General Summary: 

Upward Bound summer counselors are responsible for leading all afternoon activities including study hall, athletics and cultural/creative workshops. Further counselors assist in special events and field trips. Additionally, counselors are present in the dorms and at meals. Counselors are assigned a small group of students who they meet with for activities and mentorship regularly. Counselors will perform night duty shifts on a rotating basis. Candidates must be highly motivated, patient, and energetic. This position is residential 5 nights per week for 7 weeks (one week of staff training and six weeks of youth programming).

Compensation:
$4,200 plus room and board.

Tentative dates:
Orientation (mandatory): June 22-26, 2026
Program Dates (Sunday evenings – Friday afternoons): June 28 – August 7, 2026
*Please note that Sunday, June 28th is student move in day, which will be in the afternoon. All following Sundays start in the evening.

Location:
Dean College, 99 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038
*Roundtrip transportation provided from Boston to residential site. Pick-up and drop-off location is JFK/UMass T-Station.

Examples of Duties: 

• Participate in staff orientation. Full participation is a condition of employment
• Develop and implement recreational/cultural workshops and activities for students
• Enforce UMass Boston Upward Bound rules and regulations
• Monitor study hall sessions and assist students with class work
• Provide one-on-one personal/academic counseling support to students as needed
• Attend staff, and community meetings
• Hold regular suite meetings
• Assist with student supervision at all times
• Remain highly visible to students and staff during your assigned shift
• Assist in the supervision of field trips, cultural events and recreational activities
• Monitor and engage with students during meals times
• Check in and account for students during evening and bedtime
• Complete necessary evaluation forms distributed by administration
• Assist in dorm/event set up and clean up throughout the program
• Communicate daily with administrative and other residential staff members
• Live and work on-site for the duration of the summer program and training
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the program’s administrative staff

Qualifications: 

• Matriculating college students (juniors, seniors and graduate students preferred) or college graduates
• Experience working with students in a residential setting. Experience working with low-income and/or culturally diverse students, preferred
• Demonstrated skills in an athletic or creative area preferred
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of high school students
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate student activities
• Must be highly energetic
• Ability to maintain positive, safe and professional environment at all times

Program Objectives:
The goal of the Upward Bound Program is to provide participants with the skills and motivation necessary for access to and success in post-secondary education. Upward Bound strives to help students develop confidence and a love of learning. Upward Bound offers an array of academic, personal enrichment, and college/career services designed to supplement high school education and tailored to address specific student needs, including a residential summer program. The summer program exposes students to life on a college campus, allows for intensive, rigorous academic work, and creates space for students to learn valuable social and decision-making skills. Upward Bound students learn the skills necessary to be agents of change in their own lives, their communities, and the world at large.

How to Apply:

1. Resume
2. Contact information for 3 references who can speak to your experience and abilities.
3. Completed application 

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three references. 

This is a non-union exempt position. 

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.