Summer Academy Middle School Program Assistant

Student U is a community organization that uses the power of education to build a just and equitable Durham.

We empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city. Together, we’re creating a Durham where all students succeed.

As a result of structural racism, poverty, and other systemic injustices, we acknowledge that first-generation college-bound students face significant personal and institutional obstacles to educational success. We want to change the odds for children in our community.

The Work

Our Summer Academy staff are excited to facilitate learning and create an environment for students to succeed.

We are hiring staff to work in our Middle School program, providing academic enrichment and structured new experiences. Our Middle School program is committed to helping our students feel success and growth by providing thoughtful, intentional educational experiences and sharing our excitement around academic content.

The Middle School Program Assistant will work closely with the Student U Middle School Program Coordinators to plan, prepare and implement the Summer Academy Program. The Program Coordinator Assistant will work part-time during the spring, meeting with the Middle School Program Coordinators to plan for upcoming events and program-wide summer events. During the summer, this person will work full-time providing support with the day-to-day logistics of the summer academy programming. The ideal candidate for this role will have experience working with youth, planning and coordinating youth programs, and a belief in Student U’s mission and values.

Requirements

Commitment:  Part-Time (March-May), Full-Time (June 5th - August 5th, 2026)                                       

Ideal Start Date: March 23, 2026

• April 24th, 2026 Staff Launch & Training, 5:30-7:30pm (in person)
• April 25th, 2026 Staff Launch & Training, 10:00am - 12:30pm (in person) 
• May 27th, 2025 Summer Teacher Check In, 6-7pm (virtual)
• June 15th - 26th, 2026  Teacher Orientation,TBD (in person) 
• June 19th, 2026 Student U is Closed No programming (observing Juneteenth Holiday)
• June 20th,  2026 Family Day, 9:00am- 1:00pm
• June 29th - July 31, 2026  Summer Academy 7:15am-3:30 (in person), approximately 7 hours daily, +1 hour weekly staff meeting on Tuesdays. 
• August 3rd - August 5th, 2026 Evaluation Week, 8am - 4pm (in person)

Pre-Summer Responsibilities (~50 hours) 

In collaboration with the Middle School Program Team,  the Middle School Program Assistant will:

• Create lesson plans for non-instructional time (Family Time, Meet & Greet) that builds positive culture, college readiness, and promote Student U core values
• Participate in planning and implementing pre-Summer Academy Student U-wide events (ex. Teacher Orientation, Family Day, etc.)
• Participate in Summer Academy Leadership Team meetings & regular check-ins with Middle School Program Team
• Plan local field trips 
• Plan/Participate in Big Field Trips

During Summer Academy:

• Lead student staff orientation sessions 
• Participate in the planning and implementation of Summer Academy and Student U-wide events (ex. Student Orientation, Brill Bash/Celebration, Parent Nights, etc.)
• Manage family communication (absences, transportation, documentation)
• Provide additional supervision throughout the day (arrival, lunch, dismissal)
• Support with restorative conferences and student behavior concerns as necessary
• Support with  daily program announcements for summer academy teachers
• Coordinate logistics of events (ex. Career Day, Olympic Day, College Day, Field Trips  etc.)
• Manage student incentive programs
• Support with middle school logistics as needed 

Anti-Discrimination Policy & Commitment to Equity & Child Safeguarding Policy

• Student U is committed to fostering an inclusive culture wi