Community Engagement DREAM Mentor Work Study

This job is only available to students who qualify for Work-Study.  If you are unsure whether you have been awarded Work-Study, please contact the Financial Aid office at [email protected].

DREAM Mentors are dedicated college students who serve as consistent, trusted adults in young people's lives to help close the opportunity gap through no-cost mentoring, enrichment, and adventure programs.

Department: Community Engagement
Location: Kenney Center/Schenectady Community

Supervisor: Kevin Trigonis

Hours/Shifts Available: 5-10 hrs/week

Rate of Pay: $9.70/hr

Number of Positions available: 6

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

So… what is DREAM anyway?

• DREAM is a nonprofit youth service organization working to close the opportunity gap for at-promise youth through no-cost mentoring, enrichment, and adventure programs. 

Here’s where you come in.

• DREAM Mentors are college student volunteers who show up consistently, bring their full selves, and become trusted adults in young people’s lives. You'll build a lasting relationship with a young person while joining a supportive community of fellow mentors. 

What does mentoring look like?

• DREAM uses Village Mentoring, a mix of one-on-one mentoring and group experiences designed to build community for youth and mentors alike. Think games, conversations, adventures, new experiences, and plenty of moments you can't exactly plan for. You’re never doing this work alone. You’re part of a village.
• Typical time commitment: 5 hours/week during the academic year. Weekly mentor planning meeting (~1 hour)
• Weekly mentoring program on campus or in a nearby community (~3 hours on a consistent weekday)Occasional special events, including trips, retreats, and celebrations. Specific schedules and opportunities vary by location. 

You might make a great DREAM Mentor if you bring…

• A sense of humor: Honestly, the kids are hilarious. You'll want to keep up.
• Adaptability: One minute you’re playing a game, the next you’re pivoting. It happens.
• Consistency: Showing up matters. Being a reliable presence builds trust. No negotiating this one. 

Qualifications:

• Must be a Union College student who is eligible for work study
• Must be available to work Fridays from 3:30 to 6:30pm
• Must be attentive to detail and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Must enjoy consistently working with youth
• General proficiency in Google Workspace is required

Location: Schenectady, NY

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).