About Summer Discovery

Our mission is to provide best-in-class, immersive summer college enrichment experiences that perfectly balance curriculums curated by top tier universities in diverse fields of study, with opportunities for students to have fun, travel and explore new places with new friends. 

We support students in their mission to deepen their knowledge of their academic passion and foster college-ready confidence through hands-on learning experiences in their preferred field of study. We are the industry trailblazers, applying nearly sixty years of learning, refinement and relationship building into what we do each day.  

Simply put, our team is obsessed with summer and determined to help our students excel, building lifelong skills, embracing intellectual curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning. Our team members make a significant impact in the lives of students, and we take great pride in supporting them in every step of the journey – we roll up our sleeves and do what it takes to deliver the very best summer ever!

About the role

As a Program Assistant for the Summer Institute for the Gifted, you’ll be the go-to person for keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes and adding some extra fun to our students' day! Your role will involve helping out with office tasks, supervising students before and after program hours, and making lunchtime and recess a blast. Think of yourself as the friendly face who ensures everything is organized and that students have a fantastic time, both in and out of the classroom. You'll report to the Director of the assigned campus and play a key role in making the summer unforgettable!

This position is available from mid-June to late July, varying by program location. You will work Monday through Friday, with daily hours from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and some flexibility may be required.

Essential Functions:

• Policy Adherence: Follow all policies and procedures outlined in the SIG Employee Handbook, SIG Employee Manual, and SIG Code of Professional Conduct.
• Daily Supervision: Oversee and engage in the academic, recreational, and social activities of students, including classroom sessions, lunch, and other activities.
• Academic Assistance: Support Instructors, Teaching Assistants, and students with daily academic assignments, including taking attendance, setting up activities, and providing small group support.
• Guidance and Communication: Seek guidance from SIG staff for any student-related concerns and follow through on necessary communications.
• Lunch Supervision: Monitor and manage student conduct and behavior during lunch, participate in their social interactions, and act as a coach and mentor.
• Meeting Attendance: Attend all staff meetings and complete any assigned administrative tasks.
• Medical Coordination: Communicate student medical needs and emergencies to site leadership.
• Additional Duties: Perform other tasks as assigned.

Competencies:

• Multitasking: Ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, and complete assignments efficiently.
• Leadership and Integrity: Exhibit leadership, honesty, and integrity while maintaining high standards of behavior.
• Judgment and Problem-Solving: Utilize good judgment in decision-making, problem-solving, and mentoring.
• Attitude and Commitment: Demonstrate a friendly, helpful attitude and a strong commitment to working with students.
• Adaptability: Ability to handle unexpected situations and assist during emergencies effectively.
• Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor with a friendly, helpful, and positive attitude.

Education / Experience / Qualifications:

• Education: Higher Education preferred.
• Experience: Preferred experience with children and young adults (ages 5-12), including academic, tutoring, or recreational supervisory roles.
• Transportation: Housing is not provided; the Program Assistant should live within a daily commutable distance and manage their own transportation.
• Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old and eligible to work in the US.

Campuses available: 

• Bryn Mawr College (June 29 - July 17, 2026)
• Fairfield University (July 6- July 24, 2026) 
  
  

Expected hours of Work / Travel

• This role is required to be at the assigned campus during assigned course periods and days.
• Attend required pre-program virtual training and possible in-person campus orientation.
• This role is expected to commute to and from the program location daily, housing is not provided.

Salary: $16.50 per hour. 

Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory employment background check. 

Summer Discovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Summer Discovery does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.