Overview
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:
Learning Option | Role | Compensation |
---|---|---|
Terp Young Scholars - In-Person | Program Mentor | $2,540.00 |
Terp Young Scholars - Online | Program Mentor | $1,700.00 |
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.
Learning Option | Role | Training Dates | Program Dates |
---|---|---|---|
Terp Young Scholars - In-Person | Program Mentor | July 1-2 | July 8-26 |
Terp Young Scholars - Online | Program Mentor | June 27 & July 5 | July 7-26 |
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.