College Tour Group Leader​/Chaperone at WMU Precollege Programming

THE PROGRAM

The Michigan GEAR UP Program increases high school students’ awareness of the requirements to enter into post-secondary education by providing college exposure, information on financial literacy and admissions requirements, and helping to build the critical thinking, test taking, and study skills necessary to be successful as they continue their education.

GEAR UP is seeking outstanding, talented applicants to assist, chaperone and support 12th grade students during a summer college tour out of the state. Each group leader will be responsible to chaperone and mentor a group of 8 students during the trip, from approximately 7am to 11pm, July 6-10, 2026. The job also includes a mandatory summer staff training, approximately 7:30am - 5pm, June 8-10, 2026.

• Must enjoy working and mentoring youth/young people.
• Must possess excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Must have the dedication, stamina and drive to work long days and long shifts.
• Must be an active employee and team player.
• Be a role model to students in the program.
• Provide overall summer program support while on duty.
• Lead a group of 5 to 8 high school students (est. 7am to 11pm) while touring college campuses.
• Chaperone students to assigned programming, tours and activities.
• Initiate and conduct group development activities with your assigned group of students.
• Mentor students in assigned group.
• Hold students accountable to program rules and regulations.
• Report all incidents to program staff verbally and in a written report.
• Adhere to department and program staff policies and procedures.
• All other tasks, as assigned.

• Applicants must have proper identification to fly domestically.
• Applicants must adhere and follow all airport, TSA, and airline guidelines.

• Mandatory training from June 8-10, 2026.
  • (7:30am - 5pm)
• College Tour:
  July 6-10, 2026.
  • (7 AM - 11 PM, full-time/overtime pay if applicable, cannot leave work site)
  • out of state, airplane transportation, charter bus transportation at location
  • overnight hotel stay (cannot leave the worksite)
  • the “employment duration” on Handshake system is only for job posting purposes. The dates and ranges above are the accurate time commitment for the job.

• Leadership training or has been in positions of leadership on the job.
• Has the ability to handle multiple tasks and see them through completion.
• Experience in working with youth or high school students.
• Active listening and communication skills.