Youth Program Assistant Guide - Summer

Start Date: July 27, 2026

Pay: $20-$25/hr

Type: W2, Hourly, Part-time

Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm | Monday-Friday | July 27-September 4, some part-time hours available September 7-11

Reports to: Director of Youth Initiatives (and Youth Program Manager, Lead Guides)

Direct Reports: None

GMCC has a 118-year history collaborating with communities to make a positive impact throughout Minnesota. Our initiatives and programs have included advocacy and education around equity and poverty; volunteerism and service learning; mentoring and youth development; support services for seniors; and food security. Today, GMCC is an entrepreneurial organization that partners with the communities most impacted by a challenge or opportunity to co-design and lead a response.

We work in the areas of youth, food, and well-being.

• Out-of-school, skill-building STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programming
• Integrated trauma-informed, whole-child approach to teaching and learning
• Hands-on activities that foster creativity, independence, critical thinking, and self-awareness
• Efforts to engage families in children’s education to provide a constellation of support and improve academic achievement
• A focus on decreasing educational disparities by supporting young people with foundational skills and to promote a love for learning

Assistant Guides work in collaboration with the Director of Youth Initiatives, Youth Program Managers, and other colleagues to lead GMCC’s Lake Street Youth Labs STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) Summer Camp. STEAM Summer Camp is a no-cost, five-week program for students entering grades 1-8. Our diverse group of students enjoy weekly STEAM-themed programming (e.g., Extraordinary Engineering; Outdoor Adventures); swimming and outdoor time;

and Friday field trips to places such as The Works Museum, The Bell Museum, and Phalen Regional Park. Breakfast, lunch, and snack are included daily. Successful Assistant Guides are fun, energetic, and love young people and out-of-school time learning.

• Support programming hours and curriculum
• Build healthy relationships with youth participants
• Follow organizational policies, protocols, and best practices
• Address challenges and obstacles as they arise
• Support positive group dynamics to ensure a safe and productive environment

• Support the development of enriching, engaging and relevant learning experiences in a variety of topics, in particular STEAM (science, technology, engineer, arts, math), physical activity, and social emotional learning
• Participate in team meetings with program staff to discuss course corrections and strategic approaches

• Fulfill logistics related to program delivery (set up, supplies, scheduling)
• Check and respond to email regularly and maintain an up-to-date GMCC calendar
• Maintain accurate program records, including participant attendance, lesson plans, performance, and outcomes.
• Complete observations, evaluation plans, reports on projects and events, and other documentation as needed
• Attend and actively participate in relevant staff meetings and professional development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned

• High School Degree with a demonstrated interest in youth work (e.g. pursuing an undergraduate or Master’s degree in Education; ongoing youth work)
• Experience working with youth (babysitter, camp counselor, teacher or teacher assistant) of diverse ages, especially BIPOC youth
• Commitment to equity, social justice, and building intercultural skills. Experience and competence building interpersonal connection with people from backgrounds other than your own; interest in building interpersonal connections with youth
• Ability to maintain and support confidentiality
• Ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically, both orally and in written form, with people from various backgrounds

Please email Meghann Gordon, Director of Youth Programs (mgordon) including a résumé, cover letter, and three references.