Newcomer Youth Summer Academy Peer Mentor (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee•Elizabeth, NJ

34d

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. In July & August 2026, the IRC in New Jersey will host a four-week summer program focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL) enrichment for refugee youth living in northern New Jersey. The Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) will serve up to 130 students ages 5 – 20, in ten classes, from at least 10 countries will participate in academic, creative arts, and recreational activities. Field trips will be held once per week. The Peer Mentor will be a key part of the classroom instructional team and will reinforce English language development with refugee youth in a positive and healing classroom environment. IRC seeks 30 volunteer Peer Mentors to support a self-contained classroom, assisting Lead Teachers and Teacher Assistants with English literacy and ESL instruction. Each Peer Mentor is expected to collaborate with their Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant as they support a culturally and age-appropriate curriculum for a class of approximately 15 students. Peer Mentors will support Newcomer Multilingual students' academic and social emotional growth during the program not only by ensuring classroom instruction runs smoothly but also by serving as positive role models for newcomer youth. Peer Mentors will be enthusiastic about motivating students to do their best and create a trusting and comfortable environment for students to learn.

Responsibilities

Model appropriate student behavior and academic engagement
Assist classroom teachers with classroom activities and lessons on a daily basis
Tutor students individually or in small groups
Assist in supervision of daily student meals, recess, student arrival/dismissal
Supervise small chaperone groups at off-site field trips
Act as a positive role model for students
Assist teachers and staff with classroom management
Participate and promote student engagement in recreational activities (yoga, music, art, sports, recess)
Engage in daily all-staff debriefings
Serve as a Bus Chaperone
Assist with daily operations including student arrival and dismissal, lunchtime setup/clean up, recess, and Friday field trips