NNACoE Tilikum Peer Tutor

Department Overview

The Tilikum Summer Health Experience is a 5-week hybrid summer enrichment program designed for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) undergraduate students, with a focus on freshmen and sophomores. The program combines two weeks of virtual instruction with three weeks of in-person programming in Portland, Oregon. Students receive academic enrichment in the sciences, mentorship, and hands‑on exposure to health professions, all within a culturally grounded and community‑centered environment.

The 2026 cohort will include up to 30 students, reflecting continued program growth and demand.

Student workers serve as essential members of the Tilikum program team, providing logistical coordination, mentorship, and participant support across both virtual and in-person components. This role includes daytime program support as well as, for designated staff, overnight on‑call responsibilities during the in‑person portion of the program.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for program participants, providing timely communication and support
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students
• Support student engagement, encourage participation, and help address questions or concerns

• Escort participants to and from classes, events, and activities, ensuring safety and punctuality
• Assist with set‑up, facilitation, and breakdown of program activities
• Support faculty as a Teaching Assistant during academic sessions
• Assist with tracking attendance and program participation

• Serve as a near‑peer mentor to assigned participants (approximately 10–15 students)
• Support relationship‑building and cohort cohesion
• Model professionalism, leadership, and engagement

• Stay on‑site at program housing (University Place Hotel) during in‑person weeks
• Serve as on‑call support for participant needs outside of scheduled program hours
• Respond to student concerns and elevate issues to program leadership as needed

• Enrolled in or on vacation from or otherwise registered in an Undergraduate Program (minimum 6 credit hours)
• Knowledge and experience working with American Indian and/or Alaska Native organizations and communities
• Ability to support students from diverse backgrounds, particularly American Indian/Alaska Native students
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to respond to dynamic situations in a timely and professional manner
• Strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team environment
• Intermediate computer knowledge and skills using MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)

• Experience participating in pathway programs such as Tilikum, FORWARD, Wy’east, THS, or similar initiatives
• Experience working with undergraduate students in mentoring or leadership roles
• Experience participating in or supporting educational or mentoring programs
• Experience using survey development and data management programs

This position requires both virtual (remote) and in‑person work at Portland State University and OHSU.

• In‑person programming includes work in academic, clinical, and community‑based settings
• Some physical activity is required, including escorting participants and assisting with program set‑up
• Program dates:
  July 6 – August 7, 2026
• Virtual weeks: remote support during scheduled program hours
• In‑person weeks:
• Daytime shifts (approx. 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM or similar)
• Evening/late afternoon shifts as needed
• Overnight roles:
• Two designated student workers will reside on‑site during in‑person weeks and each support a group of approximately 15 participants. They will rotate overnight on‑call responsibilities and serve as the primary point of contact for student needs outside of scheduled program hours.
• Housing is provided for student workers assigned to overnight roles during the in‑person portion of the program
• This role offers an opportunity for leadership development, mentorship experience, and engagement in a culturally grounded health pathway program.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to sit or stand at a computer for up to 4 continuous hours a day. Ability to assist with light lifting (up to 25 lbs.) as needed.

All are welcome.