Upward Bound Programs Part-Time Residential Mentor

Upward Bound Programs Part-Time Residential Mentor

Overview

Upward Bound Programs (UBP), including Upward Bound Altoona (UBA) and Clairton & McKeesport (UBCM), seeks five Residential Mentors (RMs) for a 2026 Summer Academy. The program supports approximately 40 high school students from Altoona, Clairton, and McKeesport high schools. The six-week Summer Academy runs June 16 through July 31, with RM training in June. RMs must have their own transportation for field trips or residential stays.

Responsibilities

• Attend classes, provide tutorial support, lead icebreaker activities, supervise students, and chaperone weekly trips.
• Attend staff meetings, complete program documentation and evaluations by deadlines, and build a sense of community with UBP participants.
• Establish a supportive, welcoming residence-hall environment; model sound judgment and maturity; ensure the well-being and safety of students and staff; enforce UBP and University regulations; work with small student groups on projects; plan and lead academic, social, and recreational activities.
• Chaperone groups on activities on- and off-campus; monitor participants; perform routine monitoring duties (e.g., check-ins, meal checks, sick duty); assist with residence-hall cleanup at the end of the program.
• Stay in the student residence hall during residential components; some overnight duties on a rotating basis; some virtual components may be present.

Position Details

• Hourly pay: $12.00/hr room and board for the three residential weeks, plus meals during working hours, provided.
• Dates/locations: residential weeks at Penn State campuses (Greater Allegheny, Beaver, Altoona); three weeks on-site plus virtual elements.
• Eligibility: minimum of 30 college credits by June 2026; current Penn State student or currently enrolled elsewhere; preferred experience with youth in residential settings.
• Restrictions: no class scheduling or additional employment during employment with UBP; some weekends and specified holidays off.

Qualifications

• Minimum 30 college credits by June 2026; current Penn State student or enrolled at another institution.
• Preferred: experience working with youth in a residential setting.
• Ability to work daytime/evening shifts and overnight duties on a rotating basis.

Application

• Background checks/clearances required: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Check.
• Submission: resume and cover letter with PSU web application; materials reviewed starting in March; interviews begin in March.
• Note:
  
  UBP is federally funded; located within The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. More information at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Equal Opportunity & Compliance

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer. If you cannot use the online application due to a disability, contact . The university supports diversity and inclusion initiatives and provides resources to help all members of the community thrive.

Additional Information

• Campus security and safety information:
  Jeanne Clery Act & ASR; annual security and fire safety report available through the university.
• Other notices: standard employment posters and policies; inclusive language and belonging are core values.

Helpful note: please apply through the employer’s original posting and process as directed by PSU and the UBP program.