Upward Bound Resident Advisor

Job Summary

Upward Bound Program is a pre-collegiate program based at Rollins College that provides college-preparatory programs and assisting resources to 72 college-bound high school students from Orange County Public Schools District (Jones, Evans, Wekiva, and OakRidge. Our students are motivated learners from socioeconomic backgrounds considered statistically less likely to complete a four-year degree. They range from general level to honors to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate.

The Pre-Collegiate Programs Office at Rollins College is seeking four (4) Resident Advisors (RA) for the summer Upward Bound Program.

This is a summer live-in temporary position from June 21, July 2, 2026 (approximately two weeks, not including Fridays and Saturdays). Reporting to the Upward Bound Program Coordinator, Assistant Director, and Program Director, this position provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, or other qualified individuals, wishing to gain practical experience in working with youth in academic and social development. Residential Advisors will work closely with the Head Resident Advisors where they will live and work with high school students in a college dormitory Sunday evenings through Thursday evenings. Through this position, an RA will enhance leadership, organizational, problem-solving and communication skills in a safe, educational environment, while enhancing their ability to establish and maintain meaningful student relationships. The RA will lead students in recreational activities with a social skill-building focus.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Providing leadership to the program's residential component.
• Supervising high school students.
• Planning and developing student activities.
• Advising students with regard to their adaptability to a college campus and discipline issues in collaboration with the Head RA, program director and coordinator, and other staff members.
• Implementing and enforcing residence hall and college policies and safety procedures.
• Organizing study groups, tutorials, discussion sessions, and other academic and social activities.
• Assisting with the program's meals component.
• Assisting with the implementation and coordination of summer goals, objectives, and evaluation procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience working with teenagers in a camp setting or a residence hall.
• Relevant academic background that reflects a commitment to academic excellence.
• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Level 2 Background Screening Requirement

Once an offer of employment is made, the candidate must pass a Florida Level 2 Background Screening prior to their start date. The cost of the fingerprinting is the responsibility of the candidate. The cost is approximately $70.00+ and payment is collected when the appointment is scheduled.

Upward Bound Resident Advisors cannot start working until all background screening results are returned and cleared or until they have received an approved exemption.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with high school-aged youth.
• Direct experience working as a Resident Advisor.
• Undergraduate or graduate students pursuing an advanced degree in human development, education, counseling, or related fields.

Additional Position Information:

Resident Advisors live on campus and are required to work while students are on campus. Candidates selected for the Resident Advisor positions are expected to participate in a summer training session two week before the Upward Bound summer component begins from June 3-5th 2026.

• Service Months: June 3 - July 2, 2026
• Student Move-In: June 18th
• Student Move-Out: July 2nd
• Work Hours:
  • Morning: Breakfast 7:00-8:00am
  • Morning Meeting: 8:10-8:30am
  • Personal Time: 8:30-3:00pm (RA on-duty)
  • Afternoon/Evening: 3:15-11:00pm (overnight with students)
• Work Schedule:
  • Sunday-Thursday
  • Students check-in on Sunday evenings (3:00pm report time) and return home on Thursday afternoons.
  • RA's are off on Friday and Saturday.

Compensation:

• $750 per week
• Room and board (housing and meals) provided (Meals are not provided on Friday-Saturday).
• There are no benefits associated with this position.

Instructions to Applicants:

To apply, please submit an application and upload the following materials:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter (optional)

Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled.

About Upward Bound:

Upward Bound is a campus-based college-preparatory program assisting 72 college-bound high school students from Orange County. During the school year the program provides college-prep advancement instruction, guidance in preparing for college admission, tutorial services and academic advisement to further enhance the participants' academic development and preparation for post-secondary educational opportunities and curriculum advancement for the school year. Our students are motivated learners from socioeconomic backgrounds considered statistically less likely to complete a four-year degree. They range from general level to honors to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate.

To learn more about the Upward Bound Program please click here.