Stanford Summer Bridge RA opportunities

New Summer Bridge Program Residential Assistant (RA) Position

The new summer bridge program (name TBD) is designed to support incoming first-year and incoming transfer students from across the country and worldwide who may be the first in their families to attend college, who have attended high schools with limited course offerings, or who simply feel that further preparation will increase their confidence in the Fall quarter and beyond. It will offer students the opportunity to participate either in an online session or to take part in a residential academic experience from early August right until NSO. Beyond the summer offerings, the students will participate in a first-year seminar, comprehensive advising, and workshops and events throughout the academic year.

We anticipate approximately 100 incoming frosh and first-year transfers will participate in the on-campus portion of the summer program for the first five weeks of classes; an additional 25-40 students who participated in the online classes will join them on campus for a sixth week of co-curricular programming and community-building.

We are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic students to join our team as Residential Assistants (RAs) for the on-campus portion of the summer program (August 2, 2025 - September 13, 2025). RAs would also attend on-campus training the week before the program started (anticipated July 27 - August 1).

Position Description

The program’s Residential Assistants (RAs) live on-campus, in the dorms, with program participants, providing mentorship and program support; fostering an inclusive environment; and creating opportunities for cohort- and community-building for the students participating in the on-campus session of the new Summer Bridge Program.

RAs also will have the opportunity to apply to be a course assistant either for one of our summer residential courses (chemistry, math, writing) or for the autumn cohort seminars (a one-unit class that meets weekly). Serving as a course assistant is not a requirement for the RA position.

Responsibilities

Spring Quarter

Attend 1-2 staff orientation and community-building sessions
Support outreach efforts for incoming frosh

Summer Program

Help ensure that the participants’ experience in the program aligns with program goals, creating an inclusive environment that promotes intellectual, social, and personal growth.
Plan and facilitate community-building and cohort-building activities for students, including an off-campus trip during the final week of the program
Lead small group discussions to engage students in meaningful dialogue
Serve as a peer mentor for students, sharing insights on navigating academics at Stanford, and personal insights/experiences about building a sense of belonging and community on campus
Attend a five-day training session the week before the residential session starts
Attend regular staff meetings, raising relevant student concerns and debriefing about the curricular and co-curricular matters during the program
Help connect students with professional staff or resources if needed
Maintain dorm safety and fulfill on-call duties, anticipated 6-7 days/nights a week

Commitment

RAs commit to:

Spring quarter 2025: possibly 4-12 hours of recruitment work and community-building
Last week of July (anticipated July 27 to August 1): Participate full-time in staff training on campus
First week of August until right before NSO (August 2 - September 12 or 13): Work full-time as a RA
Beyond the summer: Maintain ongoing involvement in program events, reunions, and other gatherings

Note that RAs should not hold other positions while working in this capacity for the summer program.

Compensation

$18.50/hour for work during spring quarter
Summer stipend: $4900 for the 7-week commitment
Housing and meals provided during staff training/program and during NSO week

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Applicants should have strong interpersonal and organizational skills, along with experience leading small group discussions. They should listen empathetically, ask open and nonjudgmental questions, and know when to connect others to additional resources. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about mentoring and working with diverse students, showing commitment, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a diverse environment.

Eligibility

Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and co-term students who will be enrolled at Stanford during 2025-2026 are eligible to apply. Applicants from all majors are welcome. Prior participation in a Stanford summer program is not a requirement.

Application Process

Our applications for Summer 2025 closed on Monday, March 3rd at 11:59 PM. Please contact us at summerbridge@stanford.edu with any questions or concerns.