Aquetza 2026 Summer Staff Counselors

Job Summary

Aquetza is hiring for three temporary summer positions; Community Counselors, Part-Time Counselors, and Undergraduate Student Counselors to serve as counselors for the 2026 Aquetza Youth Leadership Program

The Aquetza Summer Program position roles are one of the most rewarding and demanding positions within the program. It requires a high level of commitment, presence and relationship building skills. Counselors spend the majority of each day alongside their assigned calpulli (student cohort), serving as consistent mentors, guides and advocates.

**IMPORTANT NOTE:** You must indicate which position(s) you are applying to in your cover letter.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Office of Precollege Outreach and Engagement, in the Enrollment Management Division, partners with communities across Colorado and beyond to provide first-generation and low-income students and their families with comprehensive college preparation and social development programs.

These programs help support students academically and personally from middle school through high school and prepare them to transition successfully to postsecondary opportunities. Continuing to provide support to students that choose to attend the University of Colorado Boulder.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Build and sustain meaningful relationships with students throughout the program. This requires trust, respect and accountability.
• Facilitate daily talking circles that create space for reflection, dialogue and community building, while also maintaining responsibility for student safety and well-being.
• Closely monitor and support their calpulli during moves between program activities, including morning ceremony, workshops, meals and evening programming.
• Attend workshops alongside students and participate in the nightly encuentro, encouraging engagement and respectful participation in all activities.
• Collaborate closely with fellow staff members to ensure a collaborative program experience, clear communication and a supportive environment for all participants.
• Oversee group dynamics and support students' emotional and social well-being.
• Attend all staff meetings and communicate concerns with program Co-Directors.
• Model appropriate boundaries and expectations with all program youth.
• Address conflict with care and consideration.
• Follow all university youth safety processes and report any safety concerns with the Co-Directors immediately.
• Maintain active communication with co-counselors and rest of Aquetza staff.

What You Should Know

• Community counselors are expected to be live-in staff for the duration of the program.
• Part-time counselors are not expected to be live-in staff for the duration of the program.
• Student undergraduate counselors are expected to be live-in staff for the duration of the program.
• Program dates are June 18th through June 29th.

What We Can Offer

The hourly rate for this temporary, full-time position is $18.90.

Benefits

Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Minimum Qualifications for Undergraduate Student Counselor position:

• Be a current undergraduate student at CU Boulder (any major).
• Be an active member of UMAS y MECHA, El Diario, or other relevant student organization.

Minimum Qualification for Community Counselor & Part-Time Counselor positions:

• Previous involvement in the Aquetza Youth Leadership Program, as a participant or staff member or similar program.

What You Will Need

• Excellent teammate.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Leadership skills.

What We Would Like You to Have

Preferred Qualifications for Undergraduate Student Counselor position:

• Experience working with high school age students in a community setting.
• Previous involvement in Aquetza, as a program participant or staff member.
• Experience working with first generation students.
• Experience facilitating activities.

Preferred Qualifications For Community Counselor and Part-time Counselor positions:

• Experience working with high school aged students in a community setting.
• Experience in community organizations aligned with the vision and purpose of Aquetza or similar program.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that briefly describes how your background and experience align with this position. **IMPORTANT NOTE:** You must indicate which position(s) you are applying to in your cover letter.

We may ask for references at a later time.

Please apply by April 24th, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.