Pre-College Counselors on the job

Employment and Volunteer Opportunities

Join the Office of Pre-College Programs!

The Office of Pre-College Programs offers many opportunities for educators and Ole Miss students to get involved through our K-12 summer programs, our bridge programs, events, and competitions. We offer an array of academic enrichment programs emphasizing informal, student-centered learning environments.

We are seeking professional educators and Ole Miss undergraduate and graduate students for both summer and academic-year programs.

Application Deadlines:

  • All Summer Staff: February 28, 2025 at 5 p.m. 
  • Pre-College Programs Events Team Member: February 21, 2025
  • Last day of interviews: February 28, 2025

Why Join Us?

  • Make a positive impact on young learners.
    Our mission is to empower K-12 students and incoming freshmen to explore, learn, and grow through enriching summer and academic programs.
  • Gain valuable skills and training.
    We help our team members grow professionally. All positions come with required training and skill development that can be used across various careers. 
  • Represent the Ole Miss community.
    Our Pre-College staff are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of young people visiting our campus. We are proud of our highly motivated staff and their impact.
  • Earn and learn.
    For Ole Miss students looking for summer jobs, all summer positions provide a stipend, a scholarship for 6 credit hours during the summer, and some positions provide on-campus housing. Learn more about each program’s compensation below.

Start Application

Participants Lott Institute building

Summer Employment Opportunities

Hear 2023 Summer Staff members share about their experiences and what it takes to be a strong staff member with Pre-College.

Summer Employment Opportunities

Openings for Professional Educators and Teachers

Job Description: Rebel Quest is an educational day camp where elementary students learn new ideas, deepen existing skills, and enjoy periods of both structured and unstructured activities each day. Rebel Quest teachers plan and implement lessons based on weekly themes and then lead a group of students through engaging learning experiences. 

Eligibility:

  • Certified educator with Elementary Ed or Special Ed endorsement(s).
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in front of a class

Skill set desirable: Excellent classroom management skills, willingness to be creative in designing learning experiences, and a strong commitment to responsibly monitoring students in open, public campus environments.

How to Apply: Certified educators wishing to work part-time with the Office of Pre-College Programs should inquire with us directly at precollege@olemiss.edu.

Openings for UM Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Pre-College Programs offer many summer employment opportunities for Ole Miss graduate and undergraduate students seeking to work with students across K-12.

After submitting a summer staff application, we will better understand your grade level and program preferences through your interview and match you with a best-fit program.

All graduate and undergraduate summer positions have these minimum requirements for eligibility:

  • Be a University of Mississippi student in good standing
  • Have a clear background check
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Must attend scheduled training sessions

Elementary

Job Description: Function as a teacher assistant for elementary programs.

Responsibilities include:

  • Supervision: Ensure the safety and engagement of students both inside and outside the classroom.
  • Logistical Support: Assist with logistical plans and facilitate the transportation of students as needed.
  • Classroom Assistance: Help with classroom set-up and cleanup, and lead certain activities under the supervision of the main teacher.

Work Schedule:

  • Full time commitment from May 27 to 30 for intensive training.
  • Daily five-hour shift (morning from 7:30am to 12:30 pm or afternoon 12:00pm to 5:30pm) from Monday to Friday.
  • This program typically runs for six weeks starting in June and concluding in July.

Note: Ecology Day Camp is located off campus at the UM Field Station in Abbeville, MS. Students who serve as counselors for this program must provide their own transportation.

Eligibility:

  • Demonstrated record of responsibility, personal initiative, dependability, and positive attitude as evidenced by your resume, application, and references.
  • Have the respect of peers, faculty, and employers as demonstrated by references.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check.
  • Elementary education, special education, general education, and psychology majors preferred but not required.

Desirable skill set:

  • Passion for working with children
  • Comfort with outdoor activities
  • High level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence
  • Strong ethical principles and a commitment with institutional policies

Compensation and Benefits:

  • An hourly compensation stipend
  • A six-credit hour summer scholarship, if desired
  • This position does not provide housing.

Middle and High School

Job Description: Lead and support Student Life Coordinators, Student Community Leaders, and program participants.

Responsibilities include:

  • Team Managers must live in the residence hall while on duty (3-4 nights, most weeks).
  • Assisting in the hiring process of summer staff and in the designing and delivery of training sessions.
  • Scheduling summer staff and monitoring job performance.
  • Providing support to Pre-College staff, instructors, parents and campus partners.
  • Supervising staff and participants, addressing some disciplinary issues when necessary.

Work Schedule:

  • Flexible hours from May 12 to 16
  • Full time commitment from May 19 to 23 for intensive training
  • Middle and high school programs run from lat May to late July
  • Shifts will include one or two days off with some weekends required depending on the program.

Eligibility:

  • Must be a full-time graduate student in the Graduate School or another post-graduate professional program at the University of Mississippi
  • Demonstrated record of previous experience leading a team, motivating others, and resolving conflict

Desirable skill set:

  • Strong organizational skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience leading a team, motivating others, and resolving conflicts
  • Strong ethical principles and a commitment to compliance with institutional policy
  • Demonstrated record, responsibility, personal initiative, dependability, and positive attitude as evidenced by your resume, application, and references
  • Have the respect of peers, faculty, and employers as demonstrated by references
  • High level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Stipend from intensive training up to the end of the program
  • Hourly compensation for preparation time before the intensive training sessions
  • Housing in on-campus residences, supervising minor program participants
  • Campus meal plan
  • A six-credit hour summer scholarship, if desired

Job Description: Designs, plans and implement academic, social, and cultural events in collaboration with the Office of Pre-College Programs staff and other campus departments.

Responsibilities include:

  • Design age-appropriate cultural and recreational activities for residential programs.
  • Coordinating with Community Leaders to execute summer events for program participants.
  • Coordinating logistical aspects of events such as transportation, purchasing supplies, getting necessary equipment, reserving campus spaces, etc.
  • Managing purchases, driving institutional vehicles, etc.
  • Residing on campus 3-4 nights/week.

Work Schedule:

  • Flexible hours between March 17 to May 16
  • Full time commitment from May 19 to 23 for intensive training
  • Middle and high school programs run from late May to late July
  • Work from 5pm to 10pm for a total of 25 hours per week. Schedule in shifts that include one or two days off with some weekends required depending on the program.

Eligibility:

  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Demonstrated record of previous experience leading a team, and event planning.
  • Upper classmen or graduate students preferred.
  • Be able to pass a criminal and motor vehicle background check.

Desirable skill set:

  • Some experience in managing a budget
  • Highly reliable Strong interpersonal skills
  • High level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence
  • Strong ethical principles and a commitment to compliance with institutional policies

Compensationand Benefits:

  • Hourly wage for preparation time before the summer
  • Stipend from intensive training to the end of the program
  • Housing on campus, in same halls as minor residents
  • A six-credit hour summer scholarship, if desired

Job Description: This position plays a vital role in supporting students during the program and making their experience a unique one.

Community Leaders must live on campus and sleep in the residence hall when on duty. Summer programs typically run for 9 weeks beginning in May and ending July.

Responsibilities include:

  • Supervising the well-being of middle and high school students living on-campus residence, both doing the day and night.
  • Community leaders must live in the residence hall while on duty, typically 4 days/week.
  • Serving as mentor and academic coach for program participants
  • Collaborating with Student Life Coordinators to plan and implement recreational, cultural, academic, and sports activities during evenings and weekends
  • Enforcing program rules and regulations and acting as ambassadors for the University of Mississippi
  • Running tutoring sessions for program participants (training provided)

Work Schedule:

  • Full time commitment from May 19 to 23 for intensive training
  • Middle and high school programs run from late May to late July
  • Shifts will include one or two days off with some weekends required depending on the program

Eligibility:

  • No prior employment with UM is required, but our office will verify any prior employment history. Supervisors from all previous employment will be contacted for references before interviews.
  • Have a valid driver's license (preferable but not required)
  • Be able to pass a criminal background check

Desirable skill set:

  • Experience in mentoring, housing, or other leadership roles.
  • Excellent communication skills -Strong interpersonal skills
  • High level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence
  • Strong ethical principles and a commitment to compliance with institutional policies

Compensation and Benefits:

  • A stipend from intensive training to the end of the program.
  • Shared housing in on-campus residences (for residential programs only)
  • Campus meal plan
  • A six-credit hour summer scholarship, if desired

JumpStart – Bridge Program for Incoming Freshmen

Job Description: Lead and support Peer Leaders, Success Coach, and program participants.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assisting in the designing and delivery of peer leader training sessions.
  • Scheduling peer leaders and monitoring job performance
  • Collaborating with Pre-College Programs Success Coach in logistical planning
  • Providing support to campus partners, peer leaders, and participants -Supervising staff and participants, addressing some disciplinary issues when necessary
  • Coordinating weekend social activities and some special events
  • Assisting during week-day workshops and tutoring sessions
  • Residing on campus 3-4 nights/week

Work Schedule:

  • Full time commitment from May 19 to 23 for intensive training
  • Weekly commitment of up to 20 hours
  • Most activities will take place in the evening, with some scheduled during the day or on weekends
  • Program runs from late May to late July

Eligibility:

  • Must be a full-time graduate student in the Graduate School or another post-graduate professional program at the University of Mississippi
  • Demonstrated record of previous experience leading a team, motivating others, and resolving conflict.
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Desirable skill set:

  • Strong organizational skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong ethical principles and a commitment to compliance with institutional policies
  • Demonstrated record, responsibility, personal initiative, dependability, and positive attitude as evidenced by your resume, application, and references
  • Have the respect of peers, faculty, and employers as demonstrated by references
  • High level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence
  • Commitment to creating inclusive social spaces for entering freshmen

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Hourly wage for up to 20 hours per week
  • Hourly wage for planning time before intensive training
  • A six-credit hour summer scholarship, if desired

Job Description: This role is essential for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for freshman promoting their independence. Peer leaders serve as a mentor, providing guidance for incoming freshmen.

Responsibilities include:

  • Facilitating sessions to help students navigate campus resources and involvement opportunities.
  • Mentoring a small group of incoming freshmen in collaboration with another peer leader
  • Organizing social activities and events to foster community and connection among participants and other university students.
  • Providing support to Pre-College staff, coordinators, other peer leaders, and participants
  • Enforcing program rules and regulations while acting as ambassador for the University of Mississippi
  • Running tutoring sessions for program participants (training provided)
  • Residing on campus 3-4 nights/week

Work Schedule:

  • Full time commitment from May 19 to 23 for intensive training
  • Weekly commitment of up to 10 hours
  • Most activities will take place in the evening, with some scheduled during the day or on weekends
  • Program runs from late May to late July

Eligibility

  • Be an upperclassman or graduate student who has completed an undergraduate degree at Ole Miss
  • No prior employment with UM is required, but our office will verify any prior employment history. Supervisors from all previous employment will be contacted for references before interviews.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Have a valid driver's license (preferable but not required)

Desirable skill set:

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and cultural competencies
  • Commitment to creating inclusive social spaces for entering freshmen
  • Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Hourly wage for up to 10 hours per week
  • A six-credit hour summer scholarship, if desired

Logistics Crew Opportunities: JumpStart Peer leaders can apply to join the Logistics Crew for elementary, middle and high school programs.

Responsibilities for this complementary position include:

  • Driving university vehicles to transport participants in other programs to field trips, both in Oxford or out of town.
  • Supervising students during field trips as additional support for teachers or Pre-College staff -Providing extra support in middle school classrooms
  • Assisting with other tasks as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • If part of the logistics crew, hourly wages can increase up to 25 hours per week.
  • Shared housing in on-campus residences if part of the logistics crew.
  • A six-credit hour summer scholarship, if desired

General

Job Description: This position assist with and supports the logistics of all summer programs in the Office of Pre-College Programs.

Responsibilities include:

  • Coordinating vehicle schedules with summer programs' logistics team and the Outreach Transportation Office.
  • Ensuring timely delivery of van keys and tracking drivers.
  • Purchasing supplies from local vendors
  • Confirming catering orders
  • Maintaining inventory of supplies and equipment for all summer programs
  • Responding to questions via phone or email

Eligibility:

  • No prior employment with UM is required, but our office will verify any prior employment history. Supervisors from all previous employment will be contacted for references before interviews.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Have a valid driver's license

Desirable skill set: 

  • Organizational and communication skills
  • Detail-oriented
  • Ability to problem-solve
  • Team player

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Hourly wage for up to 25 hours per week (20 hours for international students)
  • A six-credit hour summer scholarship, if desired

Academic Year Employment Opportunities

Openings for Professional Educators and Teachers

The Office of Pre-College Programs houses an online high school which provides year-round asynchronous instruction.

Certified educators wishing to work part-time with the Office of Pre-College Programs should inquire about open positions by contacting us at precollege@olemiss.edu.

Openings for Ole Miss Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Job Description: Assist in the preparation, setup, takedown, and event logistics of competitions and conferences hosted by the Office of Pre-College Programs throughout the academic year. Students are required to assist in a minimum of ten (10) events per academic year. Time requirements will vary by event and will include some weekend and evening requests. Duties may include pre-event and post-event preparation as well as training.

Eligibility: 

  • Be a University of Mississippi student in good standing

Desirable skill set: 

  • Friendly, customer-oriented demeanor
  • Consistent situational awareness
  • Punctuality and professional self-presentation
  • Experience as a participant or volunteer with competitions

Benefit:

  • 3-credit-hour tuition scholarship. Redeemable during the academic year of service and applied toward one of the following sessions: Winter Intersession, Spring Semester, May Intersession, First Summer, Second Summer, or August Intersession. Must be redeemed within the academic year of service.

*Use of scholarship during the Spring Semester may require you to meet with a Financial Aid advisor due to conflicting/overlapping scholarships. We advise using the scholarship during an intersession or summer period.

How to Apply:

The Process (For Ole Miss Students)

Camp counselor with students during rebel quest

Application

The online application will require the following documents, so we recommend you have them ready when you start your application:

  • Resume 
  • Unofficial transcript 
  • Letter of intent 
  • Three References (name, email address, and phone number).

References

After you submit your application, your references will receive an automatic email requesting information about you. We encourage you to inform them in advance and ensure you they have the necessary details ready.

Interview

Once your application is submitted, you can schedule your interview using the link provided in the automatic email you receive. This 30-minute interview will give us the opportunity to learn about you, your interests, and your program preferences. We will then match you to a program that aligns with your experience, personality, and goals.

Training

Training will take place during the second spring semester as a one-credit hour course. This hybrid course will require attendance in-person along with independent work to successfully complete this course. Tuition will be scholarshipped. Attendance at all in-person sessions and successful course completion is required to maintain your position.

2025 Summer Program Training Schedule

Required intensive training dates:

  • High school Credit Programs and Incoming Freshmen Program: Monday, May 19th to Friday, May 23rd from 8am to 5pm.
  • Middle School and High School Non-Credit Programs: Tuesday, May 27th to Friday, May 30th from 8am to 5pm. -
  • Elementary Programs: Wednesday, May 28th to Friday, May 30th from 8am to 5pm.

Employment Calendar

Expected work commitment:

Summer program dates vary by program, but will fall within May 26 to July 25.

Be part of a team that makes a difference. Apply now:

Start Application