Terp Young Scholars - Mentor Opportunities

Terp Young Scholars is a three-week pre-college program held in July. For 2024, the dates are July July 8-26. Terp Young Scholars is offered by Extended Studies (EXST) during Summer Session. EXST partners with University of Maryland (UMD) units to provide administrative services for credit and non-credit initiatives that target a diverse range of students at the pre-college, undergraduate, graduate, and professional level.

Terp Young Scholars offers two learning options: in-person or online. Both options welcome highly qualified high school students to pursue academic interests, earn three university credits, and explore university life. Students are admitted as non-degree seeking students for the Summer Session and are subject to the published UMD calendar, policies, and procedures. Students select and enroll in one 3-credit introductory course and spend the majority of their time attending class and working on assignments.

Both program options seek well-qualified Mentors who supervise and engage with participants, providing insights to the UMD college experience – both academic and extracurricular. Mentors must be current UMD degree-seeking students. Mentors are selected for their community building, leadership, conflict mediation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Terp Young Scholars - In-Person (Commuter)

• Student participants commute from home. Classes are held in campus classrooms and typically meet Monday - Friday between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Commuter students are not provided a meal card but may eat at campus eateries. For a complete description of the in-person program, see Terp Young Scholars Commuter Option.
• Terp Young Scholars - In-Person (Commuter) Mentors supervise commuter students who remain on campus to attend program activities. Mentors work between 4.5 and 9.5 hours per day (Monday – Friday), finishing each day no later than 5 p.m. (see details below),  and are responsible for responding to any non-academic situation that may arise. Mentors ensure safe and appropriate behavior, provide guidance and supervision, and organize, execute, and attend program activities. Students should consult a mentor for questions regarding schedules, policies, activities, college life, or the campus. Mentors complete federal and state child protective services and criminal background checks.

Terp Young Scholars - Online

• Student participants complete the program remotely. There is no campus component. Online class meetings are held Monday - Friday, typically between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. In addition to the online course, students also participate in scheduled daily activities. For a complete description of the online program, see Terp Young Scholars Online Option.
• Terp Young Scholars - Online Mentors facilitate a daily activity, check-in daily with assigned students, build community, participate in program meetings, and address student concerns. Mentors work for 5 hours per day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday - Friday. Mentors complete federal and state child protective services and criminal background checks.

Criteria

• Ability to work with students ages 14 - 19
• Complete availability for duration of program
• Value respect, diversity, and inclusivity
• Able to work with a large dynamic team
• Aware of personal strengths and weaknesses
• Ability to advocate for self and others
• Flexible and adaptable

Employment Requirements

• Applicants must be a current UMD degree-seeking undergraduate student in good academic standing.
• Applicants offered a position agree to submit to and pass a Criminal Background Check and Child Protective Services Background Check. Costs are covered by EXST.

Mentor Obligations

• For any position in the Terp Young Scholars - In-Person (Commuter) Option:
  • Mentors are encouraged to obtain Adult and Pediatric CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications. Costs are covered by EXST.
  • On most days, Mentors will work on campus during the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. On Check-In Day (July 8), Mentors must arrive by 7:30 a.m. On certain Fridays (July 12 and July 19), Mentors’ work will end at 2 p.m. Mentors may not take any Summer Session II-C courses at UMD or any other institution, whether in-person or online that start prior to 5 p.m. 
• For any position in Terp Young Scholars - Online Option:
  • Mentors work for 5 hours per day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday - Friday.  1.5 hours are required during the hours of 1:30 - 3 p.m. on July 7. 
  • Mentors must be present via Zoom daily.

Positions and Compensation

Mentor stipends are subject to tax; the pre-tax stipends are as follows:

The stipend roughly equates to a rate of $20/hour (including a mandatory paid training).

In addition, Terp Young Scholars - In-Person mentors receive lunch, a parking permit (if needed), and a campus recreation pass. Terp Young Scholars - Online mentors are responsible for their own technology.

Dates of Employment

For 2024, the expected dates of employment appear below.

Prospective mentors have the opportunity to learn more about the positions and responsibilities through the following online information sessions:

• Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

To attend, please register for a Terp Young Scholars Mentor Information Session.