Summer Springboard

Staff Application

FOR SEASONAL POSITIONS

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BEGIN YOUR STAFF APPLICATION BELOW AND APPLY TO BE A MENTOR, ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR, ASSISTANT CAMPUS DIRECTOR OR CAMPUS DIRECTOR.

SSB Seasonal Staff: Selecting a university and academic major are still some of the biggest decisions a high school student can make (as well as the biggest investment a parent can make), and one that will have a lasting impression on the rest of their life. Summer Springboard allows teens to get a taste of college life while gaining valuable insights into their fields of interest. This fosters independence, self-awareness, and confidence that help students succeed in college and beyond. Our programs offer students the opportunity to explore college lifestyle in an academic and geographic area of interest. This experience helps them better define what direction they want to take after high-school and what difference they want to make in their community and beyond. Summer Springboard provides two-week academic and career-exploration programs in more than 70 different areas of interest across 17 host universities. We offer choices for both high-school and middle-school students, with residential, commuter, and virtual options. All of our staff hold university degrees, are in the process of obtaining one, or have extensive experience working with youth within experiential education.


Before submitting the online application, please carefully review the Essential Eligibility Criteria below. 

At Summer Springboard, our mission is to create an inspiring, inclusive, and safe environment where students thrive, and that starts with our staff. As a member of our seasonal team, you play a key role in fostering safety, connection, and meaningful learning experiences for all participants. This role requires exceptional adaptability, stamina, empathy, and a strong commitment to student well-being.

Summer Springboard is committed to equal opportunity and to supporting the health and success of every staff member. We encourage early and open dialogue about any health, accessibility, or support needs so that we can explore reasonable accommodations, set clear expectations for success, and ensure an inclusive experience for all candidates.

The following criteria outline the essential abilities and expectations required for success in our program staff roles. 

General Requirements

  • Must be at least 19 years old.

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

  • Must successfully complete a background check and reference screening.

  • Should be able to perform the essential training sessions and orientation requirements prior to and during the program, with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Must hold or be willing to obtain up-to-date First Aid and CPR certification (Adult and Child for all Middle School programs and Berkeley teams).

  • Must hold a university degree, be currently pursuing one, or possess substantial experience working with youth in educational, experiential, and/or residential settings.

Essential Abilities

The following represent the core abilities required to perform staff responsibilities effectively and safely.

Physical & Cognitive Abilities

  • Ability to observe, assess, and respond appropriately to student needs, group dynamics, and environmental conditions, maintaining situational awareness and prioritizing group safety.

  • Ability to move independently around campus and program sites, which may include stairs, uneven terrain, and outdoor environments, with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Ability to participate in and support all program activities, including workshops, walking tours, excursions, or recreational events (which may involve walking for more than a mile).

  • Ability to lift and/or carry up to 25–50 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation (e.g., luggage, supplies, or classroom materials).

  • Ability to maintain focus, alertness, and sound judgment during long or irregular hours, including evenings, early mornings, and weekends. Staff should be prepared for dynamic and unpredictable situations involving minors, responding with patience, flexibility, and professionalism.

  • Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, verbally, in writing, or through alternative communication methods to ensure coordination and clarity.

Emotional & Interpersonal Abilities

  • Commitment to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for students and peers.

  • Ability to manage stress, remain flexible, and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced residential setting.

  • Willingness to receive feedback, adapt, and grow through collaboration.

  • Capacity to model maturity, empathy, and respect, reflecting SSB’s core values.

  • Dedication to ensuring the physical and emotional safety of all participants at all times.

  • Willingness to seek support and use available resources to maintain personal well-being while supporting others.

Technical and Communication Skills

  • Proficiency in English (written and spoken); additional language skills are a plus 

  • Demonstrated competence in using technology for communication, planning, instruction, and reporting.

  • Familiarity with Google Workspace tools (Docs, Sheets, Sites), online program platforms, and mobile applications.

  • Access to and ability to effectively use a smartphone for real-time program communication and coordination.

  • Adherence to safety protocols, university partner policies, and dress code standards established by SSB.


Experience and Commitment

  • A deep commitment to working with and mentoring diverse youth populations.

  • Experience in student engagement, facilitation, and problem-solving within academic and/or residential environments. 

  • Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and inclusive practices.


Role-Specific Expectations

(Essential functions may vary depending on position. Duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.)

  • Residential Mentors: 

    • Live in on-campus housing and serve as positive role models and mentors for students.

    • Supervise participants during residential hours, ensuring safety, inclusion, and engagement.

    • Facilitate evening and weekend activities, foster community, and support students’ social and emotional well-being.

  • Teaching Assistants: 

    • Plan and deliver engaging academic sessions aligned with SSB’s curriculum and learning goals.

    • Collaborate with program staff to ensure classroom safety, inclusion, and an inspiring learning environment.

    • Support students’ understanding through facilitation, discussion, and mentorship.

  • Leadership Team (e.g., Campus Director, Academic Manager, or Residential Manager)

    • Serve in a 24/7 on-call capacity during the program session to provide responsive leadership and ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.

    • Provide on-site leadership, supervision, and guidance to staff and students to maintain program quality, safety, and alignment with SSB’s mission and policies.

    • Oversee daily campus operations, including scheduling, staff coordination, student support, and communication with SSB headquarters.

    • Model professionalism, adaptability, and sound judgment, maintaining a positive and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration and student success.

Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

Summer Springboard is committed to full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III and applicable staffing requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of their roles.

Staff roles require a 4-6 week commitment and a genuine passion for student support and program excellence.

If you have questions or concerns about meeting any of these criteria, please reach out to the SSB hiring team before applying at summerjobs@summerspringboard.com. We’re happy to discuss how we can best support your success.

We appreciate your interest in working with us and will be in touch soon. Our interview process begins in November and will run as needed through the end of May.
Personal Information


Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport.















Permanent Address
Place of Residency (Past 2 Years): Please list your current address. You’ll be asked to provide any additional addresses from the past two years during the interview process. This information is required to complete background checks in compliance with screening regulations. Do not include temporary or seasonal addresses.

If you are a U.S Citizen living abroad, please use a permanent U.S mailing address if available





Cover Letter, Resume & References

Your cover letter should highlight your experience in experiential education, youth development, and leadership, as well as any familiarity with the city or university where you're interested in working. Important: Please upload your resume and cover letter as PDF files.


Please upload documents in PDF format.

Please upload document in PDF format.


Please list two professional references.  State their name, job title, email address, and phone number.


State their name, job title, phone number and relationship to you.

State their name, job title, phone number and relationship to you.


Position Details

Select the position you believe you are best fit for. You will be considered for both positions through the interview process.


If other, please explain. If you were referred by a SSB staff person, please list their name.


If you do not have a "must return home by" date, please choose 08/07/2026.




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Relevant Experience








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If you answered "no" to any of the required qualifying questions above, you may not meet the minimum requirements for this position. These are demanding, fast-paced roles that require strong communication, organization, and leadership skills. Why should your application still be considered?






Scenarios



Thank you for your interest! You should receive a confirmation e-mail. Please email summerjobs@summerspringboard.com with any questions.   

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