The Upward Bound Summer Institute is a 6-week residential experience hosted at UMass Amherst for 40 – 60 high school students from Springfield, MA. The Summer Institute is designed to expose students to a college-like experience. It supports students in their development: academically, emotionally, personally, and interpersonally, in preparation for success in college and in life. The Summer Institute provides participants with the experience of living on a college campus, taking academic courses, engaging in artistic, musical and educational activities as well as preparing for college and career success. Upward Bound students participate in programming that includes: academic classes, tutoring, test preparation, academic advising, mentoring, life-skills, time-management and critical-thinking workshops and experiences in residential life.

Upward Bound is looking for energetic, team-orientated people that enjoy supporting youth. Experience with youth education and/or positive youth development is helpful. The summer program is intensive, and challenging; potential candidates should expect a fast-paced and dynamic workplace. Housing and meals will be provided for all staff members, June 21st– August 1st. Staff will be expected to move in Sunday, June 21st. Training will be provided, including a one day AmeriCorps session June 17t

***Important***

-Members must be at least 18 years-old and U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful Permanent Residents.

-The UB UMass AmeriCorps Program protects against discrimination on the basis of color, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, political afliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or disability.

-We make reasonable accommodations for interviews and service.

-Satisfactory completion of a criminal history check is required for participation.

Tutor/ Mentor AmeriCorps Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Live on campus and provide 24- hour supervision for Upward Bound participants (high-school aged) Sunday through Friday during the program. Staff will have off-duty time each day. Staff also will be off-duty Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
• Create and maintain a positive, productive, and safe living environment for both students and staff, utilizing program policies and positive behavioral supports.
• Attend class, engage in class activities and assist Instructors in managing the classroom.
• Conduct tutoring sessions.
• Build and maintain positive and supportive relationships with students.
• Participate in the positive intellectual and emotional development of teen-aged students in a mentoring role.
• Respond positively and proactively to student issues as they arise, including enforcing and responding to disciplinary situations.
• Attend, monitor and participate in daily meals.
• Perform day and/or night duty as assigned by the Residential Supervisor or designee.
• Assist in chaperoning all field trips, cultural and recreational activities.
• Attend and participate in staff development activities and weekly staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum rising junior who is in good academic standing. Recent graduates and/or graduate students welcome to apply.
• Experience working with high school-aged youth.
• Ability to support students in an academic setting.
• Ability to model excellence in studentship and in life skills while living with teenagers.
• Leadership and success in an academic and/or community capacity.
• Organized, effective communication skills, demonstrate a professional attitude and ability to work well under pressure.
• Capacity to work in a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Awareness of factors affecting student access and success in higher education, including those affecting marginalized students, students from diverse backgrounds, and students with disabilities.
• Past participation in or with Upward Bound/TRiO programs or in similar academic/summer residential programs.
• Positive pro-active developmental approach to behavior and discipline.
• Experience living in residential dormitories or living on your own.
• Interest in exploring themes such as equity and access to higher education, issues of race, class, gender, ability, and sexual orientation amongst other important issues facing the national and the global community.

Benefits:

• Living allowance up to $2,500
• Education Award of $1,638 upon successful completion of 450 hours of service

Please provide a letter of intent and your resume in ONE PDF via email to bridgethynes@umass.edu

In your letter of intent please address the questions listed below:

1. What skills and strengths do you have that would support your success in the position?
2. Describe your experience working with high school aged students.
3. What importance do you believe mentoring plays in supporting young people?
4. What experience do you have working with and problem-solving in diverse teams?

Please email us ONE (1) PDF document including ALL requested information in your email attachment.

Submit all materials to:  Bridget Hynes, Ph.D., Upward Bound Program Director, bridgethynes@umass.edu

Upon review of your submission, we will contact you if you have been determined to be a finalist. Interviews will be conducted upon review of the applications. Early applications will receive priority. We will review applicants on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.