Summer Programs Coordinator
Organization: Minds Matter Houston
Location: Virtual (with periodic check-ins during Saturday sessions)
Time Commitment: 2–3 hours/week (Bi-weekly virtual meetings in Fall | Weekly virtual meetings in Spring)
About Minds Matter Houston
Minds Matter Houston transforms the lives of accomplished high school students from low-income families by broadening their dreams and preparing them for college success. Through a rigorous three-year mentorship program, academic instruction, and summer enrichment opportunities, 100% of Minds Matter graduates are accepted to four-year colleges and universities.
About the Role
As a Summer Programs Coordinator, you play a vital role in helping our high-achieving sophomores and juniors apply to and attend top-tier summer enrichment programs across Texas and nationwide.
Summer programs offer students a critical preview of college life, rigorous academic preparation, and personal statement experience. Last summer alone, our Houston students attended competitive programs at premier institutions such as Rice, Baylor, MIT, Harvard, and Yale. Working as part of the Summer Programs Team, you will advise a cohort of approximately 4 students, giving them the individual guidance, application support, and accountability needed to reach their summer goals.
What You'll Do
Advise & Support Students: Work directly with a cohort of ~4 students to guide them through every step of the summer application journey.
Build Strategic Wishlists: Help students research programs and finalize their top choices
Application & Essay Review: Ensure students submit high-quality applications ahead of deadlines, verifying that written responses undergo required editing (reviewed by at least two sources, including mentors or teachers).
Financial Aid & Logistics Assistance: Guide students on gathering family income/tax documentation for aid applications and track program roster/nomination statuses.
Team & Mentor Collaboration: Partner with assigned student mentors and Pod Leaders to keep everyone aligned on student progress.
Time Commitment & Schedule
Fall Semester (Sept – Dec): Virtual team meetings once every 2 weeks (focusing on program selection, orientation, and wishlist finalization).
Spring Semester (Jan – May): Virtual team meetings once every week (focusing on application submissions, essay edits, decision tracking, and travel/enrollment logistics).
Student Touchpoints: Regular 1:1 check-ins with your assigned students during or outside Saturday sessions.
Who We're Looking For
Organized & Detail-Oriented: Ability to manage multiple application deadlines and tracking forms effectively.
Passionate Communicator: Eager to encourage, mentor, and advocate for high-achieving, underrepresented high school youth.
Collaborative Team Player: Ready to partner closely with volunteer mentors, chapter leaders, and parents.
Note: No prior college counseling experience is required — we provide all program guides, tracking tools, and training!
Why Join the Summer Programs Team?
Direct Impact: Help students access life-changing academic experiences on college campuses across the country.
Flexible Schedule: Most team collaboration occurs virtually in the evenings, making it easy to fit around a working professional's schedule.
Vibrant Community: Work alongside a dedicated group of volunteer leaders passionate about educational equity.
