Are you passionate about mentoring and supporting high school students? UCLA Summer Sessions is seeking to hire Summer Experience Mentors (SEMs) for our exciting new program, Bruin Ascent Summer Experience (BASE)!
About Bruin Ascent Summer Experience (BASE):
BASE is a six-week online scholarship program designed to provide 10th and 11th grade California high school students from economically under-resourced communities with the tools, support, and knowledge needed to confidently pursue their future academic endeavors. As an SEM, you will play a crucial role in guiding and supporting these students throughout their summer experience in BASE, by helping them navigate academic challenges, explore college options and financial support opportunities, and develop essential skills for adjusting to college life.
Core responsibilities and job duties:
- Attend mandatory training sessions in late Spring quarter to develop sensitive communication skills, as well as mentorship engagement and counseling techniques
- Serve as a mentor for 3-4 BASE students, connecting them to resources and creating a supportive space to enhance their academic and personal growth
- Develop engaging activities and lead weekly meetings with each mentee, which focus on topics such as college advising, academic success strategies, financial aid & scholarships, and transitioning to life at college
- Submit weekly reports after each live mentorship meeting
Position details and benefits:
- Pay rate: $25.00/hour, expected to work 7-10 hours per week
- Employment period: Summer Session A6 (June 23 – August 1), with mandatory trainings in late Spring quarter
- Flexible work experience, conducted entirely online (no need to be located in the LA area)
- Gain valuable mentorship and leadership experience
Qualifications:
- Be a current undergraduate UCLA student in good academic standing
- Have a degree expected term of Summer 2025 or later
- Have prior experience in youth development, tutoring, or mentoring high school students (preferred but not required)
Application:
The application will be available from April 7 – 20. Interested candidates must complete the SEM Application Form, where you will also be required to upload the following:
- Resume (one-page)
- Unofficial UCLA transcript
- Short essay response (500 word limit; choose ONE prompt from the two options)
- Think about a particular academic challenge you encountered during college. Reflect on the factors contributing to this challenge, whether they were related to study habits, academic support, or life circumstances. How did you navigate through it, and what advice would you offer to high school students experiencing similar difficulties?
- Looking back on your transition to college, is there an aspect of the application process and adjustment to college life you wish you had received more support in or handled differently? Reflect on what you’ve learned since then and how you would advise your high school self.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Ryan Leong at rleong@summer.ucla.edu.
