Program Mentor

Description

Organizational Overview 

We’re thrilled you’re considering Onward We Learn as an employer. 

Since 1989, Onward We Learn has worked to inspire and prepare young people in Rhode Island to be the first in their families to attend and complete college. Nearly four decades later, that mission remains at the heart of everything we do. 

As we look toward the future, Onward We Learn is entering an exciting new chapter. In late 2025, our Board of Directors approved a two-year strategic plan focused on strengthening our impact, deepening collaboration, and building a more responsive and sustainable organization. 

As part of this organizational realignment, we’re hiring for several new and reimagined roles at once. These openings reflect intentional growth and investment in our future. We’re building a strong, people-centered, mission-driven team equipped to support students and families for years to come. 

This is an exciting moment to join Onward We Learn. We are proud of the strong culture we’ve built – one rooted in mission, collaboration, care, and continuous learning, and we’re looking for passionate people who want to help shape what comes next.

Position Purpose 

The Program Mentor plays a vital role in helping students at Onward We Learn build the confidence, skills, and sense of belonging they need to thrive in high school, college, and beyond. Through consistent mentorship, engaging program facilitation, and meaningful relationship-building, mentors create a safe, welcoming environment where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their goals. Working as part of the Programs & Opportunities Team, mentors facilitate afterschool and weekend programming, adapt activities to meet students' needs, encourage active participation, and reinforce key program themes such as leadership, community, academic growth, and college access. They serve as trusted role models who foster positive relationships while helping students develop the confidence to navigate new opportunities and challenges. Successful mentors are dependable, adaptable, and student-centered. They take initiative while collaborating closely with program staff, communicate observations that support students' overall success, and approach each interaction with professionalism, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. 

This is a part-time, seasonal position (mid-August through May) with a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours per week and a maximum of 20 hours per week. This role may be a great fit for an upperclassman in college or a recent college grad looking to build more experience in education and college access. 

Role Responsibilities 

Student Mentoring & Support:

• Build positive, consistent relationships with students that foster trust, belonging, and personal growth. 
• Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where every student feels respected, valued, and supported. 
• Encourage students to set goals, overcome challenges, and recognize their progress and achievements. 
• Monitor student engagement and well-being, sharing observations, successes, and concerns with program staff to ensure students receive appropriate support. 
• Reinforce program expectations while promoting a positive, respectful, and collaborative community.
• Maintain professional boundaries while building authentic, supportive relationships with students and families.

Program Facilitation & Support:

• Facilitate engaging after-school and Saturday programs that promote academic success, leadership, college readiness, and community.  
• Deliver program lesson plans and activities while adapting content and facilitation strategies to meet students' needs and learning styles.  
• Provide academic support by assisting students with homework, study skills, and organization, and by referring them to tutors and other supports. 
• Support high school seniors with their college application process, including college searches, application completion, essays, and scholarship opportunities, as appropriate and referring to other Onward and outside supports.  
• Prepare materials and learning spaces to ensure programs run smoothly and effectively.  
• Assist with student attendance, supervision, transitions, and other operational responsibilities during program hours.  

Team Collaboration and Professional Development:

• Collaborate with staff to ensure consistent, high-quality program delivery and positive student experience.  
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development to strengthen mentoring and facilitation skills.  
• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting a variety of program activities and taking on additional responsibilities as needed. 

Schedule and Commitment:

• Between late September and May be available at least two days Tuesday-Thursday from 2:00-6:00 p.m. &  Saturdays from 8:30-1:30 during the academic year. 
• Programming will break for the Christmas/New Year's holidays and resume in Mid-January.
• Current students can re-configure schedules as needed at the turn of the semester. 
• Attend occasional meetings and training sessions on Fridays 
• Opportunity to work during school breaks, including summer, with different schedules  

Requirements

Required  

• Minimum of 2 years of college completed. 
• Experience with K-12 education, youth development, or a similar field.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with middle school or high school students.
• Familiarity with the needs of under-represented and first-generation students. 
• Exceptional written, oral, and presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate with students, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.  
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box to find solutions.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, and Excel) and able to learn and effectively use the latest software and technology systems employed by Onward. 
• Commitment to Onward We Learn's mission, values, and strategic objectives. 
• Available to work weekend and evening hours as needed for program support and special initiatives.  
• Reliable access to transportation. 

Preferred  

• Bachelor's or associate degree completed 
• Comfort with different modes of learning
• Fluency in a second language relevant to Onward We Learn's student population