Curriculum Mentor

Science-U Summer Science Camp | University Park, PA

Are you passionate about science and excited to work with K–12 students? As a Curriculum Mentor, you will help bring hands-on STEM learning to life for campers while ensuring a safe, energetic, and supportive environment. Curriculum Mentors play a vital role in connecting Penn State’s scientific expertise with young learners through authentic, engaging experiences.

This is a full-time summer position with the Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science.

What You’ll Do

Curriculum Mentors are key members of the camp team. Responsibilities include:

• Helping facilitate authentic, hands-on STEM experiences

• Supporting instructors during science activities and experiments

• Ensuring camper safety at all times

• Assisting with behavior management and group supervision

• Promoting a positive, inclusive, and enthusiastic camp culture

• Helping bridge the gap between Penn State scientists and campers

• Adapting to daily needs and performing other duties as assigned

This role is active, collaborative, and student-centered — no two days are exactly the same!

 A Day in the Life

8:30 AM – Staff check-in and daily prep
Review the day’s schedule, set up materials, and connect with instructors and fellow mentors.

9:00–9:30 AM – Camper arrival and check-in
Welcome and sign in campers and help set the tone for an exciting day.

9:30 AM–12:00 PM – Morning activities
Support instructors during hands-on activities, guide small groups, answer questions, and ensure safety.

12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch supervision
Monitor campers during lunch and facilitate structured downtime activities.

1:00–3:15 PM – Afternoon activities
Continue facilitating STEM experiences and help maintain engagement and positive behavior.

3:30–4:00 PM – Camper pick-up
Support dismissal procedures and ensure safe camper transitions.

4:00–4:30 PM – Staff wrap-up
Daily debrief and preparation for the next day.

What We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will have:

• Enthusiasm for working with K–12 students

• A passion for sharing science with others

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Organizational skills and ability to multitask

• Reliability and the ability to follow a structured schedule

• A proactive mindset and willingness to adapt

• Completion of required Science-U training (both online and in-person)

Experience working with youth or in STEM settings is helpful but not required. We value enthusiasm, professional growth, and a willingness to learn. You will receive all necessary training before the  camp season begins.

Location & Schedule

• Location: Penn State University Park campus

• Season: June – early August

• Schedule: Monday–Friday

• Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (approximately 40 hours per week)

Why Work at Science-U?

Working at Science-U means:

• Inspiring the next generation of scientists

• Gaining hands-on experience in science education

• Collaborating with Penn State faculty and researchers

• Developing leadership, communication, classroom management skills, and other transferable professional skills

• Being part of a high-energy, mission-driven team

Curriculum Mentors don’t just assist — they make Science-U possible!

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search REQ_0000074415 or Science-U Curriculum Mentor. 

Science-U Summer Science Camp | University Park, PA

Are you organized, detail-oriented, and excited to support hands-on STEM education? As a Program Assistant, you’ll play a vital behind-the-scenes and on-site role in making Science-U camps run smoothly. From preparing materials to supporting daily operations, Program Assistants help create the structure that allows our campers and instructors to thrive.

This is a full-time summer position with the Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science.

What You’ll Do

Program Assistants support the administrative and operational side of camp while also providing on-site assistance throughout the summer. Responsibilities include:

• Assisting with preparation of camp materials (rosters, operational documents, supplies, etc.)

• Maintaining and updating program databases

• Providing on-site assistance during camps

• Supporting daily camp logistics and administrative needs

• Performing other duties as assigned

This role blends organization, communication, and teamwork to ensure a seamless camp experience for families, staff, and campers.

A Day in the Life

While each day will look slightly different depending on camp needs, a typical day includes:

8:30 AM – Staff check-in
Connect with the administrative team and review priorities for the day.

Morning 
Update and create camper rosters, prepare materials for upcoming and ongoing camps, assist with documentation, maintain databases, respond to questions and communications, and complete other duties as assigned.

Afternoon 
Continued camp and administrative support as listed above.

4:30 PM – End of day

Program Assistants move between office coordination and active camp environments, making adaptability and organization key strengths. This role heavily relies on Program Assistants responding to as-needed tasks as assigned to them by our camp's instructors, directors, and full-time staff.

What We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will have:

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

• Attention to detail and accuracy

• Reliability and ability to follow a structured schedule

• A proactive mindset and willingness to learn on the job

• Willingness to adapt to changing responsibilities and priorities

Experience in administrative support, communications, or youth programs is helpful but not required. You will receive training before the camp season begins. 

Location & Schedule

• Location: Penn State University Park campus

• Season: June – early August

• Schedule: Monday–Friday

• Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (approximately 40 hours per week)

Why Work at Science-U?

Working as a Program Assistant means:

• Contributing to meaningful STEM outreach

• Gaining hands-on experience in program administration and operations

• Building professional communication and organizational skills

• Supporting a collaborative, mission-driven team

• Helping create memorable science experiences for K–12 students

Program Assistants ensure that the details are handled so the science can shine!

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search REQ_0000074416 or Science-U Program Assistant. 

Science-U Summer Science Camp | University Park, PA

The Lead Curriculum Mentor position is designed for returning Science-U staff who have demonstrated exceptional success in the Curriculum Mentor role and are ready to take on expanded leadership responsibilities.

Lead Curriculum Mentors serve as classroom leaders and team mentors, helping guide staff, support instructors, and ensure high-quality, high-energy STEM experiences for campers. This role is both student-facing and staff-facing, requiring strong leadership, communication, and behavior management skills.

This is a full-time summer leadership position with the Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science.

What You’ll Do

Lead Curriculum Mentors provide supervision and leadership within the classroom and act as a key connection between staff and the Office of Science Outreach team.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing supervision, instruction, and ongoing support to Curriculum Mentors, campers, and volunteers

• Serving as the liaison between classroom staff and the Office of Science Outreach team

• Leading classroom behavior management and maintaining the daily schedule

• Ensuring each classroom (up to 6 Curriculum Mentors and 24 campers) runs smoothly and safely

• Following established protocols for handling camper behaviors and special needs

• Providing feedback to the Office of Science Outreach team on the effectiveness of behavior and operational procedures

• Supporting overall camper safety and positive group dynamics

• Performing other duties as assigned

This role requires confidence, professionalism, and the ability to lead by example.

A Day in the Life

While Lead Curriculum Mentors follow the same daily schedule as Curriculum Mentors, their responsibilities include additional leadership and coordination tasks.

8:30 AM – Staff check-in
Connect with the Office of Science Outreach team and Curriculum Mentors, review schedule and any updates, and prepare to guide classroom staff.

9:00–9:30 AM – Camper arrival
Oversee check-in procedures and ensure mentors are prepared and positioned.

9:30 AM–12:00 PM – Morning activities
Monitor classroom flow, support instructors, step in to assist with behavior management, and ensure safety protocols are followed.

12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch supervision
Help monitor campers and staff during lunch and facilitate structured downtime activities.

1:00–3:15 PM – Afternoon activities
Continue facilitating smooth operations, maintain schedule pacing, and provide real-time coaching to staff as needed.

3:30–4:00 PM – Camper pick-up
Oversee dismissal procedures and ensure clear communication among staff.

4:00–4:30 PM – Daily debrief
Provide feedback to the Office of Science Outreach team and support mentors with reflections and next-day preparation.

Lead Curriculum Mentors help ensure that both campers and staff have a successful day.

What We’re Looking For

This position is intended for returning Science-U staff who have demonstrated:

• Success and enthusiasm working with K–12 students

• Strong classroom and behavior management skills

• Professionalism and reliability

• Leadership potential and initiative

Additional qualifications include:

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills

• Attention to detail

• Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment

• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset

• Ability to follow established protocols and schedules

Preferred:

• First Aid/CPR certification

• Demonstrated experience with behavior management

Location & Schedule

• Location: Penn State University Park campus

• Season: June – early August

• Schedule: Monday–Friday

• Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (approximately 40 hours per week)

Why Step Into the Lead Role?

Becoming a Lead Curriculum Mentor allows you to:

• Grow as a leader within Science-U

• Mentor and support fellow staff members

• Gain experience in supervision and team coordination

• Strengthen classroom management and leadership skills

• Play a key role in shaping the overall camp experience

This position recognizes strong past performance and offers an opportunity to take your impact to the next level.

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search REQ_0000074230 or Science-U Lead Curriculum Mentor. 

Science-U Summer Science Camp | University Park, PA

The Extended Care Mentor position supports Science-U campers outside of regular camp hours, helping create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment during morning and afternoon extended care.

This role is ideal for students who want meaningful work with K–12 youth while keeping their mid-day hours free for classes, research, or other commitments. Extended Care Mentors play an important role in ensuring that campers begin and end their day in a positive, structured environment.

This is a part-time summer position with the Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science.

What You’ll Do

Extended Care Mentors supervise campers during designated extended care hours and help maintain a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervising campers during morning (7:45–9:00 AM) and/or afternoon (3:45–5:15 PM) extended care

• Ensuring camper safety at all times

• Facilitating structured and unstructured activities (games, quiet activities, group interaction)

• Supporting smooth transitions between extended care and regular camp programming

• Communicating professionally with families during drop-off and pick-up

• Modeling positive behavior and enthusiasm

• Performing other duties as assigned

While this role does not lead classroom STEM instruction, Extended Care Mentors are essential to the overall camper experience.

A Day in the Life

Extended Care Mentors typically work one or both of the following shifts:

Morning Extended Care (7:45–9:00 AM)

• Greet campers and families during early drop-off

• Supervise quiet activities, games, or structured free time

• Ensure safe transition to regular camp check-in at 9:00 AM

Afternoon Extended Care (3:45–5:15 PM)

• Supervise campers who remain after regular dismissal

• Facilitate engaging but low-key activities

• Monitor pick-up procedures and communicate with families

Extended Care Mentors help campers feel comfortable, supervised, and supported during these transition periods.

What We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will have:

• Demonstrated success and enthusiasm working with K–12 students

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Organizational skills and ability to multitask

• Reliability and punctuality

• Ability to follow a structured schedule communicated in advance

• A positive, proactive attitude

Experience in youth supervision or camp settings is helpful but not required.

Location & Schedule

• Location: Penn State University Park campus

• Season: June – early August

• Schedule Options:

  • Morning shift: 7:45 AM – 9:00 AM

  • Afternoon shift: 3:45 PM – 5:15 PM

  • Some positions may combine both shifts

These hours are ideal for students balancing coursework, research, or other summer commitments.

Why Work as an Extended Care Mentor?

Working in Extended Care allows you to:

• Gain experience supervising youth in a structured environment

• Build communication and leadership skills

• Contribute to a positive and safe camp culture

• Work flexible hours that complement daytime responsibilities

• Be part of the Science-U team and mission

Extended Care Mentors ensure that campers start and end their day feeling welcomed, supported, and safe.

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search REQ_0000074418 or Science-U Extended Care Mentor. 

Science-U Summer Science Camp | University Park, PA

The Lab Coordinator position plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in making Science-U’s hands-on STEM experiences possible. Lab Coordinators ensure that materials, supplies, and experiments are organized, prepared, and ready for campers each day.

If you enjoy organization, logistics, and seeing science come to life through preparation and precision, this role is essential to the success of camp programming.

What You’ll Do

Lab Coordinators focus on preparation, organization, and implementation of camp materials and experiments.

Responsibilities include:

• Organizing and managing materials and supplies for daily camp activities

• Preparing experiments and classroom setups in advance of instruction

• Supporting the implementation of hands-on STEM activities

• Conducting inventory checks and tracking supplies

• Cleaning and resetting classrooms and lab spaces

• Collaborating with instructors and mentors to anticipate material needs

• Performing other duties as assigned

While Lab Coordinators may not lead instruction, their work directly impacts the quality and flow of each camp experience.

A Day in the Life

Lab Coordinators follow a structured schedule aligned with camp operations.

8:30 AM – Staff check-in and preparation
Review the day’s needs and prepare materials before campers arrive.

Morning Sessions
Ensure experiments are ready, troubleshoot material issues, restock supplies, and assist instructors as needed.

12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch or Midday reset
Organize materials for afternoon sessions and manage inventory as needed.

Afternoon Sessions
Continue supporting classroom flow, manage clean-up between activities, and prepare for the next day.

4:00–4:30 PM – End-of-day inventory & reset
Conduct clean-up, restock materials, and ensure classrooms are ready for the following day.

This role requires attention to detail, efficiency, and proactive planning.

What We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will have:

• Enthusiasm for working with K–12 students and supporting science education

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

• Reliability and ability to follow a structured schedule

• Willingness to learn new systems and adapt as needed

Experience in laboratory settings, inventory management, or STEM programs is helpful but not required.

Location & Schedule

• Location: Penn State University Park campus

• Season: June – early August

• Schedule: Monday–Friday

• Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (approximately 40 hours per week)

Why Work as a Lab Coordinator?

Working as a Lab Coordinator allows you to:

• Gain experience in laboratory preparation and program logistics

• Develop organizational and operational skills

• Support high-impact STEM outreach programming

• Work collaboratively with instructors and mentors

• Play a key role in delivering high-quality hands-on science experiences

Lab Coordinators ensure that when campers walk into the classroom, everything is ready for discovery.

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search REQ_0000074417 or Science-U Lab Coordinator. 

job requisition id

job requisition idREQ_0000074417

Science-U Summer Science Camp | University Park, PA

The Science-U Videographer captures the energy, curiosity, and hands-on discovery that define our summer camps. This creative role supports Science-U’s marketing and digital outreach efforts by producing high-quality short films that showcase campers, staff, and STEM experiences.

Videographers work collaboratively with the Science Outreach Director to document assigned camps and transform raw footage into polished, captioned videos for future outreach and promotional use.

This is a part-time summer position (up to 20 hours per week) with flexible scheduling.

What You’ll Do

Videographers are responsible for both filming and post-production work.

Responsibilities include:

• Capturing high-quality digital video footage during assigned camps

• Documenting campers, instructors, and hands-on STEM activities

• Editing footage into short promotional films

• Adding closed captioning to all final video products

• Meeting agreed-upon delivery deadlines

• Incorporating feedback from Science Outreach staff before finalizing videos

• Posting finalized content to requested social media platforms (as directed)

Videographers work closely with Office of Science Outreach staff to determine filming schedules, editing timelines, and final product expectations before each assigned camp.

A Day in the Life

Because this role is flexible and project-based, each week may look different depending on assigned camps and editing timelines.

Filming Time

• Arrive during scheduled camp hours

• Capture footage of experiments, classroom interactions, and engaging STEM moments

• Coordinate with staff to ensure appropriate content capture

• Be mindful of camper safety, consent, and professionalism

Editing & Production Time

• Review and organize footage

• Edit video using Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or comparable software

• Add closed captioning

• Submit drafts for review

• Implement feedback and finalize video

Videographers manage their workflow efficiently to meet time-sensitive deadlines while maintaining high production quality.

What We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will have:

• Demonstrated success and enthusiasm in video production

• Creativity and strong visual storytelling skills

• Experience with Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or comparable editing software

• Ability to produce polished videos under time-sensitive deadlines

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Reliability and responsiveness to feedback

• Professionalism when working in a youth setting

Experience filming in educational or youth environments is strongly preferred.

Schedule & Commitment

• Location: Penn State University Park campus

• Season: June – early August

• Hours: Up to 20 hours per week

• Schedule: Flexible; coordinated in advance with the Science Outreach Director

This position is ideal for students balancing summer coursework, internships, research, or other commitments. Videographers can also take on Program Assistant work to reach a full 40 hour per week schedule. 

Why Work as a Science-U Videographer?

Working as a Videographer allows you to:

• Build your professional portfolio with real-world content

• Gain experience in educational media production

• Strengthen storytelling and editing skills

• Collaborate with a mission-driven outreach team

• Capture moments that inspire future scientists

Science-U Videographers help share our story and bring the excitement of STEM learning to a broader audience!

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search REQ_0000074421 or Science-U Videographer. 

Science-U Summer Science Camp | University Park, PA

The Evening Mentor position supports residential campers outside of regular camp hours by providing supervision, structure, and engaging evening programming. Evening Mentors live in the residence halls and are responsible for the safety, well-being, and positive experience of campers during evenings and overnight hours.

This role is ideal for students who want meaningful work with K–12 youth while keeping daytime hours free for classes, research, or other commitments.

What You’ll Do

Evening Mentors are responsible for creating a safe, structured, and enjoyable residential experience for campers.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing overnight supervision of residential campers

• Supervising campers daily from 4:00 PM through 9:00 AM the following morning

• Organizing and facilitating evening activities in collaboration with other Evening Mentors

• Managing camper safety in residence halls and during evening events

• Supporting positive group dynamics and appropriate behavior

• Communicating professionally with Science-U leadership regarding camper needs or concerns

• Modeling maturity, responsibility, and enthusiasm

Evening Mentors help ensure that residential campers feel safe, supported, and engaged beyond the classroom.

A Day (and Night) in the Life

Evening Mentors operate on a residential schedule from Sunday evening through Friday morning.

4:00 PM – Transition from Day Camp

Connect with campers as the camp day ends and begin evening supervision.

Evening Hours

• Facilitate group activities

• Lead recreational or community-building events

• Monitor downtime and social interactions

• Ensure adherence to residence hall policies

Night Supervision

• Enforce quiet hours and bedtime routines

• Remain available for camper needs or concerns

• Ensure overnight safety within the residence halls

Morning (until 9:00 AM)

• Supervise campers during morning routines

• Support transition back to the daytime camp program

Evening Mentors must remain attentive and accessible throughout the overnight period.

What We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will have:

• Demonstrated success and enthusiasm working with K–12 students

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Excellent organizational skills

• Reliability and professionalism

• Comfort with supervision and leadership responsibilities

• Ability to follow a structured schedule communicated in advance

This role requires maturity, accountability, and sound judgment in residential supervision settings.

Residential Requirement

Evening Mentors must:

• Live in Penn State residence halls (single room provided)

• Reside on campus from Sunday evenings through Friday mornings

• Be available for supervision from 4:00 PM through 9:00 AM daily

Location & Schedule

• Location: Penn State University Park campus

• Season: June – early August, though there are only 3 residential camp weeks

• Residential commitment: Sunday evening – Friday morning

• Supervision hours: 4:00 PM – 9:00 AM

Daytime hours are typically free for academic coursework, research, or other responsibilities.

Why Work as an Evening Mentor?

Working as an Evening Mentor allows you to:

• Gain experience in residential life and youth supervision

• Develop leadership and crisis-management skills

• Build strong mentoring relationships with campers

• Contribute to a safe and supportive overnight camp experience

• Be part of the Science-U team and mission

Evening Mentors help create a safe home-away-from-home environment for residential campers.

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search REQ_0000074420 or Science-U Evening Mentor. 

Volunteer

Do you need a volunteer experience? Whether you are a college student or a professional looking to get involved with kids, marketing, or program organization our volunteers play an essential part in our events!

Click this link to receive our Volunteer Newsletter that includes upcoming opportunities to volunteer: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/j/C1111D538B0CC34C

Clearances, Background Check, and Mandated Reporter Training

All staff and volunteers working with minors at Penn State via Science-U must complete all required background checks, clearances, and child abuse training. For more information review the Clearances, Background Check, and Mandated Reporter Training Tab below.

Science-U staff training has always included an 'above-and-beyond' effort to educate Science-U staff and instructors about daily processes, camper safety protocols, pedagogy, and methods to design and establish successful learning environments.

Our staff is held accountable and is always challenged to uphold the highest level of excellence when it comes to providing a safe, creative, and immersive learning experience for all participants. Please contact us for more information on our advanced staff training and preparation.

At Science-U we are constantly looking for ways to improve both our camper and staff experience. Each year we revisit ways we can enhance both the curriculum and the delivery of the science to create unforgettable learning experiences for children. What's the secret to successfully doing this? - The staff! At Science-U staff training, you will learn the secrets to bringing science ideas and dreams to life.

The summer science camps have evolved over the last 26 years at Penn State in many ways. They are each very individual curricula, and the directors and staff are encouraged to diverge from the traditional chalk and talk science or math class and infuse creativity, innovation and lots of room for staff-to-camper engagement.

Just like Walt Disney once said "People can feel perfection," quality is in the imperceptible things that campers might not even know they are part of. Whether it means adding extra materials to make an experiment closer to 'the real thing' or acting the part of a crazed scientist to understand why we try different experiments, devotion to creativity lets campers (and their parents) know they are worth the effort. This is what creates the magic that campers will remember for years to come. 

Science-U Staff Training

Founded upon the principles of creativity and innovation exemplified by the academic faculty in the College of Science, Science-U fosters and organizes the creative energy of its employees with great success. Staff Training has three prongs, that once completed, help to shape the well-rounded staff we host each summer. The three training sessions are:

1) Science-U Online Training 

The online training should be completed before attending the other two training sessions. It provides an overview of the program, as well as an overview of teaching and learning for kids of all ages. 

2) Science-U Staff In-Person Training Session (June 9 - 11, 2026)

At this training session, staff will learn techniques to engage campers and learn how to unearth fresh strategies that empower children to think deeply and solve real world problems. They will also engage in activities that build effective communication skills, science advocacy, teamwork, and leadership. The training wraps up with a staff picnic to meet all of the camp directors and instructors before launching into summer camp!

The Penn State University Clearance Process:

The Eberly College of Science's Office of Science Outreach is committed to ensuring the safety of our program participants, our staff and our volunteers. All staff and volunteers working with minors at Penn State via Science-U must complete all required background checks, clearances, and child abuse training. 

The Eberly College of Science Outreach Office is committed to ensuring the safety of our program participants, our staff, and our volunteers. As a condition of employment with Science-U, individuals must obtain the following publicly available background clearances as required by Pennsylvania state law and Penn State University Human Resources policies. Volunteers who will be having extended contact with you during an outreach program are also required to get these clearances:

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4-164)
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113)
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Background Check (Criminal History Report)  

Employment and volunteering with the Eberly College of Science outreach program is contingent upon completion of these clearances and it is suggested that individuals start the process as soon as an offer of employment or volunteer position has been received and accepted. Directions to complete these clearances will be sent direction from PSU HR Shared Services.

Penn State's "Reporting Suspected Child Abuse" Training

This training must be completed by employees each year. (The training certificate expires 365 days after the date the training was completed.) The training must be completed in order to learn how to recognize child abuse and how to properly report child abuse. This is a 1 hour online training. Directions to complete this training will be emailed by May.