Refugee Youth Summer Academy Peer Mentor

Position: Newcomer Youth Summer Academy Peer Mentor

Reports to: Operations Specialist, Classroom Teachers 

Position Term:  Training: July 25th-29th, 9:00am – 3:00pm;  
Program: August 2 – August 19, Morning or Afternoon Shift: Monday-Thursday 9:00am-12:00pm OR Monday-Thursday 12:00pm-3:00pm; AND Fridays 9:00am – 3:00pm 

This is an UNPAID opportunity.

Background: 
Since 2011, the IRC has resettled hundreds of refugee youth to Elizabeth, New Jersey. The trauma of being forced from their homes, prolonged separation from loved ones, displacement, language barriers and poor or lapsed education compounds the academic challenges faced by refugee youth. IRC currently works with over 140 refugee students enrolled in various districts across Union and Hudson County, with new students arriving each month. IRC’s youth program works in collaboration with schools and families to overcome barriers and promote the academic and social success of refugee students.  The Education and Learning Program provides year-round programming working directly with refugee and immigrant youth, their parents and families, and their schools. 

Scope of Work: 
In August 2022, the IRC in New Jersey will host a three week summer program focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL) enrichment for refugee youth living in Hudson and Union County, NJ. The Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) will serve up to 130 students ages 5 – 20, in eight classes, from at least 10 countries. Students will engage in ESL, creative arts, sports, field trips, and other activities. RYSA Peer Mentors will work closely with the ESL Lead Teachers, clinical psychology doctoral students to reinforce English language learning and school preparation with refugee youth in a positive and healing classroom environment. 

Peer Mentors support the students' academic and social emotional growth during the Academy. Peer Mentors will be placed with one class of students for the duration of the Academy, supporting all Classroom Teachers to ensure productive and enriching lessons and to serve as positive role models for students.  

Strong preference for those who can work full days 9:00am-3:00pm. From Monday to Thursday, Peer Mentors work either the morning shift (9:00am to 12:00pm) or the afternoon shift (12:00pm to 3:00pm). On Fridays, all Peer Mentors work the full day (9:00am to 3:00pm) to support students and staff on field trips.  

Major Responsibilities: 

• Complete all staff training prior to the start of the program, as well as all program meetings and staff development activities thereafter 
• Model appropriate student behavior and academic engagement with the Academy students at all times 
• Assist teachers and staff with various classroom activities and lessons on a daily basis 
• Tutor students individually or in small groups at the direction of the teacher 
• Assist in supervision of daily student meals and student arrival/dismissal 
• Assist teachers and staff with whole school community building activities and field trips 
• Act as a positive role model for students 
• Assist teachers and staff with classroom management 
• Complete all staff evaluation 
• Other tasks as assigned by Classroom Teachers and Academy staff