact on students and their future.

● The opportunity to experience a new city and go on fun, free, and exciting activities!

“While in Boston, the staff and I had ample experiences exploring the city working for Summer Springboard each session. On the weekends, we all (staff and students) took a walking tour of the city and got to explore Copley Square, The Freedom Trail, Downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall &Quincy Marketplace, and the restaurants of Boston’s North End. We also had the chance to attend Red Sox games each session, take Duck Tours through the city and up the Charles River, and visit Six Flags Amusement Park in Springfield. During the week, staff also get the opportunity to join students on various field trips to local academic course-specific companies, sites, museums, and more. All of this for free!” – Ryan Farrell, Assistant Campus Director (Boston 2021)

Important Notes

●Mentors will be subject to background checks prior to employment. For some staff, additional checks are required and contingent on hiring

International Campus Mentors are required to complete background checks in the last country of 2 + years residency.

● Mentors must commit to working all sessions at their designated campus, plus be available three days prior to the start of Session 1. Please see the above table or the Summer Springboard website for session dates. There will be scheduled time off and breaks during the days for each Mentor.

How to Apply

1. Complete and submit our staff application. Applicants who do not complete the entire application process will not be considered.

2. Summer Springboard will review your application. If your application is selected, you will be invited for a first-round interview. Subsequent interview rounds for outstanding candidates are conducted via video call.

3. If you make it through the interview process successfully, Summer Springboard will run a background check and contact your references. Upon successful clearance, you will be offered a position.

Note: Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners. Universities and their affiliated departments are not responsible for the Summer Springboard program in any way. (only exceptions are the Cal Poly SLO and NYSID programs)