Summer Component Counselor

and the job listing Expires on February 8, 2026

Virginia Tech’s TRIO Programs is seeking talented and highly motivated Summer Component Counselors (SCC) who are interested in developing their leadership skills while creating and engaging in academic and social activities with middle and high school student participants. TRIO Programs is hiring for three camp opportunities. All SCCs will be required to participate in staff training in June regardless of which summer camp option is preferred.

Please specify in your cover letter if you have a preference for the Upward Bound or Talent Search camps. Expected camp dates below, but are subject to change.

Paid Staff Training: June 3th – June 5th
Upward Bound Summer Component: June 7-June 25 and July 5-July 23

Talent Search Travel Camps: estimated dates June 23-25 (high school) and July 21-25 (middle school).

Each summer, Virginia Tech TRIO Programs hosts summer programs to provide their middle and high school student participants with exposure to campus life while providing academic, social, and cultural enrichment activities. TRIO Programs are 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Responsibilities for the Summer Component Counselor include (but are not limited to):

• Establishing a supportive, encouraging, and welcoming environment in the residence hall among their assigned students, all student participants and families, and TRIO Upward Bound staff.
• Serving as a role model who exhibits sound judgment, maturity, and common sense.
• Ensuring the well-being and safety of all student participants and other staff members.
• Enforcing TRIO Upward Bound and University regulations in a consistent and objective manner.
• Planning and leading academic, social, and recreational activities with student participants.
• Working closely with summer instructors, TRIO staff, and other individuals to support summer program objectives.
• Chaperoning groups of students in activities both on and off campus.
• Attending weekly summer component staff meetings led by TRIO staff.
• Completing program documentation and evaluations by established deadlines.
• Performing regular monitoring duties, as assigned. This may include evening/free time check in, meal check in, classroom check in, and nightly on-call duties.
• Supervise students to always ensure their physical and emotional well-being, adhering to all Virginia Tech policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by TRIO staff.

This position requires daytime, evening, and weekend responsibilities. SCCs will be required to attend any weekend activities, trips, and/or college tours they are assigned. SCCs should not schedule classes or hold additional employment while employed by Virginia Tech Upward Bound Programs Summer Component Program, unless previously approved.

Pay will follow Virginia Tech’s pay schedule and will vary by assigned duties, and will include room and board during the times of the Summer Programs. The position is hourly/wage and eligible for overtime pay. Position is residential; housing and meal plan will be provided during training and camps.

Required Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a 4-year college/university with a minimum of sophomore standing by the start of the summer program.
• Candidates do not have to be Virginia Tech students.
• Demonstrated ability to develop working relationships with persons of culturally diverse backgrounds, disadvantaged and underrepresented students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with youth/young adults at a college or university during a residential summer camp, or related experience is preferred.
• Preference will be given to those with prior experience working with summer programs like Upward Bound, Talent Search, Center for Talent Youth, Young Scholars Program, etc. Graduate student status, or advanced academic standing for undergraduates, preferred.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out directly to Frances Clark at fclark or trio programs